Intestinal Disorders Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Idiopathic abdominal pain or change in bowel pattern
What is IBS-C?
IBS with Constipation — the patient mostly has constipation.
What is IBS-D and what are the risks?
IBS with Diarrhea — patients are at risk for hypokalemia and hypovolemia.
🩺 Priority: Fluid and electrolyte replacement.
Severe dehydration signs: Hypotension, Tachycardia.
What is IBS-M?
IBS with Mixed symptoms
alternating diarrhea and constipation.
What is a common location of pain in IBS?
LLQ (Left Lower Quadrant) pain.
What are other common symptoms of IBS?
Anorexia
Weight loss
Pain relieved with bowel movements
Pain worsens with eating
Flatulence (gas)
Is there a specific test to diagnose IBS?
No, IBS is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions.
What tests are used to rule out other causes of IBS symptoms?
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria
Gluten & lactulose testing
What is the Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria for IBS?
Recurrent abdominal pain or pain 1x/week for 3 months plus 2 or more:
Change in stool appearance or pattern
Pain relieved with bowel movement
No structural GI damage or other disease
Medications for IBS
Probiotics
Regalen
PPI
Analgesics
food diary
What is Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD)?
Chronic inflammation of the GI tract; includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
What do Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis have in common?
Both are autoimmune diseases
Both have periods of remission (no symptoms) and exacerbation (symptoms return)
What is Crohn’s Disease and where does it commonly occur?
Chronic inflammation of the distal ileum and ascending colon; can affect the entire GI tract from mouth to anus.
What are hallmark signs of Crohn’s Disease?
Cobblestone appearance of the GI tract
Fistulas and abscesses
tunneling
Thickening and granulomas in the GI tract
What are common symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?
5–10 loose stools per day (with pus, mucus, steatorrhea)
No bleeding
What is Ulcerative Colitis and where does it affect?
Chronic inflammation and bleeding ulcerations of the mucosa or submucosa of the rectum and colon. It starts at the rectum and spreads continuously to the cecum.
What are hallmark symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
10–20 loose, bloody stools daily
Chronic anemia from daily blood loss
Abdominal pain and rebound tenderness (sign of peritonitis)
What are patients with Ulcerative Colitis most likely to need as a long-term treatment?
A permanent ostomy.
What are the main diagnostic tests for Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis?
1) Barium Swallow Test: Best for Crohn’s, shows damage in the entire GI tract
2) Colonoscopy: Examines the entire colon, helps differentiate Crohn’s from UC
3) Sigmoidoscopy: Looks at lower colon and rectum, best for Ulcerative Colitis
What medication is used to decrease inflammation in the colon for IBD?
Sulfasalazine – reduces inflammation in the colon.
What medications are used to manage diarrhea and cramping in IBD?
Antidiarrheals: Loperamide (Imodium)
Antispasmodic/Anticholinergic: Dicyclomine – reduces cramping and spasms
What other medications are commonly used in IBD treatment and why?
Immunosuppressants: To control autoimmune response
Steroids: To reduce inflammation
Antibiotics: Prevent infection from fistulas/abscesses
Analgesics: For pain control
