Digestive Conditions / Week 3 Flashcards
Chron’s Disease
Definition: Chronic GI inflammation. Often treated w steroids. Possible overactive immune system.
S/S: Pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloody stool. Genetic component.
Massage Considerations: CI in area, but I to ▼ stress
Ulcerative Colitis
Definition: Shallow ulcers in the colon AND RECTUM. Seasons of flair up and remission. ▲ Risk of colorectal cancer.
S/S: Pain. Bloody stool.
Massage Considerations: Indicated, but avoid area. Let them know where bathroom is.
Gastric Ulcers
Definition: Open wound in stomach lining linked w Heliobacter pylori and NSAID use.
S/S: Burning, gnawing pain. Better after eating. Can become anemic from slow loss of blood.
▲ Risk of stomach cancer.
Massage Considerations: Locally CI, but I to ▼ stress
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Definition: Weak esophageal sphincter in stomach –> stomach acid in esophagus. Ouch.
S/S: Chronic heartburn, burning stomach contents, acidic taste.
Massage Considerations: Indicated, but not within 2 hours of eating. Elevate head of table, or do chair massage.
Pregnancy, obesity, smoking, certain foods, large/fatty meals.
Gastroenteritis
Definition: Inflammation of GI tract
S/S: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Colicky pain from bowel cramps.
Massage Considerations: CI b/c contagious
From: Virus, like Norwalk Virus. Bacteria “food poisoning”. Parasites (Giardia), and toxins (like shellfish), Food allergies. Watch for dehydration.
IBS
Definition: Functional disorder. Uncoordinated peristalsis of the large intestine.
S/S: Alternating diarrhea/constipation. Sudden urge to stool under stressful situation. Pain/ab cramping. Usually women.
Massage Considerations: Indicated to ▼ stress. Ask permission before Abdominal massage.
Often overlaps with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Gallstones
Definition: High concentration of cholesterol in gall blader, precipitates out and forms stones. Normal, but can create problems if stones get into the hepatic, pancreatic, or common bile ducts and block the duct.
S/S: Most common in female, fat, fair, fertile. Colicky upper right quadrant pain that radiates to the right scapula. Pain worse after high fat meal
Massage Considerations: Indicated when there is no pain.
Viral Hepatitis
Definition: Liver inflammation from a virus
S/S: Jaundice, fatigue, ab pain, nausea, diarrhea. Enlarged liver.
Massage Considerations: Depends on cause. CI in infection, or in acuse phase, or if edema present.
Hep B + C are contagious. Watch for cuts. Get vaxxed. Hep A is only short term (B+C are long-term).
Cirrhosis
Definition: Replacement of healthy liver cells w disorganized/scar tissue d/t irritation and inflammation. This prevents proper liver function
S/S: Jaundice, nausea, weight loss, intra-ab edema, hepatomegaly
Massage Considerations: CI if advanced or edema
Causes: Hep B + C, alcohol/substance abuse.
