IBD, IBS and Coeliac disease [completed] Flashcards
Describe how IBS may present.
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Change in bowel habit
How long must someone have had symptoms for for IBS to be considered?
6 months
What are some symptoms of IBS related to defecation?
Altered stool passage : diarrhoea an constipation
Symptoms worsened by eating
Rectal mucus
FRESH blood on tissue after constipation
What must be ruled out when diagnosing IBS and how?
Other conditions through blood tests
FBC, ESR, CRP should be normal and negative antibodies
What should be done if a person presents with black tarry stools?
Refer
What other symptoms (not related to stool or defecation) may a person with IBS present with?
Lethargy, nausea, back, pain, headache and bladder issues
What causes IBS?
May have an inflammatory cause but usually difficult to identify - could be due to stress, lifestyle etc
What dietary advice should be given to people with IBS?
Have regular meals and do not eat too fast
Drink at least 8 cups of water per day (avoid caffeinated drinks)
Reduce alcohol and fizzy drinks
Do not have more than three cups of tea or coffee a day
Limit the intake of high fibre food such as wholemeal bread, cereals and wholegrains such as brown rice)
Only up to 3 portions of fresh fruit a day
Avoid sorbitol
Eating oats may help with wind and bloating
Should people with IBS be encouraged to have soluble or insoluble fibre?
Soluble fibre - ispaghula husk, oats etc
what is the aim of pharmacological treatment when treating IBS?
Managing symptoms to make patient more comfortable and improve quality of life.
NOT TREATING CAUSE
What is the first pharmacological treatment for IBS?
single or combination medication depending on symptoms
Antispasmodics if there is abdominal cramps
Bulkforming laxatives for constipation
Antimotility agent for diarrhoea
What are some antispasmodics that can be used to treat abdominal cramp in IBS?
Hyoscine (buscopan)
Peppermint oil (calms system afterwards)
Mebeverine
Alverine
What laxative may be offered in treated constipation due to IBS?
Bulk forming laxatives (Ispaghula husk)
Macrogols (osmotic)
Which laxative should not be offered in IBS and why?
Lactulose - can cause further flatulence and bloating as a side effect
What is the first choice of anti motility agent for diarrhoea in IBS?
loperamide
Why can bulk forming laxatives also be used to treat diarrhoea in IBS?
They add bulk and improve consistency of the stool
What is the aim of using laxatives and anti motility agents?
A soft, well formed stool
What is coeliac disease?
Autoimmune condition.
Immune response is in response to gluten.
Causes damage to lining of the small intestine - villous atrophy.
What is the prevalence of coeliac disease in the UK?
1 in 100
Who is coeliac disease more common in?
Females
People with a first degree relative who have coeliac disease
People with other autoimmune conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease
What can happen if a person is not diagnosed with coeliac disease?
continuous exposure to gluten –> more inflammation and damage —> body constantly trying to repair –> risk of mutations –> cancer
What is villous atrophy?
reduction in surface area of the villi. cells are unhealthy and undiferrentiated. Can lead to malabsorption, weight loss and fatigue
What are signs and symptoms that someone may have coeliac disease?
Persisent unexplained GI symptoms : indigestion, diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, bloating, constipation, IBS
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
severe or persistant mouth ulcers
How can coeliac disease be diagnosed?
Patient can buy test or go to doctor?
Should maintain a NORMAL diet without cutting out gluten and do the blood test
What would be a positive test result for coeliac disease?
Elevated total IgA
Elevated IgATGA
What would a histological examination of a person with coeliac disease show?
villous atrophy
Why does the patient need to NOT cut out gluten when testing for coeliac disease?
No gluten = less/no IgA in blood and gut may recover
Gluten is cut out of diet AFTER diagnosis is confirmed.
What are some complications of coeliac disease?
Anaemia
Osteoporosis (malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D)
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Autoimmune thyroid and liver disorders