Diseases Of The GI Tract Flashcards
What are the two main categories of GI diseases?
Upper GI tract diseases and lower GI tract diseases.
Name three common upper GI tract diseases.
GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), gastritis, peptic ulcers.
Name three common lower GI tract diseases
Gastroparesis, gallstones, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What is GORD?
A condition where stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus, causing irritation
What are the symptoms of GORD?
Heartburn, acid reflux, oesophagitis, bad breath, bloating, belching, pain when swallowing.
What are the progressive complications of GORD?
Oesophageal ulcers, scarring and narrowing of the oesophagus, Barrett’s oesophagus (potential precursor to cancer).
What is a peptic ulcer?
A sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum caused by acid erosion
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?
Heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach pain.
What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
Bleeding, perforation (stomach lining splitting), gastric obstruction.
What is the primary bacterial cause of peptic ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
How does H. pylori contribute to ulcers?
It produces urease, which neutralizes stomach acid and weakens the mucosal lining, making it vulnerable to acid damage.
How is H. pylori diagnosed?
C13 urea breath test, stool antigen test, antibody blood test
What is gastroparesis?
A condition where the stomach empties food slower than usual due to nerve/muscle dysfunction.
What are symptoms of gastroparesis?
Feeling full quickly, nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, heartburn
What are the complications of gastroparesis?
Malnutrition, dehydration, unpredictable blood sugar levels, worsening of GORD
What is gastritis?
Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by irritation or infection.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, heartburn.
What are the complications of gastritis?
Malnutrition, dehydration, worsening GORD.
What are gallstones?
Solid particles formed from bile cholesterol that can block bile ducts.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Often asymptomatic, but can cause biliary colic, persistent pain, jaundice, and fever.
What are the complications of gallstones?
Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), bile duct obstruction.
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
A group of chronic conditions causing inflammation in the GI tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What is ulcerative colitis?
A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Recurring diarrhea (often with blood/mucus), abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements
What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (bile duct damage), bowel cancer risk, growth issues in children.
What is Crohn’s disease?
A chronic inflammatory condition affecting any part of the digestive tract.
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?
Diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, blood in stool, fatigue, weight loss.
What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?
Bowel obstruction, ulcers, fistulas, malnutrition
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
A functional digestive disorder causing stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
What are potential causes of IBS?
Food moving too fast/slow, oversensitive gut nerves, stress, genetic factors.
How is IBS treated?
Dietary changes, stress management, medications for symptom control.
What is coeliac disease?
An autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss.
What is lactose intolerance?
A digestive disorder where the body cannot break down lactose (milk sugar)
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea.
What are the complications of untreated lactose intolerance?
Osteopenia (low bone density), osteoporosis, malnutrition.
What is diverticular disease?
A condition where small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall.
What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?
Tummy pain (usually left side), constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool.
What is diverticulitis?
Inflammation or infection of the diverticula, causing severe pain and fever.
What are potential complications of diverticulitis?
Abscess formation, perforation, peritonitis, bowel obstruction.
