Assignment Gastrointestinal Tract: Disorders of Motility Essay
Assignment Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders of Motility Essay
Gastric acid is an important element in the digestive system. It is needed for the breakdown of food substances and acids in the process of digestion. Despite its importance, any imbalance in its production often results in health problems that include gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The risk of one developing these disorders is largely dependent on factors such as age, which alter the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal system (Sipponen & Maaroos, 2015). Therefore, this research paper explores the pathophysiology of gastric acid production and stimulation, gastric acid production changes in individuals suffering from GERD, PUD, and gastritis, influence of age on these conditions, their treatment, and mind map of gastritis.
Gastric acid comprises mainly of hydrochloric acid, which is produced by the parietal cells. The stimulation of parietal cells causes release of the acid into the plasma membranes invaginations that are in contact with the stomach mucosa. The production process occurs in four steps in the parietal cells. Firstly, there is dissociation of hydrogen ions in these cells from water, which combines with carbon dioxide to produce bicarbonate ions. The bicarbonate is taken out of the plasma membrane with exchange with chloride. The chloride alongside potassium ions are carried to the lumen of the stomach mucosa where there is pumping out of hydrogen ion for exchange with potassium ion. The concentration of hydrogen ion rises in the mucosa or lumen thereby creating concentration gradient that lead to outward movement of water. The resulting product is gastric acid in the stomach. The production of gastric acid is stimulated by a number of factors. They include the influence of chemicals such as acetylcholine, gastrin, and histamine. Eating also acts as a stimulant for the release of the acid. Hyper-secretion of gastric acid results in the development of pathologies that include GERD, gastritis, and PUD (Gamie, 2018).
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Age has a significant effect on the pathophysiology of PUD, GERD, and gastritis. Age has a significant influence on the production of
gastric acid. As people age, evidence has shown that the amount of gastric acid produced by the stomach also declines. This results in a reduced risk of gastritis, PUD, and GERd among the elderly. The opposite is seen in the young and elderly since there is a high production of gastric acid, which reduces the risk of the above conditions. However, the elderly have a high risk of H. pylori infections, which can predispose them to GERD, PUD, and gastritis (Fichna, 2017).
The diagnosis of these conditions is based on the clinical signs and symptoms that patients present with to the hospital. They include abdominal pains, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea and vomiting. Diagnostic investigations include endoscopy, biopsy, urea breath tests, and CT scan. The treatment of GERD, PUD, and gastritis is closely related in the elderly, children, and adults. GERD is best treated with the use of proton pump inhibitors and lifestyle modifications. Peptic ulcer disease is best treated with the use of antibiotics, lifestyle modifications, and proton pump inhibitors. Gastritis is best treated with the use of H2 receptor blockers, antibiotics for H. pylori, and lifestyle modifications (Srinivasan & Friedman, 2018). These treatment methods reduce the production of gastric acid, hence, its impacts on the stomach mucosa.
Conclusion
In summary, gastric acid is one of the juices that is needed for the process of digestion to occur. It is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach lining. Excessive production of gastric acid results in the development of conditions such as PUD, GERD, and gastritis. The risk of these conditions declines with aging due to reduced production of gastric acid. Therefore, a focus should be placed on optimizing the treatment outcomes using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Describe the normal pathophysiology of gastric acid stimulation and production. Explain the changes that occur to gastric acid stimulation and production with GERD, PUD, and gastritis disorders.
Explain how age might impact the pathophysiology of GERD, PUD, and gastritis. Describe how you would diagnose and prescribe treatment of these disorders for a patient based on their age and the impact it has on all of the GI disorders listed.
Construct a mind map for gastritis. Include the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation, as well as the diagnosis and treatment you explained in your paper.