Diseases Of The GI Tract

Question 1

What are the two main categories of GI diseases?

Answer 1

Upper GI tract diseases and lower GI tract diseases.

Question 2

Name three common upper GI tract diseases.

Answer 2

GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), gastritis, peptic ulcers.

Question 3

Name three common lower GI tract diseases

Answer 3

Gastroparesis, gallstones, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Question 4

What is GORD?

Answer 4

A condition where stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus, causing irritation

Question 5

What are the symptoms of GORD?

Answer 5

Heartburn, acid reflux, oesophagitis, bad breath, bloating, belching, pain when swallowing.

Question 6

What are the progressive complications of GORD?

Answer 6

Oesophageal ulcers, scarring and narrowing of the oesophagus, Barrett’s oesophagus (potential precursor to cancer).

Question 7

What is a peptic ulcer?

Answer 7

A sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum caused by acid erosion

Question 8

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

Answer 8

Heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach pain.

Question 9

What are the complications of peptic ulcers?

Answer 9

Bleeding, perforation (stomach lining splitting), gastric obstruction.

Question 10

What is the primary bacterial cause of peptic ulcers?

Answer 10

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Question 11

How does H. pylori contribute to ulcers?

Answer 11

It produces urease, which neutralizes stomach acid and weakens the mucosal lining, making it vulnerable to acid damage.

Question 12

How is H. pylori diagnosed?

Answer 12

C13 urea breath test, stool antigen test, antibody blood test

Question 13

What is gastroparesis?

Answer 13

A condition where the stomach empties food slower than usual due to nerve/muscle dysfunction.

Question 14

What are symptoms of gastroparesis?

Answer 14

Feeling full quickly, nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, heartburn

Question 15

What are the complications of gastroparesis?

Answer 15

Malnutrition, dehydration, unpredictable blood sugar levels, worsening of GORD

Question 16

What is gastritis?

Answer 16

Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by irritation or infection.

Question 17

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Answer 17

Nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, heartburn.

Question 18

What are the complications of gastritis?

Answer 18

Malnutrition, dehydration, worsening GORD.

Question 19

What are gallstones?

Answer 19

Solid particles formed from bile cholesterol that can block bile ducts.

Question 20

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Answer 20

Often asymptomatic, but can cause biliary colic, persistent pain, jaundice, and fever.

Question 21

What are the complications of gallstones?

Answer 21

Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), bile duct obstruction.

Question 22

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Answer 22

A group of chronic conditions causing inflammation in the GI tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Question 23

What is ulcerative colitis?

Answer 23

A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum.

Question 24

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Answer 24

Recurring diarrhea (often with blood/mucus), abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements

Question 25

What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?

Answer 25

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (bile duct damage), bowel cancer risk, growth issues in children.

Question 26

What is Crohn’s disease?

Answer 26

A chronic inflammatory condition affecting any part of the digestive tract.

Question 27

What are the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

Answer 27

Diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, blood in stool, fatigue, weight loss.

Question 28

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?

Answer 28

Bowel obstruction, ulcers, fistulas, malnutrition

Question 29

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer 29

A functional digestive disorder causing stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Question 30

What are potential causes of IBS?

Answer 30

Food moving too fast/slow, oversensitive gut nerves, stress, genetic factors.

Question 31

How is IBS treated?

Answer 31

Dietary changes, stress management, medications for symptom control.

Question 32

What is coeliac disease?

Answer 32

An autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine

Question 33

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Answer 33

Diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss.

Question 34

What is lactose intolerance?

Answer 34

A digestive disorder where the body cannot break down lactose (milk sugar)

Question 35

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Answer 35

Gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea.

Question 36

What are the complications of untreated lactose intolerance?

Answer 36

Osteopenia (low bone density), osteoporosis, malnutrition.

Question 37

What is diverticular disease?

Answer 37

A condition where small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall.

Question 38

What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?

Answer 38

Tummy pain (usually left side), constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool.

Question 39

What is diverticulitis?

Answer 39

Inflammation or infection of the diverticula, causing severe pain and fever.

Question 40

What are potential complications of diverticulitis?

Answer 40

Abscess formation, perforation, peritonitis, bowel obstruction.