Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

 

Welcome to PT 635 Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems This is a wiki created by and for the students in the School of Physical Therapy at Bellarmine University in Louisville KY. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editors - Tessa Puckett from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.

Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.  Read more.

Definition/Description

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes referred to as esophagitis, is a condition that results from reflux (backward flow) of the stomach contents into the esophagus. Reflux of infectious agents, chemical irritants, physical agents such as radiation and nasogastric intubation can cause GERD and can irritate and inflame the esophagus causing heartburn, belching, sore throat and other symptoms. Heartburn and indigestion are not other words for GERD, but are common symptoms of the condition.

Although GERD is common in our society, it is rarely life-threatening. However, GERD can severely limit daily activities and productivity.  

GERD can occur in infants and children. Infants typically grow out of the disease, and children with GERD present the same as adults.

[Photo courtesy of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001311/figure/d19e2114/?report=objectonly.]

  

Prevalence

GERD is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis recorded during visits to outpatient clinics. It is estimated that 14-20% of adults are affected, but the estimates are based on self-reported chronic heartburn. 

Studies have shown that GERD is clinically silent in 24% of cases in which patients had difficult to control asthma

Increased Prevalence in: 

• Patients with asthma
• Middle aged  group (45-54 years old)
• Body Mass Index > 25 with asthma and COPD

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

Pain in the lower substernal are can arise as a result of relfux or GERD; it is commonly described as "heartburn" or "indigestion". GERD is also described as gripping, squeezing or burning sensations in the substernal area.

Onset of GERD can occur when lying flat on the back, after meals, or bending forward and is usually worse at night. It is important to note that reflux or GERD is often confused with angina or a heart attack and should be reported to the doctor. GERD is not typically exercise induced and is relieved with antacids; this can help differentiate between angina/heart attack and reflux.

Chest pain referred from the upper gastrointestinal tract can radiate from the chest posteriorly to the upper back or interscapular or subscapular regions from vertebrae T10 - L2.

Common Symptoms:

• Heartburn 
• Bitter/sour taste in the back of the throat
• Sense of a lump in the throat
• Abdominal bloating/Abdominal discomfort
• Gas
• Chronic Cough
• Feeling the food is trapped behind the breastbone or in the throat
• Nausea after eating
• Burning sensation that begins at the xiphoid processs and radiates up toward the neck
• Intense sharp pain behind sternum with radiation to the back

Less Common Symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Hiccups
• Hoarseness or change in voice
• Sore throat
• Wheezing
• Ear Ache

Associated Co-morbidities

Factors that Predispose patients to pathologic reflux:  

• Lower esophageal Sphincter hypotension
• Loss of esophagel peristaltic function
• Abdominal obesity
• Increased compliance of the hiatal canal
• Gastric hypersecretory states
• Delayed gastric emptying
  
• Pregnancy
• Scleroderma
• Hiatal hernia

• • It is typical for patients with GERD to have multiple risk factors 

Patients with a past medical history of alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, esophageal cancer, and long term use of NSAID's are more likely to have symptoms of GERD and should have diagnostic tests performed to rule out more severe conditions or diagnose GERD. 

Medications

Medications used to treat symptoms of GERD include: Antacids, Histamine 2 Receptor Blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors. Indefinite treatment with proton-pump inhibitors or H₂-blockers as needed to maintain symptom control.There are risks associated with long term use of proton-pump inhibitors.

Antacids

• Neutralizes the acid
• Does not reduce it (same amount of acid is produced)
• Available over the counter, do not require a prescription 
• Includes Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, Rolaids

File:Mylanta.jpg File:Tums.jpg File:Rolaids enlarge1.jpg

Histamine-2 Receptor Blockers

• Reduce stomach acid produced by the stomach
• Some are sold over the counter
• Over the Counter H2 Blockers: Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet, and Axid

          File:Pepcid.jpg                      File:Zantac.jpg

Proton Pump Inihibitors

• Most potent acid-suppressing agent
• Stops acid from forming, instead of neutralizing it
• Some PPI's are sold over the counter
• Use caution when used without medial supervision
• PPI's can mask more serious conditions in the esophagus and stomach 
• Over the counter PPI's: Prilosec (omeprazole) and Zegerid 
• PPI's requiring a prescription: Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium (esomperalzole), and Aciphex
  

File:Prilosec.jpg                       File:Nexium.jpg                         File:Zegerid-rebate.jpg

People taking the above listed medications should report to the doctor if they have complaints of headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or dizziness.

It is essential for the physical therapist to take note of the patient's medications; listen for complaints of headache, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dizziness; and report those findings to the doctor. 

Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values

Diagnostic tests are not typically needed unless the symptoms are severe. Physicians will order diagnostic tests to diagnose GERD or other complications if there are severe symptoms, the symptoms are not relieved with medications or the symptoms returned. Severe symptoms include dysphagia, odynophagia, bleeding, weight loss, anemia, and those at risk for Barrett's esophagus.

Diagnostic tests used to diagnose GERD:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

          ~a procedure where a small camera is placed at the end of flexible tube; the tube is inserted into the mouth and down the throat and examines the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum

•  Barium swallow

          ~is an x-ray test used to examine the upper digestive tract; before the x-ray, the patient has to drink barium

• Continuous esophageal pH mointoring

          ~a procedure in which a thin tube is placed in the esophagus, through the mouth, to measure acid levels and the pH

• Esophageal manometry 

         ~a procedure where a thin tube is placed in the esophagus, through the mouth or nose, to measure the pressure of the esophagus

Etiology/Causes

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Medications

• Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Dysfunction

File:LES.jpg

The LES is a ring of muscle fibers that functions to close the opening between the esophagus and the stomach. When the LES is not functioning properly, the stomach contents (food, liquid, and stomach acid) can move backward into the esophagus causing damage to the esophagus. The backward flow of food from the stomach into the esphophagus is called reflux.

[Photo courtesy of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001311/figure/A000265.B19609/?report=objectonly] 

  --> Several medications can cause GERD or make it worse  

                 Medication Class: Example Medication

                 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's): Advil (ibruprofen), Motrin, Aleve

                 Anticholinergics: Bentyl

                 Beta Blockers: Toprol XL

                 Bronchodilators: Advair

                 Calcium Channel Blockers: Norvasc

                 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Progesterone

                 Sedatives (benzodiazepines): Valium, Xanax

                 Tricyclic Antidepressants: Doxepin

Systemic Involvement

Musculoskeletal: 

Untreated ulcers can cause biomechanical changes in muscular contractions and spinal movement. Patient may present with musculoskeletal deficits or dysfunctions because of the untreated ulcer. It is important for the physical therapist to take a good medical history to reveal actual cause of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Patients may think that heartburn while lying flat, difficulty swallowing, or chronic cough is unrelated to their recent onset of midscapular pain or thoracic back pain; thus, it is imperative to ask the patient if they have had any symptoms of GERD and if they are being treated by a medical doctor for the diagnosis. 

Dental:

GERD can cause irreversible dental erosion of the posterior surface of the teeth. Possible symptoms associated with dental erosion included vomiting, experiencing sour taste, belching, heartburn, stomach ache and pain on awakening. Oral Symptoms include: burning mouth syndrome, tooth sensitivity, loss of the vertical dimension of cculsion and aesthetic disfigurement.

Respiratory:

Gastric acid in the airways can cause bronchoconstriction which increases bronchial activity. Acid in the esophagus releases substance P and neurokinin A in the bronchial mucosa causing a neuroinflammatory reflex mechanism and airway edema. An increase in asthma severity is caused from an increase in vagal efferent impulses and the results of acid being in the esophagus and the airways.

Gastrointestinal:

     GERD is a risk factor for Barrett's esophagus and is linked to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition, in which the normal squamous epithelium is replaced by specialized metaplastic columnar cell-lined eipthelium. Chronic GERD is a major risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Medical Management (current best evidence)

If lifestyle changes and medications do not help the symptoms of GERD, the individual may be considered for surgical management.

• Nissen fundoplication

          + Surgical intevention, in which the proximal stomach is wrapped around the distal esophagus to create and antireflux barrier

          + Alternate approach for chronic GERD 

          + Very common procedure in 1990's, recently not as common due to poor outcomes and patient dissatisfaction

          + Associated Risks: severe dysphagia, inability to belch, increased flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation

Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)

                                    The Shaker head-lifting exercise

File:Ans7 esophagus.jpg

 Research has found that performing the Shaker exercise, developed by Dr.Reza Shaker (a gastroenterologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin), can help improve pharyngeal swallowing and dysphagia. 
           + Used to strengthen the muscles of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)

           + Used with dysphagia, hiatal hernia, and GERD

           + Helps restore normal swallowing

           + Helps keep stomach contents from being aspirated into the lungs

           + Instruct patients that do not have cervical disc disease, but have dysphagia in the head-lift exercise            

           + Shakers Head Lift Exercise PDF Handout from The Ohio State University Medical Center Department of Rehabilitation Services - Dodd Hall 

        
[Photo courtesy of the Riverside Health Systems. Available at http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Disease-Conditions/DS00763.cfm] 

--> Patients with GERD occaisonally present to the clinic with atypical head and neck symptoms without complaints of heartburn. It is important for the Physical Therapist to be aware of pain referral patterns for the esophagus. With an atypical presentation, the Physical Therapist may need to ask if the patient has a history of difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, chronic dry cough, etc.

-->Most patients are treated in the clinic for other conditions, but have a history of GERD. In this case the Physical Therapist has to be aware of positioning and education on lifestyle modifications if necessary.

--> When treating a patient with GERD:

          Assist the patient in implementing changes related to the diet and exercise

          Educate and encourage the patient on lifestyle modifications

          Educate on Positioning:

              ~ Supine interventions should be avoided after meals

              ~ Encourage the patient to sleep on the left side

              ~ Right side lying allows the acid to flow into the esophagus more easily

              ~ Head up positions minimize reflux and reduce intraabdominal pressure

               

Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)

Changing eating habits and lifestyle along with avoiding foods that may trigger symptoms can help decrease the symptoms of GERD. 

There are several foods and beverages that are linked to causing symptoms of GERD (i.e. heartburn) and linked to making the symptoms worse. Physicians suggest people with GERD should avoid these foods along with other foods or activities that have been linked to causing symptoms in the specific individual.

Foods and Beverages known to cause an increase in symptoms:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated beverages
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits and beverages
• Tomatoes and tomato sauce
• Spicy or fatty foods
• Full-fat dairy products
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
  • Peppermint flavors and tobacco can decrease saliva production. Greater saliva production helps soothe the esophagus by washing the stomach contents back down to the stomach.
    

Lifestyle and eating habit changes that can help decrease the onset of heartburn and other G

ERD symptoms:

• Do not smoke 
• Do not lie down 2-3 hours after a meal, especially lying flat 
• Avoid clothes or belts that fit tightly around the bra line or waist
• Avoid bending over or exercising immediately after a meal
• Eat smaller meals
• Reduce stress
• Elevate the head of the bed about 6 inches with a wedge or by tilting the entire bed, do not use extra pillows to raise your head
• Weight loss may help decrease symptoms, if the individual is overweight. 
• Chewing sugar less gum after meals can help promote saliva production and neutralize acid
• Keep a food diary to record foods that trigger GERD and avoid those foods

 _{[Photo courtesy of theGastroenterology Consultants of Greater Cincinnati. Available at}  http://www.giconsults.com/barretts-esophagus.cfm] 

Differential Diagnosis

• Coronary artery disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Gastric or esophageal cancer
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Esophageal motility disorders
• Eosinophilic, infectious, or pill esophagitis

Case Reports/ Case Studies

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease and its effect on laryngeal visualization and intubation: a case report.

A Randomized Study Comparing the Shaker Exercise with Traditional Therapy: A Preliminary Study

Dental erosion caused by silent gastroesophageal reflux disease

Resources

National Institue of Health MedlinePlus:   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse:http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/

eMedicine Health: http://www.emedicinehealth.com

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: http://www.aboutgerd.org/

The Ohio State Medical Center: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/  

Patient Education Materials for GERD       

Helpful hints to control GERD

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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