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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Essay

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Metocorpramide
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, occurs when there is a backflow of stomach contents, also known as chyme, from the stomach to the esophagus causing irritation and damage to the esophageal lining. When things are consumed by mouth, contractile motions in the esophagus move substances down the esophageal tract and into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is an area of smooth muscle at the end of the esophagus that works with the diaphragm to let the food, liquid or medication into the stomach. The stomach produces acid and is constructed to withstand this acid, but the esophagus is not. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter keeps stomach contents, including food, …show more content…

The use of gum can help alleviate discomfort of the side effect of dry mouth and patients should be assessed for GI complaints, including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation and abdominal distension before and after medication administration.
Genitourinary side effects of metoproclamide that may occur include decreased libido, prolactin secretion, amenorrhea, and galactorrhea. Skin should be monitored for urticaria and rash. Complete blood count should be obtained prior to treatment and during treatment in relevance to the hemolytic adverse effects of neutropenia, leukopenia and agranulocytosis.
Symptoms of GERD can be a very uncomfortable affecting the patient in many ways and reducing a patients quality of life. Because of the discomfort, sleeping at night can be made very difficult, impacting the persons ability to perform daily tasks the following day. GERD can also lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus where there are cellular changes in the esophagus that can lead to esophageal cancer. Treatment with metoclopramide can decrease symptoms and promote healing of the esophageal lining restoring a patient's ability to have a fulfilling

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