Abstract
This chapter discusses a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) case. GERD is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It results from the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which leads to stomach acid reflux, which in turn causes heartburn and discomfort. Certain lifestyle factors and dietary choices aggravate this condition, leading to serious tissue damage. Management of GERD usually requires medications and lifestyle and dietary modifications. This case involves the symptoms and aggravating factors of GERD. It also shows the role of medical nutrition therapy in managing GERD symptoms. Moreover, it will allow dietetic professionals to assess GERD symptoms to plan for nutrition interventions and educate patients about the dietary manipulation required to reduce gastric acid secretions and relieve pain.
TopPathophysiology
In order to manage GERD, the pathophysiology of the disease and how it develops should be understood. The esophagus is a 25 cm muscular tube that plays an essential role in food digestion; it receives and pushes food from the mouth to the stomach by contracting its muscles using esophageal peristalsis. It has a nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium lining in addition to submucosal glands, which protect the esophagus mucosa from gastric acid exposure by the release of bicarbonate, epidermal growth factor (EGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and mucin (Mahan & Raymond, 2017).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Reflux: Is a condition wherein stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus.
Esophageal Peristalsis: Is a sequence of esophageal muscles contractions which helps in the movement of the bolus to the stomach.
Itchy Ear: Is a condition resulting from an ear infection.
Barrett’s Esophagus: Is a GERD complication characterized by a change in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus such that it resembles the lining of the small intestine.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter: Is a muscular layer located at the lower end of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. It prevents the stomach acid from going back up to the esophagus.
Gastric Acid: Is a fluid secreted by the stomach to help in the digestion process. It mainly comprises hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Is a hormonal condition affecting women’s hormonal levels wherein they may have elevated male-hormone (androgen) levels.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Are drugs used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.
Hiatal Hernia: Is a condition that occurs when a part of the stomach is pulled into the diaphragm, resulting in gastric acid reflux and heartburn.
Heartburn: Is a condition characterized by a painful burning feeling in the chest. It happens as a result of the stomach acid traveling back up into the esophagus.