Gastrointestinal Flashcards
True or false: the pharynx is part of the lower respiratory tract
false
upper respiratory tract
Which structure closes off the trachea when we eat to prevent food from entering the lungs?
epiglottis
What is esophagitis?
inflammation or infection in the esophagus
Which individuals are more likely to experience esophagitis?
immunocompromised
-patients with HIV/AIDS
-immunosuppressed due to cancer therapeutics
-immunodeficiency disorders
Which organism is likely to cause esophagitis in immunocompromised individuals?
candida
What is the most common cause of esophageal irritation and inflammation?
gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
-GERD may cause acid to irritate the throat, particularly at
night after laying down, and may cause coughing
What is a medication that can irritate the esophagus if the patient does not remain upright after administration?
bisphosphonates
True or false: swallowing disorders are esophagitis
false
they represent a lack of neuromuscular coordination of the voluntary or involuntary muscles associated with swallowing
What is a globus?
feeling of something stuck in the throat, often related to anxiety
Where does the esophagus meet the stomach?
lower esophageal sphincter
Why is the esophagus vulnerable to acid irritation?
the esophageal surface is not protected by thick mucous, unlike the stomach
irritation of the esophagus causes pain and erosion
eventually inflammatory changes can occur (metaplasia)
What is GERD caused by?
lax cardiac sphincter at the gastroesophageal juncture such that acid irritates the esophageal sphincter which does not have protective mucous
True or false: GERD is uncomfortable, affects quality of life and sleep, and it may also mimic heart attack with intense chest pain
true
What does GERD put someone at risk for?
Barrett’s esophagus
-metaplasia
-pre cancerous
MUST MONITOR BECAUSE BARRETT’S=RISK FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
What are the non-pharmacological treatments for GERD?
weight loss
extra pillow for sleep
earlier supper
avoiding trigger foods
What is the pharmacological treatment for GERD?
H2 receptor antagonist
proton pump inhibitor
antacids
-may cause rebound acidity but still a good choice to try
Describe H2 receptor antagonists.
bind to H2 receptors in gastric parietal cells, reducing H+/K+ ATPase activity
used to treat GERD, peptic ulcers (duration not as long as PPI)
examples: ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine
Describe proton pump inhibitors.
bind to H+/K+ ATPase of the gastric parietal cell, thereby preventing acid secretion (blocks H2 and muscarinic receptor)
used to treat GERD, peptic ulcers, H.pylori-related ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison disorder (acid hypersecretion)
examples: pantoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, lansorprazole, dexlansoprazole
What is the role of parietal cells? What about ECL cells?
parietal cells: secrete acid into the stomach
ECL cells: secrete histamine and peptide hormones
Describe what happens when ECL cells and parietal cells are stimulated.
ECL cells and parietal cells both have muscarinic receptors (target for ACh)
when ECL cells are stimulated by ACh, they secrete histamine which stimulates parietal cells to secrete acid
when the parietal cell is stimulated via both its muscarinic receptor and its H2 receptors it secretes acid
What is gastritis?
infection or inflammation of the stomach
can be acute or chronic
What is the etiology of gastritis?
infection: H. pylori infection is associated with gastric ulcers
irritation: foods (spicy or acidic)
medications: NSAIDs (by blocking Pg synthesis they reduce production of protective mucous), certain antibiotics
alcohol: direct irritant
atrophy of old age: achlorhydria, reduced acid production, greater risk of infection
major stress: surgery, major burns, severe illness
autoimmune (pernicious anemia with B12 deficiency)
What are the signs and symptoms of gastritis?
pain
bloating
burning sensation
heavy feeling in stomach
belching or flatulence
nausea/vomiting
loss of appetite
weight loss (chronic)
blood in vomit or stool (coffee-ground emesis, melena)
How is gastritis managed for its associated etiology?
infection
irritation
medications
alcohol
major stress
autoimmune
infection: triple antibiotic therapy + PPI
irritation: avoid trigger foods, use H2 antagonist, antacid
medications: NSAIDs or certain antibiotics taken with food
alcohol: avoid excessive use and smoking + alcohol
major stress: H2 antagonist, PPI
autoimmune: manage symptoms and deficiency
What do gastric ulcers put someone at risk for?
bleeding, blood loss–>anemia
What is the treatment for gastric ulcers?
- one or two antibiotics (amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole or clarithromycin)
- and bismuth
- and H2 antagonist or PPI
2-3 weeks of treatment, surgery only if perforated or nonhealing
What are the countries with higher rates of gastric cancer often associated with higher rates of?
diets high in salt and smoked foods
higher rates of H pylori
What are the risk factors for gastric cancer?
infections: H. pylori, Epstein-Barr virus
genetic factors
prior stomach surgery or radiation exposure
rubber industry work
smoking, alcohol, high salt diet
being overweight
precancerous lesions: gastric epithelial dysplasia and gastric adenoma
True or false: ulcers should be investigated and treated early to identify if gastric cancer is present
true
What are the systemic symptoms of gastric cancer?
fatigue
weight loss
anemia
lymph node involvement
vomiting
pain
abdominal fullness/bloating
blockage
What type of tumors are most cases of gastric cancers?
most common: adenocarcinoma
less common: lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma, neuroendocrine
What is the treatment for gastric cancer?
early stage: surgery
later stages: radiation and chemotherapy