Module 4 - GIT System Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics

Question 1

Describe the causes, mechanisms and treatments of vomiting

Answer 1

Causes: Pain/Stress, Irritation of the GIT, Increased ICP
Mechanisms: Triggered by nervous impulses from stomach, intestinal tract and other body parts
Treatments: Anti-emetics (e.g. Ondansetron, Metoclopramide)

Question 2

Describe the causes, mechanisms and treatments of diarrhoea

Answer 2

Causes: Viruses, Bacteria, Medications
Mechanisms: Secretion and osmotic imbalance
Treatments: Anti-diarrhoeal agents (e.g. Imodium)

Question 3

Describe the causes, mechanisms and treatments of constipation

Answer 3

Causes: Lack of fibre and hydration, GIT disease,
Medications
Mechanisms: Intrinsic colonic problems, Systemic
Disease
Treatments: Laxatives (e.g. Coloxyl and Senna)

Question 4

Describe the causes, mechanisms and treatments of abdominal pain

Answer 4

Causes: GORD, Ulcers and Gastroenteritis
Mechanisms: Stimulation of visceral nociceptors
Treatments: Analgesia (e.g. Paracetamol, Endone)

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis for Portal HTN

Answer 5

Portal HTN - When blood flow from portal vein through
liver is impaired -> increase in pressure
Pathophysiology: Liver damage -> back flow of blood
through LGV, Splenic Vein, IMV and
SMV -> Caput Medusae,
Splenomegaly, Oedema
Clinical Manifestations: Blood in vomit and poop,
Distended Abdomen
Diagnosis: Duplex Doppler Ultrasound

Question 6

Describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis for Cirrhosis

Answer 6

Cirrhosis - Late stage of fibrosis in liver typically caused
by alcohol abuse or hepatitis
Pathophysiology: Fibrosis results from abnormal
continuation of fibrinogenesis, and
progresses depending on aetiology,
and environmental factors
Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, Nausea and Jaundice
Diagnosis: CT, MRI or Biopsy of Liver