Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Among the conditions that future nurses are expected to understand, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may strike as challenging due to its multifaceted nature.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Causes

In nursing, you'll find it is not enough just knowing about the disease, but also learning what causes them, and the most common reason for GERD is a weak lower esophageal sphincter. A table outlining the cause is given below:

Common Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms

While delving into the symptoms, it's crucial that future nurses consider both typical and atypical presentations. Below is a list of the signs typically associated with GERD:

• Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)
• Regurgitation (a sensation of acid backed up in the throat)
• Dyspepsia (stomach discomfort)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough

Self-Care Tips for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

As aspiring nurses, it's beneficial to understand the self-care tips and lifestyle changes which can alleviate the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Not only will you be better equipped to advise patients diagnosed with GERD, but you'll also be offering a much-needed remedy for a chronic condition that can significantly impact their quality of life.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Self-Care: Lifestyle Changes

Opting for healthier lifestyle choices can significantly affect how you experience GERD symptoms. Here are some changes that can directly influence the severity and frequency of GERD:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Excessive weight, particularly around the abdomen, puts added pressure on the stomach and can cause the LES to weaken, enabling acid reflux.
• Quitting smoking: Exposure to cigarette smoke weakens the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
• Avoiding tight clothing: Clothes that fit tightly around your waist can press against your stomach and force food up into your esophagus, triggering acid reflux.

Diet and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Self-Care

The diet plays an important role in controlling the symptoms of GERD.

Below is a table of certain food items that can provoke acid reflux:

On a positive note, several foods are considered 'safe' and are less likely to cause GERD. These include:

• Oatmeal
• Ginger
• Leafy vegetables
• Lean meats: These include white-meat poultry, fish, and seafood.

Medical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Moving beyond self-care and lifestyle modifications, you should also familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the medical management of GERD. The goal of such treatment is not only to alleviate the symptoms but also to promote healing, prevent complications and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Common Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Medications

In the medical management of GERD, a variety of medications are used to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, thus reducing the damage to the esophagus and helping prevent the uncomfortable symptoms associated with GERD.

• Antacids: These are over-the-counter medications that neutralise stomach acid. They provide quick relief but don't heal the esophagus if the lining is damaged.
• H2 Blockers: They decrease acid production. They're available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These block acid production and heal the esophagus. They are stronger than H2 blockers and are typically used if you've tried other treatments without success. PPIs are available over the counter and in prescription form.

Advanced Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatments

If medications don't provide enough relief for a GERD patient, then advanced treatments such as surgery or other procedures might be recommended. It's essential to bear in mind that these are usually considered when other options have failed or aren't suitable due to other medical considerations.

In addition to these procedures, there are also devices such as the 'LINX device' that can be installed around the lower esophagus. The LINX device is a ring of magnets that help keep the lower esophageal sphincter closed when not swallowing, hence preventing acid reflux.