Clinical Skills Flashcards
what does stomatitis mean?
inflammation in the mouth from any cause.
what does angular stomatitis mean?
inflammation of the corners of the mouth
what does halitosis mean?
bad breath
what are potential causes of halitosis?
poor oral hygiene, anxiety, oesophageal stricture and pulmonary sepsis
what does dyspepsia mean?
inexact term used to describe a number of abdominal symptoms such as heartburn, acidity, pain or discomfort, nausea, wind, fullness or belching.
what are GI ‘alarm’ symptoms?
dysphagia weight loss vomiting anorexia haematemesis or melaena
what does faeculent vomiting suggest?
low intestinal obstruction
what is haematemesis?
vomiting of fresh or altered blood
what is persistant nausea a sign of?
often stress-related an not due to GI disease
what conditions is early morning nausea and vomiting seen in?
pregnancy, alcohol dependance and some metabolic disorders (e.g. uraemia)
what does the term flatulence describe?
excessive wind
what is flatulence used to indicate?
belching, abdominal distension, gurgling and the passage of flatus per rectum.
what are some causes of increased gas production?
higher intake of high-fibre diet and carbonated drinks
what does the term aerophagia mean?
swallowing air
what is organic abdominal pain normally stimulated by?
stretching of smooth muscle or organ capsules
