GI tract Flashcards
What are the signs of a peptic ulcer?
Epigastric pain related to hunger/food types/time of day Heartburn ALARMS - anaemia - loss of weight - anorexia - recent onset - melaena/haematemesis - swallowing difficulty
How are peptic ulcers treated?
Reduce alcohol and tobacco
Reduce acids - PPIs, H2 blockers
Iatrogenic - stop drugs, add PPI with NSAIDs
What causes ulcerative colitis?
AI response
Inflammation of the colon mucosa (with polyps)
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Episodic/chronic diarrhoea (with blood/mucus)
Urgency
Pain
Weight loss, malaise, deficiency
What do investigations for ulcerative colitis show?
Faecal calprotectin
High ESR and CRP
What is the treatment for ulcerative colitis?
5-ASA (mesalazine), prednisolone
Flare-up: IV fluids/electrolytes/steroids -> immune suppression -> surgery (day 7-10)
What causes Crohn’s?
AI response
Transmural inflammation across the whole GI tract (may appear in many places)
What are the symptoms of Crohn’s?
Diarrhoea, pain, ulcers (whole GI tract)
Clubbing, skin problems, joint problems, eye problems
Skip lesions
What do investigations for Crohn’s show?
Faecal caprotectin
High ESR and CRP
What is the treatment for Crohn’s?
Azathioprine, prednisolone, biologics (anti-TNFa)
Flare-up: same as for UC
What HLA is coeliac disease associated with?
HLA DQ2
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Steatorrhoea, diarrhoea, pain, bloating, nausea
What do investigations for coeliac disease show?
Low Hb, B12, ferritin
Anti-transglutyaminase - IgA
What is the treatment for coeliac disease?
Don’t eat gluten
What chanegs happen in Barrat’s oesophagus?
Squamous cells -> columnar cells
Follows a long hx off reflux
