3 - Belly Flashcards
What is a common complaint in the emergency room accounting for about one in ten visits?
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can have numerous causes, some of which may be life-threatening.
What condition is suggested by intermittent, nonsevere abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and diarrhea?
Gastroenteritis
Caused by food contamination or viral infection.
What are the best options to stay hydrated when experiencing gastroenteritis?
Simple broths, Pedialyte, Gatorade
Avoid excessive consumption of sports drinks unless gaining weight is a goal.
What condition can cause mild upper belly pain that worsens when lying down?
Acid reflux
It occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus.
What lifestyle changes can help manage acid reflux?
Cut back on chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, avoid lying down after eating, raise the head of your bed
Long-term reflux can lead to serious issues like esophageal cancer.
What defines constipation?
Fewer than three bowel movements per week, lumpy/hard stool, difficulty pushing out stool
Can lead to abdominal pain and may indicate irritable bowel syndrome.
What is lactose intolerance?
Inability to digest lactose, leading to bloating and pain after consuming dairy products
Common among certain ethnic groups.
What are the symptoms of ulcers in the stomach or intestine?
Frequent burning sensation in the upper abdomen, pain after eating, bloating, belching
Ulcers can be caused by H. pylori infection.
What are the four major risk factors for gallstones?
Fat (obesity), female, fertile (one or more children), forty (or older)
Most people with gallstones may not experience symptoms.
What is Clostridium difficile infection commonly associated with?
Recent antibiotic use
C. diff can become dominant when good bacteria are eliminated.
What condition is characterized by frequent abdominal pain that improves after defecation?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS can cause alternating diarrhea and constipation.
What are two common causes of pelvic pain that worsens with menstruation?
Endometriosis, fibroids
Both conditions can lead to severe menstrual pain and other complications.
What should you do if you see blood in your feces?
Get to the emergency room
This could indicate serious conditions like colon cancer or severe infections.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A condition occurring when the body runs out of insulin, causing high blood sugar and metabolic distress
DKA requires urgent treatment with intravenous insulin.
What is anaphylaxis?
A rapid-onset, whole-body allergic reaction
Symptoms include hives, swelling, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
What condition involves excruciating pain in the right upper abdomen and may require emergency gallbladder removal?
Cholecystitis
This condition is often caused by gallstones blocking bile drainage.
What causes appendicitis?
Blockage of the appendix, often by stool or swelling of immune glands
Appendicitis can lead to severe infection and requires surgical intervention.
What is the main symptom of appendicitis?
Abdominal pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right-hand corner of the abdomen
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix gets blocked, leading to swelling and potential bursting.
What causes diverticulitis?
Diverticula get plugged up and infected
Diverticula are sac-like bulges that can develop in the colon, especially in older adults.
What is a common symptom of heart disease manifesting as abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain that gets worse with exertion
This may indicate a blocked artery to the heart needing more blood during physical activity.
What condition is indicated by severe, new-onset pain in the lower pelvis in women?
Ovarian torsion, ovarian tumor or cyst, ectopic pregnancy, or urinary tract infection
Each of these can cause acute pelvic pain and may require urgent assessment.
What does yellow skin or eyes indicate?
Liver problems
This occurs when bile cannot be transferred properly and enters the bloodstream.
What is acute pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas often caused by heavy drinking
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may spread to the upper back.
What causes severe pain from kidney stones?
Stones getting stuck in the ureters
This results in waves of excruciating pain in the lower back, abdomen, and/or pelvis.
What are signs of excessive fluid loss and low blood pressure?
Lightheadedness and weakness
These symptoms may arise from profuse vomiting and/or diarrhea.
What should be done if you have severe, constant abdominal pain?
Seek immediate medical attention
Life-threatening conditions may not show specific symptoms beyond severe pain.
What is considered significant unintended weight loss?
Losing more than 5 percent of your initial weight in less than twelve months
This can indicate serious underlying diseases.
What age-related factors can lead to weight loss?
Changes in taste and smell, dental problems, medication side effects
These factors can decrease calorie intake in older adults.
What can cause decreased appetite and weight loss after stopping marijuana?
The reverse munchies
Regular users may experience this effect upon cessation.
What drugs promote weight loss?
Amphetamines, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, nicotine
These substances increase metabolism and can lead to weight loss.
What symptoms indicate possible diabetes?
Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss
These symptoms arise due to the body’s inability to process sugar properly.
What is an overactive thyroid gland associated with?
Increased metabolism, weight loss, tremors, palpitations
Simple blood tests can diagnose thyroid disease.
What conditions may cause nausea, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea?
Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
These conditions involve the immune system attacking the intestines.
What can cause weight gain aside from diet and exercise?
Hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, certain medications
These factors can contribute to weight gain in some individuals.
What are common medications that can lead to weight gain?
Tricyclic antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, antipsychotics
Speak to your doctor before changing any medications.
What can diuretics cause in terms of weight change?
Weight loss due to increased urine production
They help prevent fluid retention in patients with heart, liver, or kidney disease.
What are common conditions that may cause weight loss?
Diabetes, seizures, dementia, depression, tuberculosis, intestinal parasites, cancer, dehydration
Conditions can vary widely in their impact on weight and health.
What is the primary function of diuretics?
Increase urine production and prevent salt and fluid retention
Common diuretics include furosemide/Lasix, torsemide/Demadex, and spironolactone/Aldactone.
True or False: Sudden weight loss can indicate a need for a higher diuretic dose.
True
Monitoring weight is crucial for those on diuretics.
What are symptoms of tuberculosis?
Coughing, sweating, weight loss
Risk factors include recent travel outside the U.S., being in prison, or having HIV/AIDS.
What is a potential cause of weight loss in women who have traveled internationally?
Intestinal parasites
Tapeworms can cause nausea, fullness, and weight loss.
What should you do if you experience lightheadedness or loss of consciousness?
Seek emergency medical help for possible severe dehydration
Severe dehydration can lead to low blood pressure and organ failure.
What causes bloating?
Air in the stomach or intestines
Swallowed air or gas produced by intestinal bacteria can lead to bloating.
Fill in the blank: Most people pass gas about ______ times per day.
twenty
This is a normal bodily function.
What foods are known to cause gas due to intestinal bacteria?
Legumes and cruciferous vegetables
These foods produce gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
What is a common side effect of chewing gum?
Increased air swallowing
Chewing gum can also contain sorbitol, which can produce gas.
What are probiotics?
Good bacteria taken in pill form or mixed into food
Examples include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
True or False: Probiotics are definitively proven to be helpful for all digestive issues.
False
Evidence is inconclusive regarding their effectiveness.
What can cause lactose intolerance?
Lack of lactase enzyme
Lactose intolerance is common among certain ethnic groups.
What hormonal changes can cause bloating before menstruation?
Increased absorption of fluid and salt
This is often accompanied by cravings for comfort foods.
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
A condition where intestines are sensitive to distension
Symptoms include bloating, discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation.
What can cause persistent bloating that does not improve after a bowel movement?
Fluid around intestines (ascites)
Conditions like liver disease or ovarian cancer may lead to ascites.
What is gastroparesis?
Impaired stomach emptying due to nerve damage
Common in people with diabetes.
What should you do if you experience nausea and severe abdominal pain?
Get to the E.R. for a possible intestinal blockage
Untreated obstructions can lead to life-threatening damage.
What is gastroenteritis commonly known as?
Stomach flu
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild belly pain.
What is a common treatment for nausea caused by food poisoning?
Stay hydrated using broths and products like Pedialyte
Pepto-Bismol can also reduce symptoms
What are the common causes of food poisoning?
Bacteria or their toxins
Common bacteria include Salmonella, Vibrio, and Staph
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Nausea, vomiting, and belly pain
Symptoms usually start six to twenty-four hours after consumption
What is morning sickness?
Nausea experienced during pregnancy that can occur at any time of day
Believed to have an evolutionary purpose
What should be done if nausea during pregnancy is severe?
Keep your obstetrician updated
Seek help if nausea interferes with life or is associated with fever, belly pain, or diarrhea
Which vitamin is suggested to help with nausea in pregnancy?
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Starting dose is 10 milligrams three times per day
What condition can result from high use of marijuana?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Characterized by frequent nausea and vomiting that improve in hot baths or showers
What is a sign of gastric outlet obstruction?
Feeling full soon after starting a meal followed by vomiting
Often caused by a stomach ulcer or tumor
What condition is characterized by delayed stomach emptying?
Gastroparesis
Most often occurs in people with longstanding diabetes
What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
Throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to loud noises
Often triggered by stress or strong smells
What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
A rare condition with cycles of intense nausea and vomiting followed by normal periods
Often associated with a history of migraine headaches
What are the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis?
Nausea, fatigue, belly pain, deep breathing
Occurs when the body runs out of insulin and can’t process blood sugar
What is a concerning sign when experiencing a severe headache?
New, severe headache associated with nausea
May indicate increased pressure on the brain
What does bright red vomit indicate?
Possible bleeding in the stomach or esophagus
Severe bleeding can trigger the vomiting reflex
What should be done if experiencing severe belly pain with nausea?
Seek immediate medical attention
Conditions may include intestinal blockage or pancreatitis
Fill in the blank: The most common bugs causing food poisoning include _______.
Salmonella, Vibrio, and Staph
True or False: Morning sickness only occurs in the morning.
False
It can occur at any time of day
What are the recommended lifestyle changes for managing nausea during pregnancy?
Eat small, frequent meals and snack on ginger candies or teas
