Disorders of the GI Tract (upper & lower) Flashcards
List the four components of the upper GI tract.
Buccal cavity (mouth) inc. salivary glands, teeth & tongue
Pharynx
Oesophagus
Stomach
What is the purpose of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES)?
The LES relaxes to allow the one way passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach.
Prevents the reflux of stomach contents into the upper GI tract.
Describe some disorders of the oral cavity
Gingivitis - inflammation of gums
Stomatitis - inflammation of mucosa lining the mouth
Glossitis - inflammation of tongue
Cheilosis - dry cracking skin around corners of the mouth
Describe ‘dysphagia’, including symptoms, complications, treatment etc.
Disorder of the oesophagus
Neuromuscular condition causing difficulty swallowing
Can impact the passing of food from mouth the pharynx or the passing of food from oesophagus to stomach.
symptoms include:
- choking
- coughing whilst eating
- excessive saliva/drooling
complications include:
- weight loss
- anorexia
- respiratory infection e.g., pneumonia
treatment includes:
- swallowing therapy
- dietary changes e.g., easy to swallow foods.
- surgery
- feeding tubes
Describe GERD/GORD, including causes, symptoms, complications, treatment etc.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Also known as acid reflux.
Backward flow of the stomach contents into the oesophagus.
Muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow upwards into oesophagus.
causes include:
- pregnancy
- some medication
- hiatal hernia
complications include:
- oesophagitis (inflammation of oesophageal lining)
- pulmonary disease
treatment includes:
- eat small meals more frequently (no food 3-4 hours before bed)
- avoid alcohol and smoking
- wear loose fitting clothes around stomach
- drugs e.g., antacids and PPI’s (proton pump inhibitors)
Describe ‘dyspepsia’.
Dys = bad pepsia = digestion
Not related to any specific pathology, more general issue.
Treatment includes:
- slow eating
- thorough chewing
- avoid stress
- drugs e.g., antacids and PPI’s
Which bacteria is most commonly responsible for causing peptic ulcers and gastritis?
Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori)
Describe peptic ulcers including cause, symptoms, treatment etc.
Eroded lesions in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer).
Most commonly caused by H. pylori but also:
- aspirin/NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- gastritis
- alcohol
Symptoms include:
- anorexia
- heartburn
- weight loss
Treatment includes:
- eradicate H. pylori
- withdrawal of drugs/smoking/alcohol
- antacids
- surgery (last resort)
Absorption of which vitamins and minerals may be affected by gastritis and why?
- Vit B12
- calcium
- iron
lack of intrinsic factor and gastric acid results in malabsorption (vit b12) and decreased bioavailability of the nutrients.
List the 4 main components of the lower GI tract
small intestine
large intestine
rectum
anus
Where does the absorption of nutrients/vitamins primarily take place?
small intestine
What is the role of the large intestine?
absorption of water
facilitating the excretion of fecal matter
What is the role of the pancreas/gall bladder in the lower GI tract?
supporting organs
facilitate digestion/absorption by secreting gastric juices and enzymes to the duodenum.
Describe constipation
difficulty passing stools
infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 x weekly)
feeling of incomplete excretion of poo
what are some of the causes of constipation?
lack of fibre in diet lack of physical activity lack of fluids some medication/supplements e.g., iron supplement pregnancy depression/anxiety
What are some treatments for constipation?
increase physical activity
increase fibre (gradually) into diet
sufficient fluid intake
use of gentle laxatives
Describe diarrhoea
frequent, watery (often uncontrollable) stools
can be acute (e.g., food poisoning) or chronic (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
What are some medical complications of diarrhoea?
dehydration
loss of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium)
How can diarrhoea be treated?
anti-diarrhoea medication e.g., immodium
antibiotics to kill pathogen causing diarrhoea
change diet
rehydration therapy
prebiotics
What are some foods that can improve and worsen diarrhoea?
improve: oats rice potato yoghurt banana
worsen: coffee milk sugary drinks apple juice honey
How do prebiotics (e.g. in banana) act as a treatment for diarrhoea?
prebiotics favour the growth of healthy bacteria e.g., lactobacillus bifidus, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms.
slow transit through the GI tract
help absorb water
what are 2 diseases of the small intestine?
Coeliac disease
Steatorrhea
Describe coeliac disease
inappropriate T-Cell mediated immune response following the ingestion of gluten in those genetically predisposed to be gluten intolerant.
reaction to gluten causes damage to intestinal mucosal lining and malabsorption of nutrients.
How is coeliacs disease diagnosed?
blood test showing an immunoglobin response to gluten
