Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing II (Theory)

Overview

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be the source of a painful throat (GERD). It's a digestive issue when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, including:

  • a sore throat
  • hoarseness
  • heartburn
  • nausea

Other Causes:

  • A sore throat may be a sign of HIV or throat cancer in very rare cases.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing
  • joint pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • an earache
  • a rash
  • a fever over 101ËšF
  • bloody mucus
  • a lump in the throat
  • hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks

Diagnosis:

  • History taking
  • Physical examination
  • Throat swab for culture and sensitivity

Treatment:

Advice for patient :

  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • drinking plenty of warm liquids like tea, soup, and water
  • avoiding irritants and allergies like smoking and chemicals
  • throat sprays
  • acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen inflammation

Antibiotics:

Your doctor will prescribe medicines to eradicate the infectious organisms if a bacterial infection is the root cause of your sore throat. You should take your prescription for 10 days, or as directed by your doctor, to treat the bacterial infection. Your sore throat might return if you stop your medication too soon.

Prevention:

  • It is improper to share utensils and drinking glasses.
  • Use hand sanitizers in the absence of soap and water.
  • Avoid touching areas that are often touched.
  • Limit your contact with allergens including dust, mold, and pollen.
  • Avoid smoking when driving.
  • Maintain a humidifier in your house to prevent dryness.

Reference:

Brunner & Siddharth ‘Medical- Surgical nursing “ 8th edition 1985.

HealthLine. 2005. 2017: http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/basics

Mayo Clinic. 1998. 13 January 2014:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/basics/definition/con-20025201

Lewis, Collier, “Medical Surgical Nursing” 3rd edition 1992

Web MD. 2005. 2017: http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/reflux-disease-gerd-1#1

Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.

Medline Plus. 05 January 2017: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm

MedicineNet. 1996. 2017: http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm

Medline Plus. 05 January 2017: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000265.htm

 
Things to remember
  • The condition gastroesophageal reflux disease can also result in a painful throat (GERD).
  • This digestive condition causes esophageal reflux of stomach acid.
  • Heartburn, nausea, a painful throat, and hoarseness are a few signs of this illness.
  • In extremely rare instances, a painful throat may be an indication of HIV or throat cancer.
  • Your doctor will prescribe medicines to eradicate the infectious organisms if a bacterial infection is the root cause of your sore throat.
  • You should take your prescription for 10 days, or as directed by your doctor, to treat the bacterial infection.
Questions and Answers

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also cause a sore throat. This is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

This condition causes an array of symptoms, such as:

  • A sore throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea

Treatment:

Advice patient for:

  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • Drinking plenty of warm fluids, such as teas, soup, and water
  • Avoiding allergens and irritants, such as smoke and chemicals
  • Taking throat lozenges
  • Reducing inflammation with ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Antibiotics:

If a bacterial infection causes your sore throat, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the infectious organisms. You should take your medication for 10 days or as prescribed by your doctor to treat the bacterial infection. A sore throat may recur if you stop treatment early

Prevention:

  • Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with others.
  • Use hand sanitizers whenever soap and water aren’t available.
  • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces.
  • Reduce exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold.
  • Avoid cigarette smoke.

Keep a humidifier in your house to eliminate dryness

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.