Cause of pain
In the case study, the 40-year-old male patient suffered from retrosternal pain that occurred once he laid down after consuming food. The patients’ retrosternal pain is a result of a spontaneous muscular spasm also known as heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.” The heartburn that the patient is experiencing is associated with the regurgitation of gastric acid into his mouth.
The regurgitation endured by the patient is a result of the compromised function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The compromised LES not only allows the reflux of gastric juice/acid to enter the esophagus but also leads it into the patients’ mouth.
Diagnoses
The most likely diagnosis for this …show more content…
These tests include: an x-ray, endoscopy, ambulatory acid probe test, as well as an esophageal motility test. The x-ray is used to examine not only the shape but also the condition of the esophagus and stomach. The endoscopy is used to check for abnormalities in the esophagus which may also include a biopsy. The ambulatory acid probe test includes an acid monitor that is placed in the esophagus connected to a computer that is worn around the wrist that helps to identify when as well as how long stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Last but not least the esophageal motility test is used to measure movement and pressure in the esophagus. (Staff, 2014)
Treatment. There are many types of treatment for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux which typically starts with over-the-counter medications. These include antacids, H-2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid, which may provide quick relief, however will not heal an inflamed esophagus. Some brand names include Maalox, Rolaids and Tums. (Staff,
In the case study, the 40-year-old male patient suffered from retrosternal pain that occurred once he laid down after consuming food. The patients’ retrosternal pain is a result of a spontaneous muscular spasm also known as heartburn. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.” The heartburn that the patient is experiencing is associated with the regurgitation of gastric acid into his mouth.
The regurgitation endured by the patient is a result of the compromised function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The compromised LES not only allows the reflux of gastric juice/acid to enter the esophagus but also leads it into the patients’ mouth.
Diagnoses
The most likely diagnosis for this …show more content…
These tests include: an x-ray, endoscopy, ambulatory acid probe test, as well as an esophageal motility test. The x-ray is used to examine not only the shape but also the condition of the esophagus and stomach. The endoscopy is used to check for abnormalities in the esophagus which may also include a biopsy. The ambulatory acid probe test includes an acid monitor that is placed in the esophagus connected to a computer that is worn around the wrist that helps to identify when as well as how long stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Last but not least the esophageal motility test is used to measure movement and pressure in the esophagus. (Staff, 2014)
Treatment. There are many types of treatment for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux which typically starts with over-the-counter medications. These include antacids, H-2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid, which may provide quick relief, however will not heal an inflamed esophagus. Some brand names include Maalox, Rolaids and Tums. (Staff,