N105: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Differences

Essentials of Nursing Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 21 of 160 is a chronic symptomof mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD is usually caused by changes in the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, including abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally holds the top of the stomach closed. It is also caused by impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus or a hiatal hernia. These changes may be permanent or temporary (transient). Another kind of acid reflux, which causes respiratory and laryngeal signs and symptoms, is called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or "extra esophageal reflux disease" (EERD). Unlike GERD, LPR is unlikely to produce heartburn, and is sometimes called silent reflux. GERD sometimes causes injury of the esophagus. These injuries may include: • Reflux esophagitis: necrosis of esophageal epithelium causing ulcers near the junction of the stomach and esophagus • Esophageal strictures: the persistent narrowing of the esophagus caused by reflux- induced inflammation • Barrett's esophagus: intestinal metaplasia (changes of the epithelial cells from squamous to intestinal columnar epithelium) of the distal esophagus • Esophageal adenocarcinoma: a rare form of cancer Food Allergies and Sensitivities Food allergies and sensitivities are a general term that include any type of adverse reaction to food or additives. When an adverse reaction occurs, antibodies form and cause allergic symptoms. Food allergy or hypersensitivity is a reaction of immunologic mechanisms, usually immunoglobulin E (IgE). Reactions may be delayed or immediate, mild or severe. Food allergies are caused by exposure to allergens , usually proteins. Sensitization is the initial exposure to an allergen, resulting in an immune response. Children who have a parent with a food allergy are at a 50% greater risk of developing an allergy. An allergy with a hereditary intent is referred to as atopy . Food Intolerance is a reaction involving known or unknown non-immunologic mechanisms, like lactose intolerance. Congenital lactose intolerance appears soon after birth and is attributed to disorders such as AIDS or GI infections. Late-onset lactose intolerance is similar but manifested later in life. Feeding Difficulties in Children Regurgitation is the return of undigested food from the stomach, usually accompanied by burping. In humans, it can be voluntary or involuntary, the latter being due to a small number of disorders. Regurgitation of a person's meals following their ingestion is known as rumination syndrome , a rarely diagnosed eating disorder. It may also be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Spitting up is the dribbling of formula that wasn’t swallowed. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ), gastric reflux disease , or acid reflux disease