Disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract may be associated with permanent impairment. Criteria for the impairment have been published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Parameters:
(1) signs and symptoms
(2) treatment requirements – dietary restrictions and/or medications
(3) weight maintenance and/or sequelae after surgical procedures
Signs and symptoms:
(1) change in appetite
(2) nausea and/or vomiting
(3) dysphagia for solids and/or liquids
(4) reflux
(5) need for esophageal dilatations
(6) history of aspiration
(7) history of previous surgery to the upper gastrointestinal tract
(8) diarrhea
(9) abdominal colic
(10) abdominal distention
(11) weight loss
(12) pain
(13) limitation of physical activity
(14) gastrointestinal bleeding
Signs and Symptoms
Weight Loss Due to Upper GI Disorder
Treatment
Impairment Whole Person
present
maintains weight or no sequelae after surgical procedures
intermittent
0 - 9%
90-99% of target weight
good control of symptoms
10 – 24%
80-90% of target weight
partially control symptoms
25 – 49%
< 80% of target weight
symptoms uncontrolled
50 – 75%
where:
• It might be useful to grade the severity of the signs and symptoms (mild, moderate or severe).
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Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Gastroenterology
