Concept Map Template-Diagnosis- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Describe the pathophysiology of the primary diagnosis in your own words. What are the patient’s risk factors for this diagnosis?
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| Pathophysiology of Primary Diagnosis | |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a multifactorial condition that is characterized by a regular backflow of stomach juices, including stomach acid and swallowed contents, into the esophagus, leading to epithelial injury. It develops as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) weakening and relaxing abnormally. The weak LES then allows the stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus. This leads to the esophageal lining getting exposed to excess acid. The continued exposure to acid and refluxate results in the damage of the esophageal lining and the eventual development of associated symptoms such as chest pain, dry cough, and sore throat. | |
| Causes | Risk Factors (genetic/ethnic/physical) |
| · High frequency of frequent acid reflux
· Weak LES |
The risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease include conditions and factors that either weaken the LES or affect how it relaxes.
· Increased weight gain and obesity, especially around the stomach, which increases abdominal pressure. · Pregnancy leads to a rise in abdominal pressure and chemical changes in the body. · Hiatal hernia (Fuchs et al., 2021) · Insufficient esophageal motility (Fuchs et al., 2021) · Genetic conditions such as scleroderma which may affect how LES-related muscles function, including muscle relaxation. · Poor lifestyles such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating fatty fast foods |
What are the patient’s signs and symptoms for this diagnosis? How does the diagnosis impact other body systems, and what are the possible complications?
| Signs and Symptoms – Common presentation | How does the diagnosis impact each body system? Complications? |
| The common presentations for gastroesophageal reflux disorder include:
· Heartburn · Regurgitation · Esophageal chest pain · Difficulty in swallowing · Persistent dry cough |
GERD has major effects on the body and can lead to complications in affected body parts. For instance:
Chronic exposure to gastric acid and refluxate results in chronic irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining. This eventually causes damage to the esophageal lining. The chronic irritation and inflammation of the esophageal lining can lead to various complications in the long term, such as: · Reflux esophagitis · Narrowing and tightening of the esophagus leading to swallowing problems · Barrett’s esophagus · Esophageal cancers such as esophageal adenocarcinoma · Esophageal lesions · In cases of micro-aspiration of gastric contents beyond the esophagus into the laryngopharynx, GERD can cause ear, nose, and throat damage and associated complications (Tack & Pandolfino, 2018). · People with GERD can inhale stomach acid into the lungs, especially when lying down, which can lead to persistent cough and reoccurring respiratory infections with asthma-like manifestations such as breathing difficulties. · Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with GERD lead to dissatisfaction with daily life activities, including eating and a low quality of life (Isshi et al., 2021). |
What is another potential diagnosis that presents in a similar way to this diagnosis (differentials)?
