3 - Belly Flashcards
(73 cards)
What is a common complaint in the emergency room accounting for about one in ten visits?
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can have numerous causes, some of which may be life-threatening.
What condition is suggested by intermittent, nonsevere abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and diarrhea?
Gastroenteritis
Caused by food contamination or viral infection.
What are the best options to stay hydrated when experiencing gastroenteritis?
Simple broths, Pedialyte, Gatorade
Avoid excessive consumption of sports drinks unless gaining weight is a goal.
What condition can cause mild upper belly pain that worsens when lying down?
Acid reflux
It occurs when stomach acid enters the esophagus.
What lifestyle changes can help manage acid reflux?
Cut back on chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, avoid lying down after eating, raise the head of your bed
Long-term reflux can lead to serious issues like esophageal cancer.
What defines constipation?
Fewer than three bowel movements per week, lumpy/hard stool, difficulty pushing out stool
Can lead to abdominal pain and may indicate irritable bowel syndrome.
What is lactose intolerance?
Inability to digest lactose, leading to bloating and pain after consuming dairy products
Common among certain ethnic groups.
What are the symptoms of ulcers in the stomach or intestine?
Frequent burning sensation in the upper abdomen, pain after eating, bloating, belching
Ulcers can be caused by H. pylori infection.
What are the four major risk factors for gallstones?
Fat (obesity), female, fertile (one or more children), forty (or older)
Most people with gallstones may not experience symptoms.
What is Clostridium difficile infection commonly associated with?
Recent antibiotic use
C. diff can become dominant when good bacteria are eliminated.
What condition is characterized by frequent abdominal pain that improves after defecation?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS can cause alternating diarrhea and constipation.
What are two common causes of pelvic pain that worsens with menstruation?
Endometriosis, fibroids
Both conditions can lead to severe menstrual pain and other complications.
What should you do if you see blood in your feces?
Get to the emergency room
This could indicate serious conditions like colon cancer or severe infections.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A condition occurring when the body runs out of insulin, causing high blood sugar and metabolic distress
DKA requires urgent treatment with intravenous insulin.
What is anaphylaxis?
A rapid-onset, whole-body allergic reaction
Symptoms include hives, swelling, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
What condition involves excruciating pain in the right upper abdomen and may require emergency gallbladder removal?
Cholecystitis
This condition is often caused by gallstones blocking bile drainage.
What causes appendicitis?
Blockage of the appendix, often by stool or swelling of immune glands
Appendicitis can lead to severe infection and requires surgical intervention.
What is the main symptom of appendicitis?
Abdominal pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right-hand corner of the abdomen
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix gets blocked, leading to swelling and potential bursting.
What causes diverticulitis?
Diverticula get plugged up and infected
Diverticula are sac-like bulges that can develop in the colon, especially in older adults.
What is a common symptom of heart disease manifesting as abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain that gets worse with exertion
This may indicate a blocked artery to the heart needing more blood during physical activity.
What condition is indicated by severe, new-onset pain in the lower pelvis in women?
Ovarian torsion, ovarian tumor or cyst, ectopic pregnancy, or urinary tract infection
Each of these can cause acute pelvic pain and may require urgent assessment.
What does yellow skin or eyes indicate?
Liver problems
This occurs when bile cannot be transferred properly and enters the bloodstream.
What is acute pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas often caused by heavy drinking
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may spread to the upper back.
What causes severe pain from kidney stones?
Stones getting stuck in the ureters
This results in waves of excruciating pain in the lower back, abdomen, and/or pelvis.