M.L. is a 34-year-old male computer programmer with a BMI of 26 who is seeking dietary counseling. His dose of Prilosec was recently increased, and although he now suffers less often from heartburn symptoms, he is also leery of medical side effects and would like any and all suggestions to manage his GERD "naturally." Having had GERD for the past eight years and been on some form of antacid or antisecretory medication continuously during that time, M.L. knows what foods or factors cause symptoms, and is able to generally avoid them; hence, he has not had reflux esophagitis in over a year. A 24-hour diet history reveals M.L. ate these foods yesterday:
Breakfast: Skipped
Snack: Fresh pear; instant oatmeal made with water, eaten with brown sugar and two non-dairy creamers; skim milk
Lunch: Lean turkey lunch meat on whole-grain bread with lettuce, tomato, and mustard; 100% grape juice diluted with water; snack pack of carrots, no dressing
Snack: Sugar cookies; skim milk
Dinner: Tempura (deep-fried, breaded) salmon; buttered rice; salad with lettuce and tomato; vinegar and oil dressing; water
Snack, at bedtime: Ginger ale and ginger snap cookies

-What outcome is M.L. at highest risk for because of his GERD?

Question

M.L. is a 34-year-old male computer programmer with a BMI of 26 who is seeking dietary counseling. His dose of Prilosec was recently increased, and although he now suffers less often from heartburn symptoms, he is also leery of medical side effects and would like any and all suggestions to manage his GERD "naturally." Having had GERD for the past eight years and been on some form of antacid or antisecretory medication continuously during that time, M.L. knows what foods or factors cause symptoms, and is able to generally avoid them; hence, he has not had reflux esophagitis in over a year. A 24-hour diet history reveals M.L. ate these foods yesterday:
Breakfast: Skipped
Snack: Fresh pear; instant oatmeal made with water, eaten with brown sugar and two non-dairy creamers; skim milk
Lunch: Lean turkey lunch meat on whole-grain bread with lettuce, tomato, and mustard; 100% grape juice diluted with water; snack pack of carrots, no dressing
Snack: Sugar cookies; skim milk
Dinner: Tempura (deep-fried, breaded) salmon; buttered rice; salad with lettuce and tomato; vinegar and oil dressing; water
Snack, at bedtime: Ginger ale and ginger snap cookies
​
-What outcome is M.L. at highest risk for because of his GERD?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

M.L. is at highest risk for developing Barrett's esophagus due to his history of GERD. Barrett's esophagus is a condition where the cells lining the lower esophagus change to become similar to cells in the stomach or intestine, and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. M.L.'s avoidance of trigger foods and use of medication have likely helped to prevent reflux esophagitis, but he should continue to seek medical advice and monitor his symptoms. Managing GERD "naturally" is possible to some extent, but it may require a combination of diet, lifestyle modifications, and medication.

ML Is a 34-Year-Old Male Computer Programmer with a BMI