GI tract conditions 1

Question 1

common s/s of GI conditions

and how to treat

Answer 1

nausea and vomitting (vomitting reflex centre in brain stem, triggered by activation of chemoreceptor trigger zone) - antiemetics

constipation - laxatives, stool softener
diarrhera - try and eliminate infectious microorganisms - iv fluids, oral rehydration salts
abdominal pain - analgesics
anorexia and weightloss
bloating - treatment of underlying cause
abdominal bleeding

Question 2

whats chemoreceptor trigger zone

and what happens when triggered

Answer 2

area of the brainstem that receives signals from the GI tract in relation to potentially harmful substances ingested and can also respond to potentially harmful chemicals in blood (e.g. chemotherapy).

When the CTZ is triggered by harmful chemicals within the GI tract, this results in a**ctivation of the vomiting center **to attempt to remove the harmful substances before they can cause too much damage.

Question 3

whats gerd

Answer 3

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus

Question 4

whats gerd cause

Answer 4

The acidic stomach contents irritate and damage the mucosal lining of the oesophagus and this can lead to persistent oesophagitis. (oesophagal inflammation)

Question 5

what causes gerd

Answer 5

Decreased sphincter tone is combined with delayed gastric emptying and/or increase in intrabdominal pressure
Loose sphincter tone means it can open easily and acid can go back up

Question 6

what does oesophagitis lead to

Answer 6

ulceration, strictures (narrowing of channel), barrets esophagus (cellular changes in muscosa –> increases risk of cancer)

Question 7

s/s of gerd

Answer 7

heartburn/indigestion, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), odynophagia (painful swallowing), acid/water brash (mix of salvia and stomach acid), coughing/laryngitis, abdominal pain

Question 8

gerd treatment

Answer 8

Dietary/lifestyle changes
Proton pump inhibitors
Antacids - mineral + base

Question 9

whats gastrisitis

Answer 9

inflammation of gastric mucosa

Question 10

acute gastritis and causes

Answer 10

Damage to the surface epithelium of the gastric mucosa. Caused by:

certain drugs (e.g. aspirin, NSAIDs)
poisons or certain irritants (e.g. alcohol)
infections (most commonly Helicobacter pylori)

Question 11

acute gastritis s/s

Answer 11

nausea/vomiting
anorexia, weight loss
bloating, gas and/or full feeling in stomach/abdomen

Question 12

chronic gastritis and causes

Answer 12

Progressive damage to epithelium which results in thinning and degeneration of stomach mucosa. Caused by:

autoimmune disease
Helicobacter pylori infection
chronic irritation (e.g. due to certain drugs, alcohol, etc.)

Question 13

chronic gastriitis s/s

Answer 13

Chronic gastritis may be asymptomatic, or signs & symptoms may include:

anorexia, weight loss
nausea/vomiting
epigastric pain
gastric bleeding
pernicious anemia - b12 definency

Question 14

whats peptic ulcer disease and what does it led too

Answer 14

• Break in mucosa surface (gastric or duodenal) then
  Acids/enzymes erode deeper tissues

causing Tissue damage
Bleeding (may be significant)
Ulcer perforation
Scarring & strictures

Question 15

s/s of peptic ulcer disease

Answer 15

epigastric pain, indigestion, nausea/vomiting (may include fresh or digested blood), melena (tarry stools due to digested blood in upper GI), anemia.

Question 16

treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Answer 16

proton pump inhibitors

Question 17

whats a hernia and complications

Answer 17

A hernia is an abnormal protrusion (herniation) of a body structure/organ through an opening in a membrane or cavity wall.

strangulation: herniated portion of structure/organ becomes occluded or cut-off, reducing blood supply and leading to tissue necrosis
intestinal obstruction: herniated portion is restricted and thus intestinal contents cannot pass through

Question 18

whats ingunial hernia

and treatment

Answer 18

Inguinal Hernia:
This happens when part of the intestine pushes into the groin area through the inguinal canal. It’s often painless, but you might feel a lump in the groin, especially when standing, coughing, or straining. The lump may go away when lying down.
Treatment can be watchful waiting if it’s not causing problems, but surgery is usually recommended to move the intestines back and close the opening.

Question 19

whats hiatal hernia

two types, treatment and possible complications

Answer 19

This occurs when the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest area.

Sliding hernia: The stomach slides up through the opening.
Para-oesophageal hernia: The stomach moves up next to the oesophagus.

can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, swallowing problems, or upper stomach pain. Para-oesophageal hernias can also cause poor blood flow to the stomach, possibly leading to irritation or ulcers.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications (like antacids or acid reducers), or surgery (e.g. fundoplication).

Question 20

whats umbillical hernia

treatment

Answer 20

This is when abdominal contents bulge through the belly wall near the belly button.

Umbilical hernias are common in babies and usually go away on their own.
If they persist or occur in adults (paraumbilical hernia), surgery is usually needed.