Digestive system diseases

Question 1

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Answer 1

Weakness of valve between esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux into esophagus and irritate/inflame the lining. This results in chest pain which can mimic angina.

Question 2

Jauncide

Answer 2

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues

Question 3

Diverticulosis/diverticulitis

Answer 3

Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli, if not able to empty fecal material from pockets, they become inflamed, therefore diverticulitis.

Question 4

Cirrhosis

Answer 4

Degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics, but can have other causes.

Question 5

Portal hypertension

Answer 5

Rising BP in veins between GI tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around umbilicus. The radiating pattern of veins is called “caput medusae”.

Question 6

Esophageal varices

Answer 6

Bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism. the thin swollen veins are at risk fo tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.

Question 7

Dysphagia

Answer 7

Difficulty swallowing, May be related to GERD

Question 8

Crohn’s Disease

Answer 8

Chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Rectal bleeding can lead to anemia.

Question 9

Peritonitis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, signs include tender abdomen, no bowel sounds.

Question 10

Gastroenterologist

Answer 10

A physician specializing in diseases of the digestive system including esophagus, stomach and intestines. No surgery.

Question 11

Proctologist

Answer 11

Physician specializing in diseases of the rectum and anus. Proctology is a surgical subspecialty.

Question 12

Guaiac test

Answer 12

Special chemical test to identify blood in the stool.

Question 13

Upper GI series

Answer 13

Series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the pt swallow a “milkshake” of barium.

Question 14

Lower GI series

Answer 14

Series of X-rays using a barium enema to show large intestine and rectum. Used to identify problems such as diverticulitis/diverticulosis and tumors.

Question 15

Endoscopy

Answer 15

Flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel.

Question 16

Ultrasonography

Answer 16

Using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal, pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus.