Module 1: Digestive & Liver Disorders Flashcards
(70 cards)
Define Atresias
Blockage of the tract
Define Stenosis
Narrowing of the tract
Define Fistulas
An abnormal opening between two organs or an organ cavity and the outside
What is malabsorption syndrome?
A condition where the GI tract cannot absorb nutrients properly
Symptoms include diarrhea, steatorrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss.
What are the nutritional implications of malabsorption syndrome?
Impaired absorption leads to anemia, osteoporosis, and weight loss
These implications arise due to the inability to absorb essential nutrients.
Which disorders are associated with GERD?
Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
GERD can lead to complications like Barrett’s esophagus.
What role does H. Pylori play in PUD?
H. Pylori infection is a major risk factor for the development of peptic ulcers
It contributes to the damage of the stomach lining.
What are the common symptoms of gastritis?
Epigastric burning, pain, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastritis can be acute or chronic.
What is the main cause of erosive gastritis?
Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Other causes include alcohol, cocaine, and radiation.
What is the main diagnostic test for gastritis?
Endoscopy with or without biopsy of the stomach
Other tests include upper GI series and blood tests.
What are the treatment options for gastritis?
Antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and reducing NSAID use
H. Pylori infection must be treated to prevent complications.
What is peptic ulcer disease?
A lesion in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
Types include gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and esophageal ulcers.
What are the risk factors for peptic ulcers?
H. Pylori infection, smoking, NSAIDs, high serum gastrin levels
Hypergastrinaemia is also a common risk factor.
What is pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic
It affects both the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas.
What are the major causes of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones and alcohol abuse
Gallstones can block bile ducts, while alcohol damages pancreatic tissue.
What are the clinical features of chronic pancreatitis?
Abdominal pain, pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, steatorrhea, weight loss
Chronic pancreatitis leads to irreversible damage.
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
A relapsing and remitting condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the GI tract
IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What is the peak onset age for Crohn’s disease?
15 - 25 years
A second peak occurs in individuals aged 50 - 70 years.
What are the characteristics of Crohn’s disease?
Inflammation that is not continuous, affecting any part of the GI tract
It can cause ulcers and granulomas.
What is Crohn Disease?
A type of IBD that usually affects the distal ileum and colon but may occur in any part of the GI tract
Crohn Disease is characterized by areas of inflammation in the GIT that are not continuous.
What is the etiology of Crohn Disease?
Unknown, but may involve a dysfunctional immune response to GIT pathogens and a genetic component
There is an increased risk in families.
Describe the pathophysiology of Crohn Disease.
Inflammation spreads through layers of the gut (transmural), resulting in ulcers, granulomas, and abscesses
This includes deep longitudinal and transverse ulcers with intervening mucosal edema.
What is a characteristic appearance of the bowel in Crohn Disease?
Cobblestone appearance due to deep ulcers and mucosal edema
This is a result of the pattern of inflammation.
What are common complications of Crohn Disease?
Perianal fistulas and abscesses
Fistulas may form into adjoining structures and can lead to bowel obstruction.