GIT Disorders Flashcards
The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), also known as the:
digestive system
It is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.
GI tract, also known as the digestive system
The GI tract’s main function
digest food into nutrients
Important functions of the GI tract
• BREAKDOWN OF FOOD AND ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS
• ELIMINATION OF WASTE AND
PROTECTING THE BODY FROM HARMFUL SUBSTANCES
• MAINTAINING FLUID BALANCE
The GI tract is a complex and important system that plays a vital role in human health.
When the GI tract is working properly, it allows the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Loose, watery stools occurring more
frequently than usual (typically more than three times a day).
It can be caused by infection, food intolerance, medications, or
medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
Diarrhea
Difficulty passing stool or having infrequent bowel movements (typically fewer than three times a week).
Stools may be hard, dry, and lumpy. Causes include diet, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.
Constipation
It is an unpleasant feeling of
queasiness
Nausea
It is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents.
Vomiting
Occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
It’s often triggered by certain
foods, beverages, or lifestyle habits.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
A chronic condition causing recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
The exact cause is unknown, but stress, diet, and gut microbiota play a role.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
It is an inflammation of the liver
caused by different viruses.
These viruses can damage the liver, leading to a range of health problems, from mild illness to
chronic liver disease.
Viral hepatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and insulin.
Symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Causes can be gallstones or heavy alcohol consumption.
Pancreatitis
Open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic Ulcers are often caused by:
infection with the H. pylori bacteria or
long-term use of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These tests might be used in severe cases or if cancer is suspected.
X-rays or colonoscopy
It allows direct visualization of the
esophagus and stomach.
Upper endoscopy
It assesses the pressure within the esophagus.
Esophageal manometry
These assess liver damage
caused by the virus.
Liver function tests
These detect the presence of specific viral markers or antibodies
indicating current or past infection with different hepatitis types (A, B, C, D, E).
Blood tests
Diagnosis of IBS can be challenging as there’s no specific test.
Doctors rely on a set of criteria based on symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits) and excluding other
conditions.
These tests can visualize the pancreas and identify gallstones or other abnormalities.
Abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan
Pharmaceutical treatment for Constipation
Laxative
Stool Softeners
These come in various forms like bulk-forming laxatives (promote stool formation), stimulant laxatives (trigger muscle contractions for faster elimination), and osmotic
laxatives (draw water into the stool for easier passage).
LAXATIVES
