Disorders of Esophagus - GERD Quiz

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• GERD is defined as a condition where reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications.
• The main cause of GERD is the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

Hiatus Hernia

• A hiatus hernia is a protrusion of the stomach into the chest through the esophageal hiatus, which is an important feature of the condition.

Symptoms of GERD

• The typical clinical features of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Hiccups are NOT a typical clinical feature of GERD.

Extra-Esophageal Manifestations of GERD

• Extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD include cough, asthma, and laryngitis.

Investigations for GERD

• Investigations for GERD are NOT needed if symptoms are typical and respond to acid suppression therapy.
• The investigation of choice for GERD is endoscopy.
• Ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring is used to identify reflux episodes in GERD.
• Barium swallow is rarely used for investigations of GERD.

Oral Signs of GERD

• One of the potential oral signs associated with GERD is tooth erosion.

Trial of Acid Suppression

• A trial of acid suppression is needed for GERD when symptoms persist despite lifestyle modifications.

Physiological Barriers

• The physiological barriers that maintain lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) competence during straining include the LES, crural diaphragm, and intra-abdominal pressure.
• Immediate clearing of refluxed material is a physiological barrier that prevents reflux.

Epidemiology of GERD

• GERD affects approximately 10-20% of the general population, resulting in heartburn.

Oesophagitis

• Oesophagitis refers to inflammation of the oesophagus.