Gastrointestinal Conditions Flashcards
(54 cards)
What are common causes of gastrointestinal (GI) infections?
GI infections can be caused by bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella)
Viruses (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus)
Parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica).
What are the primary modes of transmission for GI infections?
GI infections are typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route, contaminated food or water, and, in some cases, person-to-person contact.
What are common symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, and sometimes fever.
How is rotavirus transmitted, and what are its symptoms?
Rotavirus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.
What is the management approach for bacterial gastroenteritis?
Most cases are self-limiting and require rehydration. Antibiotics are not routinely used, and anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended in primary care.
How is Helicobacter pylori diagnosed?
Using a urea breath test, stool antigen test (SAT), or lab-based serological tests.
What is the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infections?
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combined with two antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin and clarithromycin) for 7 days.
What are the risk factors for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI)?
Risk factors include antibiotic use, increasing age, prolonged hospital stays, underlying diseases, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.
How is the severity of Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) assessed?
By symptoms (e.g., stool frequency, white cell count, and temperature) and complications like dehydration, colitis, or hypotension.
What are some treatment options for Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI)?
First-line treatments include oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Recurrence may require fidaxomicin or fecal microbiota transplant.
What are common diagnostic methods for GI infections?
Stool culture, antigen testing, PCR, cytotoxic assays, and serological tests.
What infection control measures help prevent Clostridiodes difficile outbreaks?
Handwashing (not alcohol-based rubs), patient isolation, use of PPE, antimicrobial stewardship, and enhanced hygiene practices.
What is the primary treatment for amoebic dysentery (Entamoeba histolytica)?
Metronidazole or tinidazole, followed by a luminal agent like paromomycin.
What is the primary drug used to treat parasitic nematode infections such as threadworm or hookworm?
Mebendazole.
How are helminth infections like tapeworms and flukes treated?
Tapeworms are treated with niclosamide or praziquantel, and flukes are treated with praziquantel.
What are common symptoms of IBD?
Diarrhea lasting over 4 weeks, abdominal pain, blood or mucus in stool, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
How is IBD diagnosed?
Through blood tests (inflammation markers, anemia), stool tests (to rule out infections), imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI), endoscopy, and biopsies.
What are the main risk factors for Crohn’s disease?
Family history, smoking, NSAID use, infectious gastroenteritis, and genetic predisposition.
How does Crohn’s disease differ from ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease affects any part of the GIT and involves all layers of the bowel wall, while ulcerative colitis is confined to the colon and rectum, affecting only the mucosa.
What are complications of Crohn’s disease?
Fistulas, strictures, abscesses, malnutrition, anemia, and increased colorectal cancer risk.
What is toxic megacolon, and which IBD is it associated with?
Toxic megacolon is a potentially life-threatening complication of ulcerative colitis, characterized by colon dilation, severe pain, and systemic symptoms.
What are extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease?
Mouth ulcers, arthritis, erythema nodosum (skin inflammation), and uveitis (eye inflammation).
What pharmacological treatments are used for IBD?
Aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalazine), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine), and biologics (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab).
What is the function of biologics like infliximab AND side effects in IBD treatment?
- Biologics target inflammatory proteins like TNF-α to reduce inflammation
- Severe IBD
- Side effects: Reaction to infusion, increased risk of infection, skin rashes
