Digestive Disorders Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of ulcers?

Excessive caffeine consumption (correct)

Chronic stress

Routine use of NSAIDs

Bacterial infection

What is the purpose of using mineral oil as a treatment for constipation?

To make the contents of the colon easier to pass (correct)

To kill bacteria in the colon

To increase water absorption in the colon

To stimulate muscle contractions in the colon

What is the most serious consequence of a ruptured appendix?

Chronic constipation

Peritonitis (correct)

Inflammation of the colon

Severe abdominal pain

Which type of laxative works by causing the colon to contract more forcefully?

Irritant laxatives (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'colitis' refer to?

Inflammation of the colon (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible complication of untreated colitis?

Colon cancer (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for classifying stool types?

To identify specific bowel conditions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a polyp?

A small growth in the large intestine lining (C) Signup and view all the answers

What dietary factor is linked to an increased risk of colon cancer?

Dietary fats (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a high fibre diet contribute to reducing the risk of colon cancer?

It adds bulk and absorbs water. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the genetic disease affecting mucus, sweat, and digestive secretion production?

It causes thick, sticky mucus secretion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of jaundice is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells in unusually large amounts?

Haemolytic jaundice (C) Signup and view all the answers

What condition may result from the hardening of bile into crystalline masses?

Gallstones (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the condition that causes pain or discomfort due to digestive acid moving into the esophagus?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a possible cause of dry mouth?

Food poisoning (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the suffix that indicates inflammation in a medical term?

-itis (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does prolonged diarrhea lead to dehydration?

The loose and watery stool carries away excessive amounts of water from the body. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of constipation?

Lack of dietary fibre. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digestive Disorders & Diseases

Range of disorders and diseases affect the digestive system, varying from mild to severe.
Common general symptoms include bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Heartburn

Pain or discomfort from digestive acid moving into the esophagus.
Often caused by a faulty or damaged cardiac sphincter.
Often occurs after eating, while lying down, or bending over.
Frequent heartburn can become a disease (GERD) causing severe symptoms or injury to the esophagus and pharynx.

Vomiting

Strong contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles propel stomach contents up the esophagus.
Eliminates harmful substances from the stomach, or a reaction to an irritant or allergen.
Examples include food poisoning or gastroenteritis (infection of stomach or bowel).
"Itis" = inflammation

Xerostomia

Dry mouth or reduced saliva production.
Causes include dehydration, stress, anxiety, or certain medications.
Increases vulnerability to tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
May cause bad breath (halitosis), loss of taste, or difficulty swallowing.

Diarrhea

Loose and watery stool ("rhea" = flowing).
Intestinal walls become irritated.
Increased peristalsis.
Water is not reabsorbed.
Common causes include nervous stimulation (anxiety), infection of the lower digestive tract, and food poisoning. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and disturbances in heart contractions.

Constipation

Dry, hard feces, and infrequent stool (fewer than 3 defecations/week).
May be caused by dehydration or lack of dietary fibre.
Chronic constipation can lead to haemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectum).

Treatment of Constipation

Mineral oil (makes colon slippery).
Milk of magnesia (prevents water reabsorption).
Fibre laxatives (create a soft mass in the colon to push things along).
Irritant laxatives (cause powerful peristalsis to expel colon contents).

Bristol Stool Chart

Developed to classify and describe stool type and shape.
Used to diagnose and monitor various bowel conditions.
Includes different stool types ranging from very constipated to severe diarrhea.

Gastric Ulcer

Open sore in stomach wall, caused by tissue disintegration.
Causes include bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) impairing epithelial cell mucus production, chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, nicotine/tobacco use, aspirin/ibuprofen use, and radiation therapy.

Appendicitis & Peritonitis

Irritated/inflamed appendix, potentially filled with mucus, stool, or parasites.
Can burst, causing peritonitis (infection of abdominal lining).
Both are medical emergencies and can be lethal.

Colitis

Inflammation and irritation of the colon.
Accompanied by pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool.
Temporary colitis can be caused by food poisoning or infection.
Chronic colitis, a more serious condition, can be related to inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease.
Untreated colitis increases the risk of perforation, peritonitis, colon cancer, and other complications.

Polyps & Colon Cancer

Polyps are small growths in the large intestine lining.
Can invade the colon, causing blockages and infections.
A polyp that is removed has a high cure rate.
Colon cancer can be linked to high dietary fat and increased bile secretions.
Excess bile salts can be converted into carcinogenic materials by colon bacteria.
High fibre diets inhibit colon cancer by absorbing water and adding bulk. Dilutes bile salt concentration.

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disease.
Common among Caucasians (1 in 20 carry the gene).
Affects cells producing mucus, sweat, and digestive secretions.
Secretes thick, sticky mucus.
Blocks pancreatic ducts, preventing digestive enzymes from being released into the small intestine.
Patients must ingest enzymes with every meal for food breakdown.
Respiratory passages can become obstructed.

Liver Disorders

Diseases interfere with bile production and secretion.
All are potentially lethal.

Jaundice

Yellowish tint to whites of eyes, skin, and tongue.
Due to excess bilirubin (breakdown of red blood cells).
Bilirubin diffuses into skin tissues.
Two types: haemolytic (red blood cells broken down unusually fast) and obstructive (bile duct blocked).

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver due to viral infection.
Liver cannot function properly.
Different viral strains (A, B, C).
A: sewage/contaminated water.
B: sexual contact, blood, needles.
C: contact with infected blood.

Cirrhosis

Liver tissue replaced with scar tissue due to liver becoming fatty, related to malnutrition and toxicity from alcohol (processed by the liver). Often seen in alcoholics.

Gallstones

Bile hardens into crystalline masses.
Caused by excess cholesterol, bile salts, and high-fat/low-fibre diets.
May block the bile duct, causing cramping pain, fever, or jaundice.

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Description

This quiz covers various digestive disorders, including heartburn, vomiting, and xerostomia. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and implications of these conditions on overall health. Test your knowledge on the digestive system and its common ailments.