Module 9: Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Oral cavity
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Liver
- Pancreas
Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
Diagnostic Tests for digestive system disorders
- X-ray (often using contrast)
- CT
- MRI
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Lab specimens (stool, gastric washing)
- Blood tests (serum protein, liver enzymes)
Hiatal Hernia
Occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the opening of the diaphragm
Cause of Hiatal Hernia
- Injury to area
- Persistent pressure/ straining in abdomen
- Weakness in diaphgram
- Age related changes
Signs and Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia
- Inflammation of mucosa
- Dysphagia
- Heartburn
- Frequent burping
- Discomfort laying down after eating, bending over, coughing
- Reflux
- Mild chest pain
- Incompetent gastroesophageal sphincter
Treatment of Hiatal Hernia
- Symptoms can be reduced by eating frequent, small meals
- Avoid the recumbent position after meals
- Medication
- Surgery
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Involves the periodic flow of gastric contents into the esophagus
- often seen in conjunction with a hiatal hernia
Causes of GERD
- Intraabdominal pressure
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Pressure on either side of lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- Obesity
Signs and Symptoms of GERD
- Inflammation or ulceration of mucosa
- Damage to esophagus
- Dysphagia
- Heartburn
Treatment of GERD
- Eliminating factors that affect LES pressure (coffee, alcohol, smoking, fatty foods)
- Avoid spicy foods
- Medications
- Surgery
Gastritis
- Inflammation of the stomach
- Can be acute or chronic
Cause of Gastritis
- Infection
- Allergies
- Ingestion of irritating foods
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Ingestion of corrosive or toxic substances
- Radiation/chemotherapy
Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis
- Anorexia
- nausea
- vomiting
- Epigastric pain
- Hematemesis (vomiting of blood)
Treatment of Gastritis
- usually self-limiting
- gastric mucosa will regenerate in 1-2 days
- Treat cause
Peptic Ulcer Disease
-Painful sores/ulcerations in the lining of the stomach or beginning of small intestine
Cause of Peptic Ulcers
- H. Pylori
- Excessive acid production
- NSAID’s
Signs and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers
- Epigastric burning/pain (usually 2-3 hrs after meals)
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
- Drug therapy
- Reduce exacerbating factors
- Surgery
Cholelithiasis
-Formation of gallstones
Cause of Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
Tend to form when bile has high levels of cholesterol or there is a deficit of bile salts
Signs and Symptoms of Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Frequenly asymptomatic
- Sudden pain in RUQ
- Pain in back and right shoulder
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Treatment of Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Surgery to remove gallbladder and/or gallstones
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (high-energy sound waves to break down the stones)
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder and cystic duct
Cause of Cholecystitis
- Gallstones
- Tumors
- Infections
Signs and Symptoms of Cholecystitis
- Pain in abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Tenderness in abdomen
Treatment of Cholecystitis
-Surgery to remove gallstones or gallbladder
Jaundice
Yellowish color of skin and other tissues
Cause of Jaundice
- High levels of bilirubin in the blood
- Inflamed liver
- Obstructed bile duct
Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice
- Yellowish tinge of skin and whites of eyes
- Dark urine
- Itchiness
Treatment of Jaundice
Manage underlying condition causing jaundice
Hepatitis
Inflammatory condition of the liver
Types of Hepatitis
- Viral Hepatitis (A,B,C,D,E)
- Toxic hepatitis
- Chronic noninfectious hepatitis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
Cause of Hepatitis
- idiopathic reasons infection
- drug/chemical toxicity
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Course of Hepatitis (3 stages)
- Preicteric or prodromal stage
- Iceteric or jaundice stage
- Posticteric or recovery stage
Treatment of Hepatitis
- No method of destroying the virus
- Gamma globulin (early stage)
- Supportive measures (rest, high protein diet,carbs, vitamins)
- Depends on type of hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Progressive destruction of liver tissue leading to liver failure
Cause of Cirrhosis
- Chronic liver diseases
- Toxins/alcohol
Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis
- Fatigure
- Anemia
- Itchy skin
- Edema in legs, feet, ankles
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Weight loss
Treatment of Cirrhosis
- Supportive/symptomatic treatment
- Diet (Restrictions on protein and sodium, increase intake of carbs and vitamins)
Pancreatitis
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- May be acute or chronic
Cause of Pancreatitis
- Auto-digestion of tissues
- Infection
- Gallstones
- Medications
- Alcoholism
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis
- Severe epigastric or abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Signs of shock
- Low-grade fever
- Abdominal distention
Treatment of Pancreatitis
- All oral intake is stopped
- Shock and electrolyte imbalances are treated
- Analgesics
- Surgery
Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (cause is unknown)
- May affect any area of the digestive tract but occurs most frequently in the small intestine
Signs and Symptom of Crohn’s Disease
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Soft or semi-formed stool
- Pain/tenderness in RLQ
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Malabsorption/ malnutrition
Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
- Identify stressors that cause exacerbation of symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Anti-motility agents
- Nutritional supplements
- Surgery
- Immunotherapeutic agents
Ulcerative Colitis
- Inflammation of rectum that progresses through the colon
- Cause is unknown
Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
- Diarrhea
- Blood, pus and mucus in stool
- Cramping pain
- Tenesmus (Persistent spasms of the rectum)
- Rectal bleeding
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Fever
- Weight loss
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
- Identify stressors that cause exacerbation of symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Anti-motility agents
- Nutritional supplements
- Surgery
- Immunotherapeutic agents
Appendicitis
Inflammation and infection in the vermiform appendix
Cause of Appendicitis
Most commonly a blockage causing infection
Signs and Symptoms of Appendicitis
- General periumbilical pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Localized pain and tenderness in LRQ
- Low-grade fever
Treatment of Appendicitis
Surgical removal of the appendix and antimicrobial drugs
Diverticular Disease
- Refers to various problems related to the development of diverticulitis
- May be congenital or acquired
What is a Diverticulum
A herniation of the mucosa through the muscle layer of the colon wall
What is Diverticulitis
Acute episode of inflammation of the diverticula
Cause of Diverticulitis
- Usually develop naturally due to weak places in the colon
- As a result of inflammation or infection
Signs and Symptoms of Diverticular Disease
- Asymptomatic
- Mild discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
Treatment of Diverticular Disease
During acute episodes food intake is reduced and antimicrobial drugs are given
- Omitting foods such as seeds and popcorn
- Encouraging regular bowel movements
Colorectal Cancer
Development of cancer in parts of the large intestine
Cause of Colorectal Cancer
Exact cause remains unknown
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal discomfort
- Feeling that bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
- Surgical removal of the involved area
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Medications
Intestinal Obstruction
Lack of movement of the intestinal contents through the intestine
Cause of Intestinal Obstruction
- Mechanical obstructions (Tumors, adhesion’s,hernias)
- Functional obstructions (neurologic impairment, spinal cord injury)
Signs and Symptoms of an Intestinal Obstruction
- Vomiting
- Abdominal distention
- Restlessness
- Tachycardia
- Diaphoresis
- Abdominal pain
Treatment of an Intestinal Obstruction
- Underlying cause is treated
- Fluids and electrolytes are replaced
- Surgery and antimicrobial therapy
