Gastrointestinal Disorders Lesson: Symptoms and Treatments

Lesson Overview

• Appendicitis
• Peptic Ulcer Disease
• Diarrhea
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Diagnostic Clues and Positions

Gastrointestinal disorders are conditions that impair the normal functioning of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs such as the pancreas and liver. 

These disorders can be acute or chronic and range in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of common gastrointestinal issues is essential for timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain requiring surgery.

• Causes:
  • Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen by stool, foreign bodies, or tumors
  • Bacterial infection following blockage
  • Lymphoid hyperplasia, especially in younger individuals
• Symptoms:
  • Sudden pain beginning around the navel and shifting to the right lower quadrant
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
  • Fever and elevated white blood cell count
  • Rebound tenderness and rigidity of the abdominal wall
• Complications:
  • Perforation leading to peritonitis
  • Abscess formation
• Management:
  • Surgical removal (appendectomy)
  • Intravenous antibiotics if perforated
  • Monitoring for signs of rupture or sepsis

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease refers to ulcers forming in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the duodenum (duodenal ulcer).

• Causes:
  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Prolonged use of NSAIDs
  • Excessive alcohol intake and smoking
  • Stress, although not a direct cause, can worsen symptoms
• Symptoms:
  • Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
  • Pain that improves or worsens with food
  • Nausea, vomiting, and bloating
  • Dark, tarry stools or vomiting blood if bleeding
• Diagnosis:
  • Endoscopy with biopsy
  • Urea breath test or stool antigen for H. pylori
  • Fecal occult blood test
• Treatment:
  • Antibiotics for H. pylori
  • Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers
  • Avoidance of NSAIDs and acidic foods

Take This Quiz:

Gastrointestinal Disorders (Practice Mode) Quiz

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It can be a symptom of an underlying infection or disease.

• Types:
  • Acute (lasting less than two weeks)
  • Chronic (lasting more than four weeks)
• Causes:
  • Infections: bacterial, viral, or parasitic
  • Food intolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance)
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Medication side effects, especially antibiotics
• Symptoms:
  • Frequent watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea and bloating
  • Fever and dehydration
• Treatment:
  • Oral rehydration therapy to replace fluids and electrolytes
  • Antibiotics for specific bacterial infections
  • Antidiarrheals (used cautiously)
  • Dietary adjustments such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon and rectum. It is categorized under inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Causes:
  • Autoimmune reaction where the body attacks its own intestinal lining
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Environmental factors such as diet and stress
• Symptoms:
  • Bloody diarrhea with mucus
  • Cramping and pain, especially in the lower abdomen
  • Urgency to defecate and tenesmus
  • Fatigue, anemia, and weight loss
• Diagnosis:
  • Colonoscopy with biopsy
  • Blood tests for anemia and inflammation markers
  • Stool tests to rule out infection
• Management:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications like mesalamine
  • Immunosuppressive therapy for severe cases
  • Corticosteroids for acute flares
  • Surgical removal of colon in refractory cases

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal or rectal area. They may be internal or external and are often caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum.

• Causes:
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Prolonged sitting or standing
• Symptoms:
  • Rectal bleeding (bright red)
  • Itching and discomfort around the anus
  • Pain and swelling in case of thrombosed external hemorrhoids
• Prevention and Treatment:
  • High-fiber diet and adequate hydration
  • Sitz baths and topical treatments
  • Avoidance of prolonged straining
  • Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgical hemorrhoidectomy for severe cases

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Gastrointestinal Disorders Quiz Questions And Answers

Constipation

Constipation is a condition where bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass.

• Causes:
  • Low fiber intake
  • Inadequate water consumption
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Certain medications (e.g., opioids, antidepressants)
• Symptoms:
  • Infrequent stools (less than three per week)
  • Hard or lumpy stools
  • Straining during defecation
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Complications:
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissures
  • Fecal impaction
• Management:
  • Fiber supplements and a fiber-rich diet
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Regular physical exercise
  • Stool softeners or laxatives (short-term use)

Diagnostic Clues and Positions