Gastrointestinal Disorders Flashcards
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Backflow of gastric contents into esophagus through
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
– Inflammation caused by reflux of highly acidic
material
– GERD may or may not cause symptoms
– The extent and severity of damage to the esophagus
from GERD reflect:
• the frequency and duration of exposure to the refluxed
material
• the volume and acidity of the gastric juices being refluxed
Stomatitis
Inflammation of oral mucosa
Causes • Pathogenic organisms • Trauma • Chemical irritants • Chemotherapy, radiation • Nutritional deficiencies
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Causes
Any condition or agent that alters closure strength of LES or increases abdominal pressure – Fatty foods – Caffeine – Large amounts of alcohol – Cigarette smoking – Sleep position – Pharmacologic agents – Anatomic features (ex: hiatal hernia)
Hiatal Hernia
Defect in diaphragm when a portion of the stomach
passes through the diaphragmatic opening into the
thorax
- Risk increases with age
- Women more than men
• Signs and symptoms
– Similar to GERD
– Heartburn
– Chest pain
– Dysphagia
Hiatal Hernia
Types
Sliding hernia (most common) – Portion of stomach and gastroesophageal junction slip up into thorax above diaphragm
• Paraesophageal hernia (rolling)
– Part of greater curvature of stomach rolls through the
diaphragmatic defect
• Mixed
Acute Gastritis
Precipitated by ingestion of irritating substances
– Example: alcohol and aspirin
• Signs and symptoms – Anorexia – Nausea – Vomiting – Postprandial discomfort
Chronic Gastritis
Helicobacter pylori is nearly always a factor
• Complications – Peptic ulcer disease – Atrophic gastritis – Gastric adenocarcinoma – Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Gastroenteritis
- Inflammation of stomach and small intestine
- Usually a result of another GI disorder
• Acute is caused by direct infection of tract by
pathogenic virus or bacterial toxin
• May be caused by imbalance in normal bacterial
flora by introduction of unusual bacteria (travel)
Gastroenteritis
Signs Symptoms & Treatment
Signs and symptoms • Diarrhea • Abdominal discomfort and pain • Nausea • Vomiting • Fever • Malaise
Treatment
• Fluid and electrolytes replacement
Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract caused by
the action of acid and pepsin
• Include injury to the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach,
or duodenum
• Causes – H. pylori – Stress – Smoking – Alcohol – Spicy foods – Smoking – Genetic
Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment
Treatment • H. pylori: antibiotics • H2 antagonists • Proton pump inhibitors • Sucralfate (forms protective coating over injured mucosa) • Smoking cessation • Avoidance of aspirin and NSAIDs, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and irritating foods
Ulcerative Colitis
• Ulcers form in mucosal layer of colon and
rectum
• Associated with increased cancer risk after 8-10
years of disease
• Hallmark symptoms are bloody diarrhea and
lower abdominal pain
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Treatment
• Corticosteroids
• Salicylate analogs
• Immunomodulating agents
Crohn Disease
• Inflammation of the GI tract that extends to all layers of
the intestinal wall resulting from blockage and
inflammation of lymphatic vessels
• Most commonly affects proximal portion of the colon or
terminal ileum
• Unknown cause
• Abdominal pain is constant and usually in the right lower
quadrant (RLQ) of abdomen
• May have RLQ mass - ileocecal involvement
• Stool may be bloody but not to the extent of ulcerative
colitis
Crohn Disease Treatment
Treatment
• Smoking cessation
• Drugs similar to ulcerative colitis
Esophageal Disorders
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Hiatal Hernia
Inflammation of the Stomach & Intestine
Gastritis
Gastroenteritis
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn Disease
Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
Bleeding caused by a tear in the mucosa of the cardia or lower portion of the esophagus
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Alternating diarrhea & constipation accompanied by abdominal cramping and pain
Mucus may also be present
Celiac Disease
Intolerance of gluten
Tropical Sprue
Malabsorptive syndrome of unknown cause
Atrophy of small intestine mucosa
Dumping syndrome
Dumping of stomach contents because of impaired gastric emptying
Occurs after surgical removal of all or part of the stomach
Short Bowel Syndrome
Severe diarrhea & malabsorption
Develops after surgical removal of lg. portions of the small intestine
