Gastro-intestinal system Flashcards

1
Q

What is dyspepsia?

A

Dyspepsia is a gastro-intestinal pain caused excessive acid produced by the stomach which then irritates the stomach lining.

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2
Q

Where would you expect to experience pain due to dyspepsia? How does this differ to GORD?

A

With dyspepsia the pain tends to be located between the breastbone and the bellybutton whereas with GORD due to acid reflux irritating the lining in the oesophagus the pain is higher up in the chest.

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3
Q

What are some of the lifestyle choices that cause GORD or dyspepsia?

A
Drinking too much alcohol 
Smoking 
Stress
Eating too many fatty foods
Being overweight 
Eating spicy foods
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4
Q

Is there a link between pregnancy and GORD/dyspepsia?

A

Yes, being pregnant is a risk factor for developing the conditions.

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5
Q

What are the four OTC treatments for dyspepsia/GORD?

A

Antacids
Alginates
H2 antagonists
Proton Pump Inhibitors

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6
Q

Which treatments for dyspepsia work by acting on the acid within the stomach and which prevent its production?

A

Antacids and alginates work by acting on the acid/providing a physical barrier for the acid.
H2 antagonists and PPIs work on the mechanism of acid production.

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7
Q

What are OTC examples of Antacids and Alginates?

A

Antacids: Rennies
Alginates: Gaviscon

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8
Q

Which class of drugs is Ranitidine part of?

A

It is the only OTC H2 antagonist drug

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9
Q

What do PPIs all end with? Which ones are available OTC?

A

All end with -prazole

Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole

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10
Q

What is the maximum amount of time antacids should be used for?

A

Up to 14 days, then need to contact the GP.

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11
Q

What other cautions should patients be aware of when taking antacids?

A

Can’t take any other medication for dyspepsia at the same time.
If they decide to take them at night, can’t have it with any food.

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12
Q

When is it recommended that Gaviscon is taken?

A

It is recommended to take it after mealtimes and before going to bed. There should be two hours in between.

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13
Q

Is ranitidine safe for pregnant/breast feeding women?

A

Yes it is but check with their Pharmacist/ Doctor first.

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14
Q

What are some of the common side effects of PPIs?

A

Abdominal pain
Headache
Nausea
Vomitting

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15
Q

What is some lifestyle advice you could give somebody who suffers with GORD/dyspepsia?

A
Lower fat diet 
Exercise
Refer to weight loss clinics
Refer to Smoking cessation
Raising the head of the bed
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16
Q

What are the seven possible causes of constipation?

A
Lack of fibre in the diet
Lack of fluid intake
Pregnancy
Cancer
Lack of exercise
Old age 
Medication
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17
Q

Which medications can cause constipation?

A

Diuretics
Antacids
Anti-depressants
Morphine

18
Q

How does lack of exercise cause constipation?

A

Movement aids digestion through the large intestine, decreasing the amount of time it takes to pass through. The shorter amount of time it takes, the less water is absorbed and therefore the easier it is to pass waste.

19
Q

How does pregnancy cause constipation?

A

During pregnancy there are changes in hormone levels. One of which is progesterone. An increase of progesterone levels in the body is muscle relaxation. When muscles are more relaxed including muscles in the digestive system this slows the process down which can cause constipation.

20
Q

If a patient is constipated and is bleeding should you refer this to a Pharmacist?

A

Bright red specks infer piles has developed, not dangerous but you should refer to a Pharmacist.

21
Q

How long should a patient suffer with constipation before you need to refer?

A

Constipation longer than a week requires referral.

22
Q

What are some of the other red flag symptoms for constipation?

A

Losing weight unintentionally
Already tried an OTC product
Children must be referred
Other symptoms present (nausea, diarrhoea)

23
Q

What are the four types of constipation relief OTC medication?

A

Bulk forming laxatives
Faecal softners
Osomotic laxatives
Stimulant laxatives

24
Q

How do stimulant laxatives work?

A

They irritate the muscles lining the small intestine which helps them contract rhythmically and enabling waste to move through the digestive system.

25
Q

What are brand examples of each type of constipation relief medication.

A

Bulk forming laxatives: Fybogel, Celevac, Normacol
Stimulant laxatives: Senokot, Dulcolax
Osmotic laxatives: CosmoCol
Faecal softeners: Milk of magnesia

26
Q

How long does each type of constipation relief take to work?

A

Bulk forming laxatives: 24-36 hours
Stimulant laxatives: 8-12 hours
Osmotic laxatives: 1-3 days
Faecal softeners: 1-2 days

27
Q

Which type of constipation relief should you take at night?

A

Stimulant laxatives so their onset occurs in the morning (8-12 hours later).

28
Q

What kind of lifestyle advice would you offer to somebody with constipation?

A

Increase fibre in the diet (30g a day).
Drink plenty of water
Exercise

29
Q

What are the different types of diarrhea?

A

Acute
Persistent
Chronic

30
Q

How is persistent diarrhea defined?

A

More than 14 days less than a month

31
Q

What are some of the causes of diarrhea?

A

Stress, anxiety
Bacterial infection
Faecal impaction
Increase alcohol intake

32
Q

What are some long term conditions that cause diarrhea?

A

o Ulcerative Colitis.
o Crohn’s Disease.
o Malabsorption syndromes.
o Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS).

33
Q

What are some of the red flag referral symptoms for diarrhea?

A

Rectal bleeding and unintentional weight loss
Anemia
Family history of ovarian or bowel cancer

34
Q

What are the main types of treatment for diarrhea?

A

Oral rehydration treatments include dioralyte

Loperamide works on opioid receptors in the gut slowing the passage of waste through, making stools more solid

35
Q

Who is not allowed Bismuth Subsalicylate?

A

Children under 16 due to link with Reye’s syndrome

36
Q

Which foods should be avoided with diarrhea?

A

Foods high in fat, fibre and sugar

Fruit juices can help though

37
Q

How can traveller’s diarrhea be avoided?

A
  • Ensuring food is cooked through.
  • Maintaining good food hygiene.
  • Wash hands in hot, soapy water regularly.
  • Use bottled water, or cooled boiled water.
  • Avoid ice in drinks and ice creams.
  • Avoid washing salads in tap water.
38
Q

What are some of the possible causes of colic?

A
  • Trapped wind from feeding or crying.
  • Lactose sensitivities
  • Painful cramps due to an underdeveloped GI system.
39
Q

At what age does colic usually stop?

A

4 months

40
Q

What are the main signs of colic?

A
Excessive crying (3x3s)
Drawing of the legs
Arching the back
Flushed face
Crying at similar times in the day
41
Q

Medicine available for colic?

A

Infacol reduces surface tension from bubbles (allows them to pass gas easier).
Colief helps to break down lactase in milk