Gastrointestinal Drugs in Aircrew
Abstract
Gastrointestinal diseases (GID) are common disorders in the general population. More than 500% of patients presenting with GID complaints are in the decades of life typical of military personnel, and GID represent some of the commonest reasons for medication waivers in military aircrew. The clinical course of most gastrointestinal disorders tends to be chronic, with unpredictable remissions and relapses, and a propensity for complications which may be acutely disabling or may chronically worsen the individual's general health. The development of GID by aviation personnel often leads to variable degrees of limitation in their flying duties, largely depending on the natural history of the disorder. The most common GID of aeromedical interest are: gastroesophageal reflux; peptic ulcer, both gastric and duodenal; chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel, predominantly regional enteritis and ulcerative colitis; and irritable bowel. Pharmacologic agents to treat GID include many of the most commonly used drugs in medicine, including antacids, histamine H2 -receptor blocking agents, anticholinergics, proton pump inhibitors, antimotility agents, and antibacterials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011045
Entities
People
- Daniele Danese