Gastrointestinal Conditions Flashcards
What is appendicitis?
viral infection that can escalate to a bacterial one.
Inflammation
What are the early symptoms of appendicitis?
Central abdominal pain due to mild inflammation irritating surrounding nerves.
What happens as appendicitis progresses?
As inflammation worsens, edema obstructs the appendix, trapping mucus and feces, leading to increased mucus production.
Why is early recognition of appendicitis crucial?
Early recognition is crucial for intervention.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often due to bacterial or viral infections, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
What is the mechanism of gastroenteritis?
Pathogens infiltrate intestinal epithelial cells,
reducing nutrient and water absorption,
causing diarrhea due to osmotic imbalance.
What are common symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Diarrhea
vomiting,
abdominal cramps,
nausea
fever.
How can gastroenteritis be prevented and treated?
Good hygiene practices and hydration are key to prevention and treatment.
What is cholangitis?
inflammation of the biliary system.
What is cholecy-stitis?
inflammation of the gallbladder.
What commonly causes cholangitis and cholecystitis?
gallstones, which can irritate the gallbladder lining and block bile flow, leading to inflammation and potential necrosis.
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often due to alcohol use or gallstone obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
What happens during pancreatitis?
Blockage leads to the backflow of digestive enzymes,
causing inflammation and self-digestion of pancreatic tissue.
Why is early diagnosis of pancreatitis crucial?
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.
What is vomiting?
Vomiting is an involuntary expulsion of stomach contents,
controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brainstem.
What mechanism controls vomiting?
The vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) coordinate the vomiting reflex. Motion sickness and sensory inputs can trigger this reflex.
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often due to viral infections, toxins, or autoimmune reactions.
What are the pathophysiological effects of hepatitis?
Liver damage leads to inflammation and potential scarring. Impaired bilirubin processing causes jaundice. Portal hypertension can develop, leading to complications like caput medusa.
What are key symptoms of hepatitis?
Jaundice and enlarged abdominal veins.
