GI FUNCTION AND DISORDERS Flashcards
Functions of the GI tract (4)
digestion
absorption
excretion
host defense
Digestion def
– Physical breakdown & chemical alterations of food stuffs to allow
absorption along GI tract
– Involves GI motility, pH changes, biological detergents and
enzymes
absorption definition
Directed movement of nutrients across the intestinal lining
excretion definition
Food residue, hydrophobic molecules (e.g.: drugs, bacteria and dead cells)
host defense definition
– GI system is the largest lymphoid organ in the body with extensive surface area
– Gut microbiota (gut microbiome)
Esophagus characteristics
-fibromusucular tube connecting the throat with the stomach (about 25 cm; 9-10” long, <1” diameter)
-peristaltic contractions to pass food
upper esophageal sphincter
lower esophageal sphincter
What is abnormal swallowing called?
aspiration
What patient population is a barium swallow often used in ?
patients with stroke
GERD
-Reflux of gastric contents (acid; pepsin; bile from duodenum) into the esophagus
-the lower esophageal sphincter is not closing off very well
FACTORS:
-impaired LES
-impaired gastric emptying
-hiatal hernia
-alcohol abuse
-more common in children with developmental delays
-can cause inflammation of the lungs due to contents from the esophagus getting into the lungs
What complications can happen with GERD?
-regurgitation/malnutrition
-esophagitis
-Barrett’s Esophagus: Transformation of the normal esophageal squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium … “pre-malignant” —> increase risk for developing esophageal cancer
—may require esophagectomy
-respiratory compromise
—> associated with asthma and COPD (due to esophageal breakdown getting into lungs)
Functions of the stomach:
Reservoir- release of chyme to small intestine
–can hold up to 2-4 liters of fluid/food
Mechanical digestion
—peristalsis: occurs due to many muscle layers of the stomach (in 3 diff directions)
—controlled by the enteric nervous system
—the inner lining has many pits –> which have different glands and epithelial cells (where HCl comes from too)
Chemical digestion - performed by digestive enzymes
–pepsin for protein
–lipase for fats
HCl
-role in chemical digestion in the stomach
Intrinsic Factor (IF)- helps with the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine
Functions of HCl in the stomach
-chemical digestion
-activates digestive enzymes (pepsin)
-immune defense ** –> helps to kill bacteria
Functions of Intrinsic factor in the stomach
-binds vitamin B12 for absorption in the small intestine (ileum)
-Deficiency leads to pernicious anemia
pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia is a relatively rare autoimmune disorder that causes diminishment in dietary vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption, resulting in B12 deficiency and subsequent megaloblastic anemia. It affects people of all ages worldwide, particularly those over 60.
Why doesn’t our stomach self digest? How does it protect itself?
The gastric glands of the stomach also produce mucus that helps to protect the inner lining of the stomach from being broken down by acidic contents
The stomach can take bicarbonate from the bloodstream –> helps to neutralize some of the stomach acid
PROTECTIVE BARRIER FUNCTION
-compact epithelial cell lining
-mucus covering
-bicarbonate ions (buffers H+)
-blood flow –> less blood to stomach if on mechanical ventilation –> can lead to anemia and gastritis
Gastritis
Inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach (the mucosa)
ACUTE
1.) Excessive acid production greater than gastric defense: NSAIDs, ASA, ETOH
2.) Stress-induced- common in critically ill patients –> esp those on mechanical ventilation
PUD- peptic ulcer disease
PATHOGENESIS:
-Increased acid secretions and
digestive enzymes erode gastric mucosa
-H pylori infection (>70%) –> requires antibiotic use
COMPLICATIONS
-hemorrhage, perforation peritonitis (medical emergency), scarring
-defined by the site of origin
what is an ulcer?
Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach.
NSAIDs and their influence on the GI system:
– Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA = aspirin; e.g., Bayer, Ecotrin)
–block COX-1 and COX-2
–prevention of blood clotting–> increases bleeding risk
– Traditional NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)—> also block cox 1 and cox 2
– COX-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Celebrex, Vioxx)
–decreased inflammation and pain relief with decreased GI bleeding but increase in CVA/MI risk
–The amount of blood clotting increases due to the lack of inhibition of COX-1
-15% of long-term NSAID users develop peptic ulcer disease
-
What lab values would you check for GI bleeding?
hemoglobin
hematocrit
What part of the GI tract does most GI bleeding occur in?
75% UPPER TRACT
20-25% LOWER TRACT - ileum, colon, rectum
-50% of bleeding is due to NSAID use in the elderly –> more in females than males
-Continued bleeding and re-bleeding are high predictors of mortality and morbidity in older patients
RED flags for GI bleeding
- Syncope
- Hypotension (orthostasis)
- Pallor
- Diaphoresis
- Tachycardia
- Fatigue & weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal discomfort
-Hematemesis- coffee ground emesis indicative of upper gi bleed
-decreased H & H
-Melena: black, tarry stool
–UGIB or LGIB
–lab test: + test for microscopic blood (occult GI bleed)
*Occult gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as gastrointestinal bleeding that is not visible to the patient or physician, resulting in either a positive fecal occult blood test, or iron deficiency anemia with or without a positive fecal occult blood test.
Functions of the small intestine
- Mixes/ grinds (segmentation)
& propels (peristalsis) contents - Digests & absorbs nutrients
- Secretes regulatory hormones
CHEMICAL DIGESTION
-Endocrine (hormonal) cells and exocrine (digestive enzyme) function
-Hormones regulate gastric, pancreatic & gall bladder
function.–> When chyme enters the duodenum hormone CCK is released –> increases pancreatic enzyme and bile release to aid in digestion
ABSORPTION
-villi and microvilli of SI
-impaired ^ in celiac disease
-The large number of microvilli increases the surface area for absorption of nutrients
–lacteals (lymphatic capillaires) are for fat absorption (chyle)
Two types of propulsion in the small intestine
segmentation - localized contractions of circular muscle of the GI tract
peristalsis- When food or fluids enter your GI tract, nerves trigger the muscles to initiate a series of wave-like contractions. These muscle contractions automatically move food and fluids forward until they reach their exit at your anus or urethra.