Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of hiatal hernia protrudes a separate portion of the stomach into the thorax, with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastroesophageal junction remaining below the diaphragm?
Which type of hiatal hernia protrudes a separate portion of the stomach into the thorax, with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and gastroesophageal junction remaining below the diaphragm?
What is the most common symptom associated with hiatal hernias?
What is the most common symptom associated with hiatal hernias?
Which of the following factors can increase the risk of hiatal hernias?
Which of the following factors can increase the risk of hiatal hernias?
What is the primary cause of the inflammation in reflux esophagitis, a symptom of GERD?
What is the primary cause of the inflammation in reflux esophagitis, a symptom of GERD?
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Which of the following medications may interfere with lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function and increase the risk of GERD?
Which of the following medications may interfere with lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function and increase the risk of GERD?
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Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of GERD?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of GERD?
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What condition can develop due to chronic GERD, potentially leading to dysphagia and shortness of breath?
What condition can develop due to chronic GERD, potentially leading to dysphagia and shortness of breath?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the treatment of hiatal hernias?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the treatment of hiatal hernias?
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What is the primary reason for the switch from stratified squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium in Barrett's esophagus, a complication of GERD?
What is the primary reason for the switch from stratified squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium in Barrett's esophagus, a complication of GERD?
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What is the primary contraindication for massage therapy in patients with hiatal hernias?
What is the primary contraindication for massage therapy in patients with hiatal hernias?
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What is the MOST COMMON cause of acquired diaphragmatic hernias?
What is the MOST COMMON cause of acquired diaphragmatic hernias?
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Which of these is NOT a typical sign or symptom of diaphragmatic hernia?
Which of these is NOT a typical sign or symptom of diaphragmatic hernia?
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What complication can arise due to organ incarceration in diaphragmatic hernia?
What complication can arise due to organ incarceration in diaphragmatic hernia?
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What is the primary treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
What is the primary treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
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Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding pyloric stenosis?
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding pyloric stenosis?
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What is the typical characteristic of vomiting in pyloric stenosis?
What is the typical characteristic of vomiting in pyloric stenosis?
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What diagnostic tool is typically used to confirm pyloric stenosis?
What diagnostic tool is typically used to confirm pyloric stenosis?
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What is the surgical procedure performed to treat pyloric stenosis?
What is the surgical procedure performed to treat pyloric stenosis?
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What is the primary characteristic of acute gastritis?
What is the primary characteristic of acute gastritis?
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What type of massage contraindication is associated with pyloric stenosis?
What type of massage contraindication is associated with pyloric stenosis?
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What is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers?
What is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with peptic ulcers?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with peptic ulcers?
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In which area do gastric ulcers typically occur?
In which area do gastric ulcers typically occur?
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What should be avoided in patients experiencing acute gastritis?
What should be avoided in patients experiencing acute gastritis?
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Which of the following complications is associated with peptic ulcers?
Which of the following complications is associated with peptic ulcers?
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What is a common sign or symptom of acute gastritis?
What is a common sign or symptom of acute gastritis?
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What is the most common environmental cause of chronic gastritis?
What is the most common environmental cause of chronic gastritis?
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Which of the following is a complication associated with acute gastritis?
Which of the following is a complication associated with acute gastritis?
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In terms of immune response differentiation, which type of inflammatory cell is characteristic of acute gastritis?
In terms of immune response differentiation, which type of inflammatory cell is characteristic of acute gastritis?
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What condition may develop as a result of chronic gastritis leading to reduced secretion of HCl?
What condition may develop as a result of chronic gastritis leading to reduced secretion of HCl?
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Which of the following treatments is commonly recommended for chronic gastritis?
Which of the following treatments is commonly recommended for chronic gastritis?
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Chronic gastritis is primarily defined by the infiltration of which type of cells?
Chronic gastritis is primarily defined by the infiltration of which type of cells?
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What is a potential long-term consequence of untreated chronic gastritis?
What is a potential long-term consequence of untreated chronic gastritis?
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Which of the following is NOT a common presenting symptom of gastric cancer?
Which of the following is NOT a common presenting symptom of gastric cancer?
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What is the most common physical exam finding in patients with metastatic gastric cancer?
What is the most common physical exam finding in patients with metastatic gastric cancer?
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Which of the following is considered the best diagnostic test for gastric cancer?
Which of the following is considered the best diagnostic test for gastric cancer?
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What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism responsible for malabsorption in Celiac disease?
What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism responsible for malabsorption in Celiac disease?
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Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing Celiac disease?
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing Celiac disease?
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Which of the following dietary components triggers the immune response in Celiac disease?
Which of the following dietary components triggers the immune response in Celiac disease?
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Which of the following is a common symptom of Celiac disease?
Which of the following is a common symptom of Celiac disease?
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What is a common deficiency in individuals with celiac disease?
What is a common deficiency in individuals with celiac disease?
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What area of the GI tract is most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease?
What area of the GI tract is most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease?
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Which extraintestinal symptom is most commonly associated with Crohn's disease?
Which extraintestinal symptom is most commonly associated with Crohn's disease?
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How is a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis typically confirmed?
How is a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis typically confirmed?
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What is a significant potential complication of Ulcerative Colitis?
What is a significant potential complication of Ulcerative Colitis?
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What main characteristic distinguishes Crohn's disease from Ulcerative Colitis?
What main characteristic distinguishes Crohn's disease from Ulcerative Colitis?
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What is the initial treatment approach for malabsorption syndrome?
What is the initial treatment approach for malabsorption syndrome?
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During a flare-up of Crohn’s disease, what is recommended regarding massage?
During a flare-up of Crohn’s disease, what is recommended regarding massage?
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Which vitamin deficiency is likely to cause night blindness?
Which vitamin deficiency is likely to cause night blindness?
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What is a common symptom of protein malabsorption?
What is a common symptom of protein malabsorption?
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What is one of the main signs of Iron deficiency?
What is one of the main signs of Iron deficiency?
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What is a notable characteristic of the lesions seen in Crohn’s disease?
What is a notable characteristic of the lesions seen in Crohn’s disease?
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Which of the following complications is associated with prolonged Ulcerative Colitis?
Which of the following complications is associated with prolonged Ulcerative Colitis?
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What test is most useful for confirming a diagnosis of celiac disease?
What test is most useful for confirming a diagnosis of celiac disease?
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Flashcards
Paraesophageal Hernia (Type II)
Paraesophageal Hernia (Type II)
Fixed protrusion of stomach into thorax while LES remains below diaphragm.
Sliding Hernia (Type I)
Sliding Hernia (Type I)
Protrusion of the LES and gastroesophageal junction through the diaphragm.
Signs of Hiatal Hernia
Signs of Hiatal Hernia
Common symptoms include indigestion, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Strangulation Complication
Strangulation Complication
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GERD Definition
GERD Definition
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Risk Factors for GERD
Risk Factors for GERD
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Common Symptoms of GERD
Common Symptoms of GERD
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Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s Esophagus
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Esophageal Ulcers
Esophageal Ulcers
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Diagnosis of Hiatal Hernia
Diagnosis of Hiatal Hernia
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Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
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Main cause of PUD
Main cause of PUD
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Anatomic classifications of PUD
Anatomic classifications of PUD
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Symptoms of PUD
Symptoms of PUD
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Contraindication for massage in gastritis
Contraindication for massage in gastritis
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GERD
GERD
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Diagnosis of GERD
Diagnosis of GERD
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Treatment for GERD
Treatment for GERD
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Diaphragmatic Hernia
Diaphragmatic Hernia
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Signs of Diaphragmatic Hernia
Signs of Diaphragmatic Hernia
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Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric Stenosis
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Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis
Symptoms of Pyloric Stenosis
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Acute Gastritis
Acute Gastritis
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Complications of Diaphragmatic Hernia
Complications of Diaphragmatic Hernia
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Treatment for Pyloric Stenosis
Treatment for Pyloric Stenosis
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Chronic Gastritis
Chronic Gastritis
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Signs of Acute Gastritis
Signs of Acute Gastritis
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Chronic Gastritis Symptoms
Chronic Gastritis Symptoms
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Etiology of Chronic Gastritis
Etiology of Chronic Gastritis
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Complications of Acute Gastritis
Complications of Acute Gastritis
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Treatment for Chronic Gastritis
Treatment for Chronic Gastritis
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Impact of Stress on Gastritis
Impact of Stress on Gastritis
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Gastric Cancer Symptoms
Gastric Cancer Symptoms
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Common Gastric Cancer Sign
Common Gastric Cancer Sign
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Gastric Cancer Diagnosis
Gastric Cancer Diagnosis
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Celiac Disease Definition
Celiac Disease Definition
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Celiac Disease Symptoms
Celiac Disease Symptoms
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Celiac Disease Etiology
Celiac Disease Etiology
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Gastric Cancer Prognosis
Gastric Cancer Prognosis
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Gastric Cancer Treatment
Gastric Cancer Treatment
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Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease
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Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
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Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Celiac Disease Diagnosis
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Treatment for Celiac Disease
Treatment for Celiac Disease
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Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease
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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis
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Complications of Crohn’s
Complications of Crohn’s
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Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
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Symptoms of Malabsorption Syndrome
Symptoms of Malabsorption Syndrome
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Signs of Iron Deficiency
Signs of Iron Deficiency
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Diagnosis of Malabsorption Syndrome
Diagnosis of Malabsorption Syndrome
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Treatment for Malabsorption Syndrome
Treatment for Malabsorption Syndrome
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Enteropathic Arthritis
Enteropathic Arthritis
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Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
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Flare-ups in IBD
Flare-ups in IBD
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Study Notes
Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System Part 1
- Disorders covered include disorders of the esophagus, stomach, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's/UC), celiac disease, and malabsorption syndrome.
Disorders of the Esophagus
- Includes hiatal hernia and GERD.
Hiatal Hernia
- Definition: A portion of the stomach protrudes through the esophageal hiatus.
- Prevalence: Affects approximately 15% of the population, potentially rising to 60% in those over 60.
- Symptoms: Typically, few people experience symptoms. Presentation can range from minor reflux to severe reflux, indigestion, bloating, and dysphagia.
- Etiology: Unknown for most cases, but risk factors include age-related diaphragm changes (over 50), trauma, or surgery. Other factors include constant pressure on surrounding muscles from coughing, vomiting, lifting, or exercising. Obesity also increases risk.
- Types:
- Sliding hernia (Type I): 95% of cases, where the upper part of the stomach slides up through the diaphragm.
- Paraesophageal hernia (Type II): 5% of cases, where the stomach is beside the esophagus rather than above it.
- Diagnosis: Barium x-ray.
- Treatment: Most sliding hernias do not need treatment.
- Lifestyle changes (head of bed elevation, avoiding large meals before bed, weight loss, stress reduction, quitting smoking)
- Medications (H2 blockers or PPI's)
- Surgery for paraesophageal hernias causing symptoms.
- Signs and symptoms:
- Most sliding hernias are asymptomatic.
- Symptoms are most noticeable after eating and/or while lying down,
- Commonly include indigestion, dull chest pain, shortness of breath (SOB), heart palpitations.
- Increased frequency with trunk flexion, straining, heavy lifting, pregnancy.
- Microscopic or massive bleeding is rare.
- Complications: Strangulation (painful and emergent complication), where the stomach is pinched by the diaphragm, and blood supply is cut off. Symptoms include chest pain, bloating, belching, and dysphagia.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Definition: Acid and enzymes from the stomach reflux into the esophagus, causing inflammation (reflux esophagitis).
- Etiology: Malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows stomach contents to enter the esophagus. Risk factors include hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, fatty, chocolate, caffeinated, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking.
- Signs and Symptoms: Heartburn, regurgitation. Pain may extend to neck, throat, face. Other possible symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, excessive salivation, and sensation of a lump in the throat, as well as a dry cough. Bleeding can be mild or severe.
- Complications: Esophageal ulcers due to chronic reflux (presenting similarly to heartburn), strictures, dysphagia, SOB, wheezing, Barrett's esophagus (metaplastic changes).
- Diagnosis: Based on symptoms; special tests may be used if diagnosis is unsure or if treatment is ineffective.
- Endoscopy, x-rays, LES pressure measurement, and esophageal pH testing.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes (similar to hiatal hernia),
- Dietary changes (reducing irritating foods),
- Parasympathetic stimulators to tighten LES.
- H2 blockers or PPI's to reduce acid.
- Massage implications: No contraindications, but positioning and timing of massage should be considered to ensure patient comfort.
Disorders of the Stomach
- Diaphragmatic hernia, Pyloric stenosis, Gastritis, Peptic Ulceration, Gastric cancer
Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Definition: Protrusion of organs through a weakened diaphragm. Specifically, organs other than through the esophageal hiatus.
- Etiology:
- Congenital: An embryological defect of the diaphragm.
- Acquired: Typically blunt force trauma to the chest/abdomen.
- Signs and symptoms: Abdominal pain, decreased breath sounds, SOB, bowell sounds in the chest, possible visible bulge. Most adults are asymptomatic.
- Complications: Incarceration of organs, strangulation resulting in perforation/peritonitis, surgical emergency.
- Diagnosis: A medical professional will examine to determine cause.
- Treatment: Immediate surgical repair is required for congenital cases within 24-48 hours of diagnosis; surgical repair is indicated as soon as possible for acquired cases once diagnosed.
- Massage Implications: Local contraindication for performing massage over the area.
Pyloric Stenosis
- Definition: Congenital or acquired narrowing of the pylorus (the opening between the stomach and duodenum).
- Etiology: Congenital (more common) and idiopathic; possible genetic component; it normally becomes apparent during the first month of life. It may be linked to other genetic conditions such as Turner Syndrome, Trisomy 18 and esophageal atresia.
Acquired: hypertrophy from gastritis and/or peptic ulcers near the gastric antrum. - Signs and Symptoms:
- Regurgitation
- Persistent and projectile non-bilious vomiting after feeding, often leading to dehydration and failure to thrive (FTT).
- Infants may seem hungry and want to feed again after vomiting.
- Visible peristalsis and a palpable olive-sized mass in the abdomen.
- Diagnosis: Abdominal ultrasound.
- Treatment: Surgical muscle splitting (pyloromyotomy). IV fluids for dehydration.
- Massage Implications: Local Contraindication.
Acute Gastritis
- Definition: A transient inflammation of the gastric mucosa with acute inflammatory cells. Characterized by hemorrhagic defects extending through the mucosa.
- Etiology: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, alcohol, smoking and Crohn's Disease. Emotional distress, physical stress, severe burns or major injuries.
- Signs and Symptoms: Variable or none. Typically include epigastric pain/pressure, indigestion, and nausea or vomiting. More severe symptoms include overt hemorrhage, massive hematemesis, melena, anemia, fatigue/weakness, light-headedness.
- Complications: Gastric perforation/peritonitis, significant bleeding, chronic gastritis/gastric atrophy.
- Diagnosis: The doctor should determine the suspected cause. Symptoms, history and/or diagnostic tests.
- Treatment: Medication- reduce cause of gastritis, for example, stopping NSAID use; eradication of H. pylori; supportive care for the symptoms (such as providing IV fluids).
Chronic Gastritis
- Definition: Inflammation of the gastric mucosa with infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Characterized by mucosal atrophy (thinning of the mucous membrane) and possible intestinal metaplasia.
- Etiology: Autoimmune or environmental factors such as H. pylori infection. Other factors include non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, smoking, and Crohn's Disease.
- Signs and Symptoms: Variable or none. If symptoms occur they include mild/vague dyspepsia, poor digestion, and a decrease in protein breakdown. If symptoms occur in this case, they include pernicious anemia, polyneuropaties (due to lack of B12), malabsorption.
- Treatment: Stopping irritating drugs (especially NSAIDS); Eradication of H. pylori; dietary changes, especially with regards to foods that cause indigestion.
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
- Definition: Sharply demarcated, round or oval ulcerations in the lining of the stomach or duodenum; can be acute or chronic.
- Anatomical Classifications:
- Duodenal (most common): Ulcers in the first few inches of the duodenum.
- Gastric: Occur along the lesser curvature and the antrum of the stomach.
- Marginal: Occur at the juncture of the stomach and intestine where the stomach has been surgically removed in the past.
- Etiology: Imbalance of gastrointestinal mucosal defense mechanisms against damaging forces such as HCI and pepsin. Main cause is H. pylori; also NSAIDs, corticosteroids, severe stress, smoking.
- Signs and Symptoms: ASx (about 70% of cases). Can also include epigastric pain (gnawing, burning, aching) that waxes and wanes; other possible sx: hematemesis, bloating, belching.
- Complications: Perforation; Bleeding (leading to iron-deficiency anemia); excessive scarring/cicatrization; gastric outlet obstruction.
- Diagnosis: Suspicion of PUD based on history and symptoms. Medical professional will recommend, and determine necessity and confirmation for diagnostic tests if necessary including endoscopy or barium x-ray, depending on the patient and situation. Also include checking for any signs of possible gastric cancer. If patient is 45+, check for gastric cancer symptoms.
- Treatment: Discontinue NSAID use; antibiotics for H. pylori; neutralizing/reducing stomach acid medications; usually take treatment for 4-8 weeks.
Gastric Cancer
- Definition: Primary adenocarcinomas, cancer from glandular cells in the stomach. About 95% of gastric cancers are this kind.
- Epidemiology: Most common in those over 50; highest incidence in Eastern Asia and lowest in Africa; more common in males. Over 4,000 diagnoses per year in Canada; a common cancer but 3rd highest mortality rate worldwide.
- Etiology: Risk factors include H. pylori infection, large/multiple gastric polyps, dietary links (smoked, salted, pickled foods, nitrates), smoking, and obesity.
- Signs and Symptoms: Often vague, such as early symptoms like burning pain/early satiety that are similar to peptic ulcer symptoms. More specific symptoms include weight loss, epigastric pain, nausea, dysphagia, and melena.
- Prognosis: Five-year survival rate is roughly 10%; diagnosis of the issue at a further stage, the chance of survival is reduced significantly; prognosis is better if the cancer has not spread deeply. Early metastasis to lymph nodes is poor prognostic indicator.
- Diagnosis: Medical professional will order diagnostic tests when they suspect gastric cancer through physical examination and patient history.
- Treatment: Surgical excision of the tumor portion; local lymph node removal, possible chemo and radiation; palliative options dependent on staging of the disease.
Disorders of the Intestines
- Celiac disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's and UC), Malabsorption Syndrome
Celiac Disease
- Definition: Immune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and oats. It's a cause of malabsorption syndrome. Genetic component in some, more prominent in family members.
- Pathophysiology: An immune response to gluten causes flattening of villi in the small intestine, leading to malabsorption.
- Etiology: Genetic component with increased risk in those with first/second degree relatives diagnosed with celiac disease. Common to also have other autoimmune diseases like Type 1 DM and autoimmune thyroiditis. Down's syndrome and Turner syndrome are also associated with an increased risk.
- Signs and Symptoms: Various symptoms depending on severity and damage. Common GI symptoms include chronic diarrhea (foul smelling stools), bloating, malnutrition, weight loss, malabsorption disorders such as iron deficiency anemia, calcium & vitamin D deficiency (osteopenia, tooth decay), vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia), generalized swelling. Extrinsic symptoms include dermatitis herpetiformis (pruritic papules and blisters).
- Diagnosis: Raises suspicion with physical examination and patient history and includes blood and stool tests and later confirmed by tissue biopsy.
- Treatment: Gluten-free diet; Steroid Use (corticosteroids) as appropriate for exacerbating symptoms.
- Prognosis: Potential for intestinal lymphoma and GI cancer; unknown if following a gluten-free diet can decrease the risk. Increased mortality compared to general population.
- Massage implications: No contraindications, however, depending on symptoms, adjustments to massage around the abdomen may be required if necessary.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Category: Two distinct diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammation of the bowel.
Crohn's Disease
- Definition: An idiopathic, autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting any part of the GI tract, characterized by transmural inflammation and skip lesions.
- Etiology: Idiopathic and autoimmune.
- Pathophysiology: Affects the full thickness of the bowel (transmural inflammation). Commonly occurs in distal ileum and/or proximal colon. Skip lesions are also common.
- Signs and Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea (possibly bloody), fatigue, weight loss. Possible extraintestinal symptoms include enteropathic arthritis, sacroiliitis/ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, stomatitis.
- Complications: Flare-ups (mild to severe), possible abdominal obstruction (scarring), abscess formation, fistulas, a possible increase in risk of colon cancer (depending on the extent and duration of the disease).
- Diagnosis: Based on patient history, physical examination, stool tests for inflammatory markers, blood test, imaging with x-rays or colonoscopy for confirmation. Possible tissue biopsy to confirm.
- Treatment: Aims to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. Includes treatment with anti-inflammatory medication, antidiarrheal medication, corticosteroids, and/or dietary changes. Possible surgical removal of segments of the digestive tract, surgical repair of fistulas to treat complications.
- Massage implications: Local contraindications during flare-ups.
Ulcerative Colitis
- Definition: A chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease limited to the colon's mucosa; occurs in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Characterized by progressive lesions (not skip lesions).
- Etiology: Idiopathic and autoimmune; genetic connections, dietary and infection can worsen or cause the illness.
- Pathophysiology: Affects only the mucosal layer of the colon; occurs in a progressive pattern.
- Signs and Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, bowel urgency, lower abdominal pain and cramping; possible extraintestinal symptoms include enteropathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and stomatitis
- Diagnosis: Patient's history, physical examination, stool tests for inflammatory markers, imaging to confirm suspected location and extent of the disease, possible tissue biopsy.
- Complications: Severe bleeding, possible colon distention (toxic megacolon), higher risk of colon cancer, perforation, and/or urgent colectomy.
- Treatment: Aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms. Possible treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, antidiarrheal drugs, corticosteroids, iron supplements, and possible dietary changes; possible surgery, and use of medication to manage symptoms or to reduce inflammation (including corticosteroids).
- Massage Implications: Local contraindications during flare-ups.
Malabsorption Syndrome
- Definition: Condition where the small/large intestine's ability to absorb nutrients is compromised.
- Etiology: Causes vary but are usually due to damage to the mucous membrane of the GI tract.
- Signs and Symptoms: Vary depending on nutrients which are malabsorbed. Symptoms may include weight loss; oily, light-colored, foul smelling stools; explosive diarrhea or bloating, flatulence; swelling, pale and/or dry skin, hair loss, bone pain; iron deficiency/microcytic anemia and related weakness or fatigue, or other vitamin deficiencies depending on the cause. Possible neurological or cardiovascular complications.
- Diagnosis: Suspicion is raised by patient's history and physical examination; stool tests for fat content may be needed. Blood tests are needed to rule out possible vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Further investigation potentially includes imaging.
- Treatment: Depends on the cause (underlying disease, infections, medications) for effective treatment.
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Description
Test your knowledge on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias. This quiz covers symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options associated with these conditions. Dive into the complexities of esophageal health with a series of challenging questions.
