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125 Cards in this Set

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Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing




Inability to initiate swallowing


Sensation that swallowed solids/liquids "stick" in esophagus

Dysphagia Type 1

Problems in delivery of food/fluid into the esophagus

Dysphagia Type 1 Symptoms

May cough and expel the ingested food/fluid through mouth or nose




Aspirate when attempting to swallow




Worse with liquids than solids

Dysphagia Type 2

Problems in transport of bolus down esophagus

Dysphagia Type 2 Symptoms

Sensation food is "stuck" behind sternum




May have impaired passage of liquids

Dysphagia Type 3

Problems in bolus entry into stomach

Dysphagia Type 3 Symptoms

Tightness or pain in substernal area during swallowing process

Esophageal Pain: Heartburn (Pyrosis)

Reflux of gastric contents into esophagus




High acidic contents are an irritant to sensory afferent nerve endings in mucosa




Causes spasms of esophageal muscle

Heartburn Symptoms

Substernal burning sensation that may radiate to neck or throat

Esophageal Pain: Chest Pain

Esophageal Distention or Obstruction

Esophageal Pain: Chest Pain Symptoms

Similar to angina pectoris (radiates to neck, shoulder, arm, and jaw)




Brought on by swallowing

Abdominal Pain

May be first sign of GI tract disorder




Three types: visceral, somatic, and referred pain

Abdominal Pain: Visceral Pain

Stretching or distending an abdominal organ




Inflammation

Abdominal Pain: Visceral Pain Symptoms

Diffuse, poorly localized




Gnawing, burning, or cramping

Abdominal Pain: Somatic Pain

Injury to abdominal wall, parietal peritoneum, root of the mesentery of the diaphragm

Abdominal Pain: Somatic Pain Symptoms

Sharp, intense pain




Well localized to area of irritation

Abdominal Pain: Referred Pain

Felt at a location distant from source of pain




In the same dermatome or neurosegment

Abdominal Pain: Referred Pain Symptoms

Sharp and well localized




May be felt in skin or deeper tissues

Abdominal Pain: Acute

Instantaneous onset


Perforated ulcer or ruptured organ

Abdominal Pain: Chronic

Diverticulitis


Ulcerative colitis

Vomiting

Forceful expulsion of gastric contents through mouth




Accompanied by nausea




Characteristics of vomitus suggest nature of disorder

Vomiting Causes

Coordinated sequence of abdominal muscle contraction with reverse esophageal peristalsis




Alteration in the integrity of the GI tract wall




Alterations in motility

Intestinal Gas

Results from altered motility or lack of digestive enzymes




Belching: eructation of swallowed air

Belching Causes

Motility disorder




Gastric outlet obstruction preventing passage of air from stomach to small intestine




Swallowing of air


Bacterial and digestive action or intestinal contents


Diffusion from the blood


Neutralization of acids by bicarbonate in upper GI tract

Intestinal Gas: Abdominal Distention

Causes:


Failure to adequately digest nutrients such as lactose




Excess gas resulting from defect in intestinal motility

Intestinal Gas: Flatus

Causes:


Increased amounts of gas produced by action of bacteria on gas-producing nutritional substrates

Bowel Pattern Alterations: Constipation

Small, infrequent, or difficult bowel movements




Causes:


Dietary (low in fiber)


Lack of exercise


Pathologic conditions (ex. diverticulitis, obstruction)

Bowel Pattern Alterations: Diarrhea

Increased frequency and fluidity of bowel movements caused by decreased transit time in SI

Diarrhea: Acute

Acute infection


Emotional stress


Leakage of stool around impacted feces

Diarrhea Chronic

Chronic GI tract infection


Alteration in motility or integrity of GI tract


Malabsorption


Certain endocrine disorders


Food allergy


Ingestion of irritants


Caffeine

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms: Osmotic

Increased amounts of poorly, absorbed solutes in the intestine

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms: Secretory

Due to toxins that stimulate intestinal fluid secretion and impair absorption

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms: Exudative

Mucus, blood, protein




Results from inflammatory processes

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms: Diarrhea Related to Motility Disturbances

Dumping syndrome

Stomatitis

Inflammation of oral mucosa




Causes:


Pathogenic organisms


Trauma


Chemical irritants


Chemotherapy, radiation


Nutritional deficiencies

Acute Herpetic Stomatitis

"Cold sores"




Signs and symptoms:


Fever


Pharyngitis


Prodromal tingling and itching


Vesicles on erythematous base that rupture, leaving a painful ulcer

Acute Herpetic Stomatitis Treatment

Use adequate oral hygiene




Medications: antiviral meds (famciclovir, valacyclovir)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Backflow of gastric contents into esophagus through LES




Inflammation caused by reflux or highly acidic material




Progression can lead to ulceration, fibrotic scarring, strictures, Barrett esophagus

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Causes

Any condition or agent that alters closure strength of LES or increases abdominal pressure


Fatty foods


Caffeine


Large amounts of alcohol


Cigarette smoking


Sleep position


Pharmacologic agents


Anatomic features (ex. hiatal hernia)

Esophagitis: Barrett Esophagus

Complication when columnar tissue replaces normal squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus




Carries a significant risk for esophageal cancer

Hiatal Hernia

Defect in diaphragm when a portion of the stomach passes through the diaphragmatic opening into the thorax




Risk increases with age




Women more than men




Can be life threatening if large portion of stomach becomes caught above diaphragm and becomes incarcerated

Hiatal Hernia Signs and Symptoms

Similar to GERD


Heartburn


Chest pain


Dysphagia

Hiatal Hernia: Sliding Hernia

Most common




Portion of stomach and gastoesophageal junction slip up into thorax above diaphragm

Hiatal Hernia: Paraesophagal Hernia (Rolling)

Part of greater curvature of stomach rolls through the diaphragmatic defect

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Bleeding caused by a tear in mucosa or submucosa of the cardia or lower portion of esophagus




Tear is usually longitudinal




Primary cause is forceful or prolonged vomiting

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Other Factors or Contributions

Excessive ingestion of alcohol and salicylates


Coughing


Straining during bowel movements


Trauma


Hiatal Hernia


Esophagitis


Gastritis

Esophageal Varices

Complication of portal hypertension resulting from alcoholic or posthepatits cirrhosis




Affects more than half of cirrhotic patients


30% have variceal hemorrhage within 2 years of diagnosis




High mortality rate

Gastritis: Acute

Precipitated by ingestion of irritating substances




Example: alcohol and aspirin

Gastritis: Acute Signs and Symptoms

Anorexia


Nausea


Vomiting


Postprandial discomfort


Hematemsis

Gastritis: Chronic

Helicobacter pylori is nearly always a factor




Complications:


Peptic ulcer disease


Gastric adenocarcinoma


Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of stomach and small intestine




Usually a result of another GI disorder




Acute is caused by direct infection of tract by pathogenic virus or bacterial toxin




May be caused by imbalance in normal bacterial flora by introduction of usual bacteria (travel)

Gastroenteritis Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea


Abdominal discomfort and pain


Nausea


Vomiting


Fever


Malaise

Gastroenteritis Treatment

Replace fluid and electrolytes

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Causes:


H. pylori


Stress


Smoking


Alcohol


Spicy foods


Smoking


Genetic

Peptic Ulcer Disease: Gastric

Due to breakdown of protective mucous layer that prevents diffusion of acids into gastric epithelia




Barrier of epithelial layer and slightly alkaline layer of mucus interrupted with chronic irritations

Peptic Ulcer Disease: Duodenal

Inappropriate excess secretion of acid




Increased basal activity of vagus nerve




Stimulates pyloric antrum cells to release gastrin to act on gastric parietal cells to release HCl




Results in high level of HCl

Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment

H. pylori; antibiotics


H2 antagonists


Proton pump inhibitors


Sucralfate


Smoking cessation


Avoidance of ASA and NSAIDs, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and irritating foods

Ulcerative Colitis

Large ulcers form in mucosal layer of colon and rectum




Associated with increased cancer risk after 8-10 years of disease




Hallmark symptoms are bloody diarrhea and lower abdominal pain

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Corticosteroids


Salicylate analogs


Immunodulating agents: azathioprine and mercaptopurine

Crohn Disease

Affects proximal portion of the colon or terminal ileum




Inflammation of all layers of the intestinal wall resulting from blockage and inflammation of lymphatic vessels




Suggestive findings are ulcerations, strictures, and fistulas

Crohn Disease Signs and Symptoms

Intermittent bouts of fever


Diarrhea


RLQ pain (right lower quadrent)


May have RLQ, tenderness

Crohn Disease Treatment

Smoking cessation, drugs similar to ulcerative colitis

Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (AAC) (also called Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis)

Acute inflammation and necrosis of small and large intestine




Caused by clostridium difficle (exposure to antibiotics)

Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (AAC) (also called Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis) Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fever, colonic perforation (rare)

Antibiotic-Associated Colitis (AAC) (also called Pseudomembranous Enterocolitis) Treatment

Stop current antibiotic (if possible), treat ischemia, oral antibiotics such as metronidazole or vancomycin

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

Occurs in premature infants (<34 wks) and infants with low birth weight (<5 lb)




Characterized by diffuse or patchy intestinal necrosis with sepsis

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Signs and Symptoms

Distended abdomen and stomach, intestinal perforation

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Treatment

Surgical with antibiotics

Appendicitis

Obstruction by fecalith or inflammation

Appendicitis Signs and Symptoms

RLQ pain ("McBurney's point") (classic, but may be anywhere), nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, RLQ tenderness, systemic signs of inflammation

Appendicitis Treatment

Immediate surgical removal

Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis)

Presence of diverticula in the colon




Results in low intake of dietary fiber

Diverticular Disease Signs and Symptoms

Diverticulosis - Asymptomatic


Diverticulitis - Fever, acute lower abdominal pain

Diverticular Disease Treatment

Antibiotics and surgery for complicated diverticulitis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chronic (>3 months) functional disorder




Fluctuations in stool frequency and consistency (no nocturnal diarrhea)




Cause: unclear but slow wave activity of bowel increased




Often associated with anxiety or depression



Irritable Bowel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea or constipation or alteration of both, abdominal cramping pain, mucus in stool, nausea, bloating

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Antidiarrheal agents, antispasmodic medications, increased fiber in diet

Intestinal Obstruction Mechanical

Adhesions, hernia, tumors, impacted feces, volvulus, intussusception

Intestinal Obstruction Functional

Conditions that inhibit peristalsis such as narcotics, anesthesia, surgery, peritonitis, hypokalemia, spinal cord injuries

Intestinal Obstruction Signs and Symptoms

Depend on site and duration: dehydration, vomiting, electrolyte depletion, constipation, abdominal distention

Intestinal Obstruction Treatment

Surgical intervention or decompression with intestinal tube




If left uncorrected may cause wall edema, ischemia, and necrosis leading to bowel gangrene, sepsis, and shock

Volvulus

Twisting of bowel on itself causing intestinal obstruction and blood vessel compression (ischemia)




Results from anomaly of rotation, ingested foreign body, or adhesion; cannot always be determined




Common sites are cecum and sigmoid colon




Sudden, tight, twisting of bowel impedes blood flow to bowel




Impeded blood flow lead to gangrene, necrosis, and perforation




Life-threatening condition

Volvulus Signs and Symptoms

Depend on site and duration: dehydration, vomiting, electrolyte depletion

Volvulus Treatment

Varies according to severity and location: surgical intervention or decompression

Intussusception

Telescoping/invagination of a portion of bowel into adjacent (usually distal) bowel causing intestinal obstruction




Males more than females

Intussusception Signs and Symptoms

Increased bowel sounds, abdominal pain, varies

Intussusception Treatment

Surgical treatment

Hirschsprung Disease

Familial, congenital disorder of the large intestine in which the autonomic ganglia are reduced or absent




Occurs 1:5000 live births




Most commonly found in infants and children




Male more than females

Hirschsprung Disease Signs and Symptoms

Profuse diarrhea, hypovolemic shock, intestinal perforation

Hirschsprung Disease Treatment

Colonic lavage, surgical intervention

Malabsorption Disorders

Failure of GI tract to absorb or normally digest one or more dietary constituents

Malabsorption Causes

Enzyme abnormalities


Infection


Radiation enteritis

Malabsorption Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea


Passage of inappropriately processed intestinal contents

Malabsorption Types

Celiac disease and tropical sprue

Celiac Disease

Familial intolerance of gluten-containing foods




Lead to inflammation and atrophy of the intestinal villi




Impaired nutrient absorption: reduced surface area and decreased brush border enzymes




2x increase of intestinal malignancy

Celiac Disease Diagnosis

Intestinal biopsy




Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-ttg)




Immunoglobulin A (IgA) endomysial antibody

Celiac Disease Treatment

Gluten-free diet




Supplemental Fe, folate, B12, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

Tropical Sprue

Malabsorptive syndrome of unknown cause




Prevalent in equatorial countries (living/visiting)




Adults more than children

Tropical Sprue Etiology

Mucosa of small intestine atrophies resulting in malabsroption along with B12 and folic acid deficiency

Tropical Sprue Signs and Symptoms

Severe diarrhea with blood-tinged stools, abdominal distention, steatorrhea

Tropical Sprue Treatment

Predictability depends on area




Antidiarrheals, prolonged antimicrobial therapy

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping of stomach contents into small intestine due to impaired gastric emptying




Common after gastrectomy




Large volume of hyperosmolar food is dumped rapidly into small intestine leading to increased bowel motility




Rapid absorption of large amount of glucose leads to an excessive rise in plasma insulin

Dumping Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea, abdominal pain




Rapid fall in blood glucose level 1-3 hr after meal (rebound hypoglycemia)

Dumping Syndrome Treatment

Eating small meals throughout day instead of large meals, carbohydrate restriction, medications to reduce bowel motility

Short-Bowel Syndrome

Severe diarrhea and significant malabsorption




Develops after surgical removal of large portions of SI




Rapid transit time and reduced surface area for absorption




Diminished ability to absorb H20, electrolytes, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and trace elements

Short Bowel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea and malabsorption

Short Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Temporary or indefinite intravenous nutritional support

Esophageal Cancer

Accounts for 1%-2% of all cancers




Men more than women




Survival rate of <20% in men older than 60 years

Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors

Genetic, diet high in nitrosamine content, chronic severe reflux (Barrett esophagus), environmental, smoking, alcohol

Esophageal Cancer Prognosis

Poor; spreads extensively to surrounding organs




Very high degree of metastasis

Esophageal Treatment

Stent placement, tumor ablation through heat probe and laser

Gastric Carcinoma

Prevalence in Japan 10x higher than U.S.




Men > 30 years

Gastric Carcinoma Stages (early and advanced)

Determined by penetration into major muscle layer of stomach, involvement of lymphatic system and surrounding organs

Gastric Carcinoma Risk Factors

H. pylori infection, genetic, dietary habits, environmental factors, smoking

Small Intestinal Neoplasms

Benign or Malignant




Unusual: accounts for <5% GI tumors




>50 years




Causes partial or complete obstruction




Depending on extent and type

Small Intestinal Neoplasms Signs and Symptoms

Depends on type and extent; partial or complete obstruction of small bowel may occur

Small Intestinal Neoplasms Treatment

Surgical removal of tumor and affected portion of SI

Colonic Polyps

Any protrusion into the lumen of the GI tract




Benign or malignant

Colonic Polyps Signs and Symptoms

Usually none; may cause occult or gross bleeding, abdominal pain

Colonic Polyps Treatment

Varies according to size, type, and location

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Increases after age 40




High fat, low fiber diet




Polyps, chronic irritation or inflammation

Colon Cancer Warning Signs

Black, tarry, or pencil shaped stool


Change in bowel habits


Urgent need to defecate on awakening in morning


Alternating constipation and diarrhea


Sensation of rectal fullness


Dull ache may be felt in rectum/sacral region

Colon Cancer Prognosis

Early detection, better prognosis




Depends on extent of tumor invasion, cell type, degree of dysplasia, tumor genetics, presence or absence of metastasis




TNM classification used for metastasis

Colon Cancer Treatment

Surgical removal




Chemotherapy, radiation, or both

Modified Dukes Classification for Colorectal Cancer