NR507 Pathophysiology Gastrointestinal
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
1. Pathophysiology Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the
of esophagus, leading to the development of esophagitis. Results from incompetence
Gastroe- of LES. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when GER is chronic,
sophageal Reflux more severe, and causes complications over time. GERD is caused by:
Disease (GERD)
- Lower Esophageal Sphincter Function (LES): Normally, the lower esophageal
sphincter is a one-way valve that keeps gastric contents from coming up into the
esophagus. However, decreased tone of the lower esophageal sphincter allows
acidic stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus.
-Esophageal Motility: Abnormalities in esophageal motility can disrupt the coor-
dinated contractions that propel food downward into the stomach. Disruption of
coordinated contractions can cause delayed gastric emptying.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying: Delayed gastric emptying contributes to esophagitis
by extending the period during which reflux can occur and increasing the acid
content of chyme.
2. GERD RIsk Fac- Obesity: slows gastric emptying, which leads to prolonged retention of food in
tors the stomach and increases the likelihood of stomach contents refluxing into the
esophagus.
Smoking: weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which can allow stomach acid
to flow into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernias: occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the
diaphragmatic opening (hiatus) into the chest cavity. This displacement of the
stomach can impact the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less effective in
2026/08/25
, NR507 Pathophysiology Gastrointestinal
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It contributes to
GERD by disrupting the normal barrier between the esophagus and stomach.
3. Typical signs Pyrosis (heartburn): A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind
and symptoms the sternum, is the hallmark symptom of GERD. Pyrosis, or heartburn, is the classic
of Gastroe- symptom of GERD.
sophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD) Regurgitation: The backflow of stomach contents, including acid, into the esopha-
gus or throat, leading to a sour or bitter taste.
4. Atypical signs Chronic cough: GERD may cause irritation of the airways, leading to a persistent
and symptoms cough that is not always accompanied by heartburn.
of Gastroe-
sophageal Reflux Asthma exacerbations: Stomach acid regurgitation into the airways can trigger or
Disease (GERD) worsen asthma symptoms in individuals with both conditions.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box (larynx) can result from the reflux of
stomach contents into the throat.
Sinusitis: Irritation and inflammation of the sinuses may occur due to the backflow
of stomach acid.
5. Associated symp- Upper abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, especially
toms of Gastroe- within one hour of eating.
2026/08/25
, NR507 Pathophysiology Gastrointestinal
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
sophageal Reflux Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): In some cases, GERD can cause a sensation of
Disease (GERD) food sticking in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
Odynophagia: pain on swallowing
Melena: black stool
Early satiety: feeling full after eating very little food
Belching and flatulence: Excessive belching and gas can be associated with GERD.
Sleep disturbances: Nighttime symptoms, including heartburn and regurgitation,
can disrupt sleep.
Worsening of symptoms in a supine (lying) position: Many individuals with GERD
experience an exacerbation of symptoms when lying down or reclining, particularly
after meals.
6. Pharmacologic Antacids to neutralize stomach acidity (Aluminum hydroxide gel, calcium carbonate
management of aka Tums, Magnesium hydroxide, Gavison, Pepto-Bismol)
Gastroe-
sophageal Reflux Prokinetic agents to improve esophageal motility (metoclopramide and domperi-
Disease (GERD) done)
H2 receptor antagonists to suppress acid production in the stomach (-tidine):
Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Ranitidine
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (-zole, like Omeprazole) inhibits the proton pump in
the stomach lining, reducing the production of gastric acid.
2026/08/25
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
1. Pathophysiology Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the
of esophagus, leading to the development of esophagitis. Results from incompetence
Gastroe- of LES. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when GER is chronic,
sophageal Reflux more severe, and causes complications over time. GERD is caused by:
Disease (GERD)
- Lower Esophageal Sphincter Function (LES): Normally, the lower esophageal
sphincter is a one-way valve that keeps gastric contents from coming up into the
esophagus. However, decreased tone of the lower esophageal sphincter allows
acidic stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus.
-Esophageal Motility: Abnormalities in esophageal motility can disrupt the coor-
dinated contractions that propel food downward into the stomach. Disruption of
coordinated contractions can cause delayed gastric emptying.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying: Delayed gastric emptying contributes to esophagitis
by extending the period during which reflux can occur and increasing the acid
content of chyme.
2. GERD RIsk Fac- Obesity: slows gastric emptying, which leads to prolonged retention of food in
tors the stomach and increases the likelihood of stomach contents refluxing into the
esophagus.
Smoking: weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which can allow stomach acid
to flow into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernias: occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the
diaphragmatic opening (hiatus) into the chest cavity. This displacement of the
stomach can impact the lower esophageal sphincter, making it less effective in
2026/08/25
, NR507 Pathophysiology Gastrointestinal
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It contributes to
GERD by disrupting the normal barrier between the esophagus and stomach.
3. Typical signs Pyrosis (heartburn): A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest, often behind
and symptoms the sternum, is the hallmark symptom of GERD. Pyrosis, or heartburn, is the classic
of Gastroe- symptom of GERD.
sophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD) Regurgitation: The backflow of stomach contents, including acid, into the esopha-
gus or throat, leading to a sour or bitter taste.
4. Atypical signs Chronic cough: GERD may cause irritation of the airways, leading to a persistent
and symptoms cough that is not always accompanied by heartburn.
of Gastroe-
sophageal Reflux Asthma exacerbations: Stomach acid regurgitation into the airways can trigger or
Disease (GERD) worsen asthma symptoms in individuals with both conditions.
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box (larynx) can result from the reflux of
stomach contents into the throat.
Sinusitis: Irritation and inflammation of the sinuses may occur due to the backflow
of stomach acid.
5. Associated symp- Upper abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, especially
toms of Gastroe- within one hour of eating.
2026/08/25
, NR507 Pathophysiology Gastrointestinal
NR507 Pathophysiology: Gastrointestinal
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_jtwzt6
sophageal Reflux Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): In some cases, GERD can cause a sensation of
Disease (GERD) food sticking in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
Odynophagia: pain on swallowing
Melena: black stool
Early satiety: feeling full after eating very little food
Belching and flatulence: Excessive belching and gas can be associated with GERD.
Sleep disturbances: Nighttime symptoms, including heartburn and regurgitation,
can disrupt sleep.
Worsening of symptoms in a supine (lying) position: Many individuals with GERD
experience an exacerbation of symptoms when lying down or reclining, particularly
after meals.
6. Pharmacologic Antacids to neutralize stomach acidity (Aluminum hydroxide gel, calcium carbonate
management of aka Tums, Magnesium hydroxide, Gavison, Pepto-Bismol)
Gastroe-
sophageal Reflux Prokinetic agents to improve esophageal motility (metoclopramide and domperi-
Disease (GERD) done)
H2 receptor antagonists to suppress acid production in the stomach (-tidine):
Famotidine, Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Ranitidine
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (-zole, like Omeprazole) inhibits the proton pump in
the stomach lining, reducing the production of gastric acid.
2026/08/25
