Problem
A 44-year-old morbidly obese female comes to the clinic complaining of "burning in my chest and a funny taste in my mouth". The symptoms have been present for years but patient states she had been treating the symptoms with antacid tablets which helped until the last 4 or 5 weeks. She never saw a healthcare provider for that. She says the symptoms get worse at night when she is lying down and has had to sleep with 2 pillows. She says she has started coughing at night which has been interfering with her sleep. She denies palpitations, shortness of breath, or nausea.
PMH-HTN, venous stasis ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis of knees, morbid obesity (BMI 48 kg/m2)
FH:non contributary
Medications: Lisinopril 10 mg po qd, Bentyl 10 mg po, ibuprofen 800 mg po q 6 hr prn
SH: 20 PPY of smoking, ETOH rarely, denies vaping
Diagnoses: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Task
• If the client asks what causes GERD how would you explain this as a provider?