Gastro- intestinal system Flashcards
What are the two main types of inflammatory bowel diseases?
Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
What are the potential side effects of aminosalicylates?
Blood disorders
Give an example of an aminosalicylate
Mesalazine
What symptoms should patients using aminosalicylates report immediately? (4)
- Unexplained bleeding and bruising
- purpura
- sore throat
- malaise
What action should be taken if there is suspicion of a blood dyscrasia in a patient using aminosalicylates?
A blood count should be performed
and the drug should be stopped immediately.
What advice should be given to patients if they need to switch to a different brand of mesalazine?
Patients should be advised to report any changes in symptoms.
What demographic group is most commonly affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
People aged between 20 and 30, mostly women
What are the common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? (3)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- disordered passage of mucus
- bloating
What dietary and lifestyle recommendations are important for self-management of IBS?
A high-fiber diet and exercise
Name types of antispasmodics used in the management of IBS (6)
- Alverine
- mebeverine
- peppermint oil
- dicycloverine
- hyoscine
- propantheline
In which condition should all antispasmodics be avoided?
Paralytic ileus
What is the main cause of Clostridium difficile infection?
Colonization of C. difficile in the colon, often following antibiotic therapy.
(usually Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Co-Amoxiclav, Cephalosporins, Clindamycin and Quinolones)
Name some antibiotics that can increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (6)
- Amoxicillin
- ampicillin
- co-amoxiclav
- second- and third-generation cephalosporins
- clindaymycin
- quinolones
What are the treatment options for Clostridium difficile infection?
- Metronidazole
- vancomycin
- fidaxomicin
What potential complication can arise from excessive laxative use?
Hypokalaemia
What are the side effects associated with light liquid paraffin? (2)
- Anal seepage of paraffin and consequent anal irritation after prolonged use
- lipoid pneumonia
What is the main aim in treating diarrhea?
To reverse fluid and electrolyte depletion
(especially important in infants, frail, and elderly)
What are commonly used antimotility drugs in uncomplicated diarrhea?
Loperamide
Is routine prophylaxis against travelers’ diarrhea recommended?
No, routine prophylaxis is not recommended
What antibiotic can be used for travelers’ diarrhea if necessary?
Ciprofloxacin
What are the alarm symptoms associated with dyspepsia? (4)
- Bleeding
- dysphagia
- recurrent vomiting
- weight loss
A patient is over 55 and is presenting with new- onset dyspepsia. What should be done?
consider referring patient to GP
What are the treatment options for dyspepsia? (3)
- Antacids
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- H2 receptor antagonists
What are the potential side effects of magnesium-containing antacids?
Laxative effect
What lifestyle changes are advised for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
- Avoidance of aggravating foods such as fats
- weight reduction
- smoking cessation
- raising the head of the bed
What medications are used in the treatment of GORD? (3)
- Antacids
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- H2 receptor antagonists
What medication is reserved for women with severe or complicated reflux disease during pregnancy?
Omeprazole
What is the most likely cause of duodenal and gastric ulcers if not caused by NSAIDs?
H. pylori infection.
What is the first-line treatment for dyspepsia
Lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter antacids.
What is the recommended duration for initial treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection?
A one-week triple-therapy regimen
What does triple-therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection typically include? (3)
- A proton pump inhibitor
- clarithromycin
- and either amoxicillin or metronidazole.
What treatment duration is associated with higher side effects and lower compliance for Helicobacter pylori infection?
Two-week triple-therapy.
What is recommended if an ulcer occurs in a patient taking NSAIDs?
Whenever possible, the NSAID should be withdrawn.
What medication can be considered for gastric and duodenal protection in patients at risk of ulceration with NSAIDs?
A proton pump inhibitor.
What are some alternatives to proton pump inhibitors for gastric and duodenal protection in patients at risk of ulceration with NSAIDs?
H2-receptor antagonists or misoprostol.
What may limit the dose of misoprostol in patients at risk of ulceration with NSAIDs?
Colic and diarrhea
Name some examples of chelates and complexes used as antisecretory drugs and mucosal protectants.
Sucralfate, peptobismol, triopotassium dicitratobismuthate.
What do these drugs do in the context of ulcer treatment?
They chelate and form ulcer-protecting complexes.
What are examples of H2-receptor antagonists?
famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine.
How do H2-receptor antagonists work to reduce gastric acid output?
through histamine H2-receptor blockade
Name examples of proton pump inhibitors (3)
- Lansoprazole
- omeprazole
- rabeprazole
How do proton pump inhibitors inhibit gastric acid secretion?
They block the hydrogen-pump of the gastric parietal cell.
What is the risk associated with sucralfate use?
Bezoar formation
which is the risk of indigestible material accumulating in the GI tract.
In which patients is caution advised when using sucralfate? (3)
- Seriously ill patients
- those under intensive care receiving enteral feeds
- and those with predisposing conditions such as delayed gastric emptying
What is ursodeoxycholic acid used for?
It is used for the dissolution of gallstones and in primary biliary cirrhosis
What is the treatment for oesophageal varices?
Terlipressin
a vasoconstrictor that reduces portal hypertension.
How is obesity generally classified?
BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2.
When should treatment with Orlistat be discontinued in obese patients?
Treatment should be discontinued after 12 weeks if weight loss has not exceeded 5% of starting weight.
What is the recommended treatment focus for haemorrhoids?
Ensuring that stools are soft and easily passed
What type of laxatives are recommended for haemorrhoid treatment?
Bulk-forming laxatves
What alternative laxative can be used for haemorrhoid treatment?
An osmotic laxative
What are some components found in topical preparations for haemorrhoids? (5)
- local anaesthetics
- corticosteroids
- astringents
- lubricants
- antiseptics
Are there licensed preparations for treating haemorrhoids during pregnancy?
No, but a simple soothing preparation can be considered.
What are the main clinical indicators of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Maldigestion and malnutrition
associated with low circulating levels of micronutrients, fat-soluble vitamins, and lipoproteins
What are some gastrointestinal symptoms associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency? (3)
- Diarrhoea
- abdominal cramps
- steatorrhoea
Steatorrhea= excessive amounts of fat in poo. Looser, smellier, paler