Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) - A Case Study

Running head: CASE STUDY (GORD)
CASE STUDY (GORD)
Name of the Student
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Author Note

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CASE STUDY (GORD)
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................2
Aetiology.........................................................................................................................................2
Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestation...............................................................................2
Laboratory Tests............................................................................................................................4
Nursing care...................................................................................................................................4
Pharmacological treatment and Potential Side Effects of the Medications.............................5
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................6
Reference........................................................................................................................................7

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CASE STUDY (GORD)
Introduction
According to the case study, the case subject, Mr Seamus O’Neil who is a 48 year old
building manager diagnosed with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This is a condition
in which the acid of the stomach of the person leaks out in oesophagus (Ness-Jensen, Hveem, El-
Serag & Lagergren, 2016). This condition primarily occurs due to loosening of ring muscles at
the bottom of the oesophagus. Because of this condition burning sensation in chest, acid reflux,
bloating, esophagitis, bad breath and other symptoms can be seen among the patients affected by
this disease.
Aetiology
GORD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in Australia, with about 10-
15% of the Australian population suffering from this disease due to the increase of improper
food habits causing widespread obesity and weakening of gastro-intestinal systems. GORD is
observed to have been affected by environmental causes and individual lifestyle habits as well.
Lifestyle habits like diet, sleep pattern, substance and alcohol abuse as well as medical
conditions including stomach abnormalities like lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction and
pregnancy are some of the key risk factors for GORD.
The increased incorporation of fried, fatty food items, reduced and abnormal sleeping patterns as
well as substance and alcohol abuse tend to result in prolonged and constant incidence of acid
reflux by facilitating the untimely relaxing of the lower oesophageal sphincter (Ness-Jensen &
Lagergren, 2017).

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CASE STUDY (GORD)
However, the severity of the acid reflux of GORD can be reduced by properly diagnosing the
disorder and taking effective medications like antacids and H-2-receptor blockers. Lifestyle
modifications like changing sleeping patterns, eating healthy, balanced diets as well as reducing
alcohol and smoking habits are long-term interventions for this disorder.
Thus, the food habits, imbalanced routines as well as occupational stress of Mr Seamus O’Neil
can be considered as the cause of this disease (Lam & Hart, 2017).
Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestation
GORD is a complex disease that can be caused by the complex changes in the reflux
exposure, epithelial resistance and also the visceral sensitivity (Tack & Pandolfino, 2018). The
process of the reflux can be identified as the acidic leakage from the stomach to the oesophagus
and spreading the effects of the acidic reaction to other body organs. Increased and consistent
exposure to unhealthy foods having high fat content is the most common reason behind the
incidence of severe acid reflux. Other than an unbalanced diet, lifestyle choices and habits like
sleeping patterns and alcohol and drug addictions can also facilitate the process of the hiatal
hernia and severe acid reflux.
The increased incorporation of junk foods in daily diets of individuals has paved the way for the
observed surge in the individuals affected by GORD in recent years. The junk foods have been
observed to detrimentally affect the epithelial layer of the stomach and the oesophagus. These fat
enriched food items which tend to induce acid reflux reactions can thus be considered as the
primary cause of GORD. In-taking fatty and spicy food items can also hamper the visceral
sensitivity, along with detrimentally affecting the tissues in the stomach.