S2: Consequences of Fluid Loss from GI Tract Flashcards
Sites of water loss
- Skin
- Respiratory Passageways
- GIT
- Urinary Tract
List ways we lose water and gain water
Water loss:
- Defacation; Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Urination
- Ventilation
- Sweating
- Menstruation
Water gain:
- Drinking
- Metabolic
What is diarrhoea and what causes it?
This is characterised by both an increase in frequency and weight of the stool.
This occurs due to:
1. Lack of absorption in villus cells - enterocytes lose ability to reabsorb e.g. due to toxins
- Increased secretion (HCO3-, enzymes, Na+) due to crypt cell hyperplasia
Describe how decreased reabsorption causes osmotic diarrhoea
This is where an individual consumes an osmotically rich solution (e.g. mannitol, sugary or salty drinks) , which increases the osmolality of the tubular fluid. This means there is reduced reabsorption, as water is drawn into the fluid.
- Defect in absorption process also means that water potential is due to reduced absorption. e.g. Dissacharidase deficiency which is found in lactose intolerance (lack of brush border enzyme lactase)
Describe how deranged motility causes decreased reabsorption
Where the motility of the small intestine increases, meaning there is reduced time for reabsorption. This means that the volume of the faecal content will increase.
Describe how increased secretion causes secretory diarrhoea
This is where there is increased secretion of ions from the crypt cells.
For example, substances such as; Acetylcholine and Substance P and Cholera act to increase the rate of secretion (via increasing the intracellular levels of Cl-).
What disease causes secretory diarrhoea?
Secretory Diarrhoea is a very common result in cholera. The cholera Toxins result in increased release of Cl- from the crypt cells and hence, uncontrolled water secretion.
What are the two parasites that cause diarrhoea?
Entamoeba histolytica Giardia Lamblia
Describe diarrhoea that is caused by Entamoeba histolytica
- Asymptomatic or amoebic dystentery
- Gradual onset with systemic symptoms (anorexia, headache)
- Treatment is with metronizadole
Describe diarrhoea that is caused by Giardia Lamblia
- Steatorrhoea and abdominal pain
- Maldigestion and malabsorption of lipids, CHOs vitamin A, B12, folic acid
- Treatment is with Metronidazole or tinidazole
What is dysentery?
Infection of intestines that causes painful, blood, low volume in diarrhoea
Causes of bloody diarrhoea
- Chronic disease
- Ulcerative colotis
- Neoplasm
Major consequence for severe diarrhoea
- Hypovolaemia
- Hyponatremia
- Metabolic acidosis
What is vomiting?
Vomiting is retrograde giant contraction with oral expulsion of gastric contents and bile.
It allows the removal of ingested toxic substances.
Symptoms of vomiting
Symptoms include increase in salivation, HR and sweating accompanied with pallor and nausea.