Gastrointestinal Conditions Flashcards
What are common causes of gastrointestinal (GI) infections?
GI infections can be caused by bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella)
Viruses (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus)
Parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica).
What are the primary modes of transmission for GI infections?
GI infections are typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route, contaminated food or water, and, in some cases, person-to-person contact.
What are common symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, and sometimes fever.
How is rotavirus transmitted, and what are its symptoms?
Rotavirus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.
What is the management approach for bacterial gastroenteritis?
Most cases are self-limiting and require rehydration. Antibiotics are not routinely used, and anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended in primary care.
How is Helicobacter pylori diagnosed?
Using a urea breath test, stool antigen test (SAT), or lab-based serological tests.
What is the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infections?
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combined with two antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin and clarithromycin) for 7 days.
What are the risk factors for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI)?
Risk factors include antibiotic use, increasing age, prolonged hospital stays, underlying diseases, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.
How is the severity of Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) assessed?
By symptoms (e.g., stool frequency, white cell count, and temperature) and complications like dehydration, colitis, or hypotension.
What are some treatment options for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI)?
First-line treatments include oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Recurrence may require fidaxomicin or fecal microbiota transplant.
What are common diagnostic methods for GI infections?
Stool culture, antigen testing, PCR, cytotoxic assays, and serological tests.
What infection control measures help prevent Clostridiodes difficile outbreaks?
Handwashing (not alcohol-based rubs), patient isolation, use of PPE, antimicrobial stewardship, and enhanced hygiene practices.
What is the primary treatment for amoebic dysentery (Entamoeba histolytica)?
Metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by a luminal agent like paromomycin.
What is the primary drug used to treat parasitic nematode infections such as threadworm or hookworm?
Mebendazole.
How are helminth infections like tapeworms and flukes treated?
Tapeworms are treated with niclosamide or praziquantel, and flukes are treated with praziquantel.
What are common symptoms of IBD?
Diarrhea lasting over 4 weeks, abdominal pain, blood or mucus in stool, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
How is IBD diagnosed?
Through blood tests (inflammation markers, anemia), stool tests (to rule out infections), imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI), endoscopy, and biopsies.
What are the main risk factors for Crohn’s disease?
Family history, smoking, NSAID use, infectious gastroenteritis, and genetic predisposition.
How does Crohn’s disease differ from ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease affects any part of the GIT and involves all layers of the bowel wall, while ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon and rectum, affecting only the mucosa.
What are complications of Crohn’s disease?
Fistulas, strictures, abscesses, malnutrition, anemia, and increased colorectal cancer risk.
What is toxic megacolon, and which IBD is it associated with?
Toxic megacolon is a potentially life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis, characterized by colon dilation, severe pain, and systemic symptoms.
What are extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease?
Mouth ulcers, arthritis, erythema nodosum (skin inflammation), and uveitis (eye inflammation).
What pharmacological treatments are used for IBD?
Aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalazine), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine), and biologics (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab).
What is the function of biologics like infliximab AND side effects in IBD treatment?
- Biologics target inflammatory proteins like TNF-α to reduce inflammation
- Severe IBD
- Side effects: Reaction to infusion, increased risk of infection, skin rashes
What are complications of ulcerative colitis?
Toxic megacolon, strictures, anemia, malnutrition, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
What is the role of surgery in IBD?
Surgery can cure ulcerative colitis by removing the colon but is not curative for Crohn’s disease, where inflammation often recurs.
How does smoking affect Crohn’s disease?
Smoking increases the risk of disease relapse, complications, and the need for surgery.
What is the role of corticosteroids in IBD? Include side effects
- Corticosteroids are used to treat flare-ups by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, but they are not used for maintenance therapy.
- Anti-inflammatory agents which inhibit multiple pathways, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Side effects: weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, puffy face
What are the psychosocial impacts of IBD?
Anxiety, depression, reduced quality of life due to unpredictability of symptoms, and embarrassment from urgency or frequent bowel movements.
What are the side effects of azathioprine and mercaptopurine in IBD management?
- Reduce red blood cells so make you more prone to anaemia
- Bone marrow suppression, liver inflammation, pancreatitis, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections.
What are the hallmark endoscopic findings in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease: cobblestoning and deep ulcers. Ulcerative colitis: pseudopolyps and continuous mucosal inflammation.
What are the benefits of aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) in IBD, side effects treatment?
- First line of treatment for mild to moderate IBD, taken long term to maintain remission
- Anti-inflammatory agents that act in the gut, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as lymphocytes, monocytes and plasma cell production of immunoglobulins
- Side effects: nausea, vomitting and watery diarrhoea
What is Coeliac Disease?
An autoimmune disorder where the body reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine.
What are the main grains containing gluten?
Wheat, barley, and rye.
What happens to the small intestine in Coeliac Disease?
The immune response damages the villi, reducing nutrient absorption.
Name two common symptoms of Coeliac Disease.
Recurrent stomach pain and bloating.
What are some complications of untreated Coeliac Disease?
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, anaemia, and infertility.
How is Coeliac Disease diagnosed?
Serological tests (e.g., tTG) and biopsy via endoscopy.
What is the treatment for Coeliac Disease?
A strict gluten-free diet and monitoring nutrient levels.
What is IBS?
A functional disorder causing symptoms like abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits.
What is the prevalence of IBS in the UK?
About 20% of the population meets diagnostic criteria.
Name two common symptoms of IBS.
Abdominal pain and bloating.
What lifestyle changes can help manage IBS?
Regular meals, avoiding trigger foods, and maintaining hydration.
Name two pharmacological treatments for IBS.
Antispasmodics (e.g., hyoscine) and laxatives (for constipation).
How is IBS diagnosed?
Based on symptoms and ruling out other conditions (e.g., Coeliac Disease).
What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
Heartburn, nausea, bloating, and burping.
What are common causes of dyspepsia?
Acid reflux, certain foods (e.g., coffee), and stress.
How is dyspepsia treated?
Lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding trigger foods) and medications like antacids.
What causes GORD?
Relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, delayed gastric emptying, and obesity.
What are common risk factors for GORD?
Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications.
What are the treatments for GORD?
PPI for four weeks
HLifestyle changes, PPIs (e.g., omeprazole), and antacids.
What is a common cause of gastritis?
Helicobacter pylori infection.
What are symptoms of gastritis?
Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pain.
How is gastritis treated?
Dietary changes, antacids, and antibiotics for H. pylori.
