GI

Question 1

what is IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)

Answer 1

Inflammatory bowel disease includes two conditions affecting the GI tract: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

Question 2

crohn’s disease

Answer 2

Inflammation affecting all layers of the GI tract wall, most commonly in the proximal colon and small intestine, but could occur anywhere along the GI tract. The repeated inflammation can lead to fissures, fistulas, adhesions and damage to the enteric nervous system. It can also result in malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies, as intestinal absorption is impacted.

Question 3

ulcerative colitis

Answer 3

Inflammation of the mucosa of the GI tract wall, most commonly in the distal colon (e.g. sigmoid colon). Repeated inflammation can lead to the formation of haemorrhoids, anal fissures or abscesses. Hemorrahge is also a complication of ulcerative colitis.

Question 4

IBS VS IBD

Answer 4

Both are digestive conditions and affect the esophagus, stomach and intestines. IBS is a chronic syndrome made up of a group of symptoms. IBD, on the other hand, refers to inflammation or chronic swelling of the intestines

Question 5

what is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Answer 5

a common disorder of the small and large intestine (bowel)

It is a condition which involved the disruption in the normal movement of the muscles in the outer wall of the intestine.
Normally, intestinal wall muscles relax and contract (tighten) automatically to push food and waste through the intestine so that water and nutrients can be absorbed by the body.

In IBS, the muscles may relax and contract more rapidly than normal so that less water is absorbed, which results in soft and watery stools, i.e. diarrhoea. Or the muscles may contract and relax more slowly than normal so that too much water is absorbed, which results in hard stools, i.e. constipation. The muscles may also contract suddenly and very strongly, i.e. spasm, which causes painful abdominal cramps and gas to become trapped in the intestine causing bloating.

It is not known what causes intestinal muscles to stop working properly in IBS.

Question 6

what are signs of chrons disease and ulcerative colitis?

Answer 6

• stomach pain
• change in bowel movements
• more urgency to use the toilet
• weight loss
• decreased appetite
• fever
• night sweats

these can come and go over long periods of time

Question 7

how to diagnose IBD

Answer 7

• blood tests
• stool samples
• x-ray and scopes to check bowels

Question 8

what is treatment for IBD

Answer 8

• medications
• surgery
• staying hydrated and being aware of what foods set you off are important

Question 9

signs and symptoms of IBS

Answer 9

• constipation
• diarrhoea
• back pain
• headaches
• tiredness
• abdominal pain
• change in bowel habits
• bloating and swelling of the stomach
• excessive wind

Question 10

diagnosis of IBS

Answer 10

no tests for IBS, however things that may get done are:
- tests for lactose intolerance
- a breath test to determine if bacterial overgrowth in the intestine might be responsible for IBS symptoms
- Sigmoidoscopy (the lower portion of the intestine is examined with a flexible camera) and colonoscopy (the entire length of the intestine is examined with a flexible camera) may also be required to exclude more serious diseases.

For a doctor to make a diagnosis of IBS, a person must have had recurrent abdominal pain on average at least one day per week during the previous three months that is associated with two or more of the following:

• The pain is increased or unchanged after a bowel movement
• A change in frequency of bowel movements
• A change in stool form or appearance.

Question 11

treatment of IBS