Medical Terminology and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Digestive Disorders & Diseases

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

Heartburn

• Heartburn is pain or discomfort caused by digestive acid moving into the esophagus.
• It can be caused by a faulty or damaged cardiac sphincter.
• It often occurs after eating, while lying down, or bending over.
• Frequent heartburn can become a disease (GERD) when it causes severe symptoms or injury, damaging the esophagus and pharynx.

Vomiting

• Vomiting is caused by strong contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles that propel stomach contents back up the esophagus.
• It eliminates harmful substances from the stomach, or may be a reaction to an irritant or allergen.
• Examples include food poisoning, and gastroenteritis which is an infection of the stomach or bowel.

Xerostomia

• Xerostomia is dry mouth, or reduced saliva production.
• Causes include dehydration, stress, anxiety, or certain medications.
• Xerostomia may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
• It can also cause bad breath (halitosis), loss of taste, and difficulty swallowing.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is loose and watery stool, where the intestinal walls become irritated.
• Peristalsis increases in frequency, and water is not properly reabsorbed.
• Common causes include nervous stimulation (an example of anxiety), infection of the lower digestive tract, and food poisoning.
• Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration and disturbances in heart contractions.

Constipation

• Constipation is characterized by dry, hard feces, and infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 defecations per week).
• It can be caused by dehydration or a lack of dietary fiber.
• Chronic constipation can lead to hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectum).
• Constipation can be treated with mineral oil (to make the colon slippery), milk of magnesia (preventing water reabsorption), fiber-based laxatives (to create a soft colon mass), or irritant-based laxatives (to increase peristalsis).

Bristol Stool Chart

• The Bristol Stool Chart is used to classify and describe the type and shape of stool.
• It helps diagnose and monitor various bowel conditions.
• It categorizes stools into seven types based on consistency and shape (from hard lumps to entirely liquid).

Gastric Ulcer

• A gastric ulcer is an open sore in the stomach wall, caused by the gradual tissue disintegration.
• Causes may include a bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori), chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, nicotine and tobacco use, and taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and radiation therapy.

Appendicitis & Peritonitis

• Appendicitis is an irritation and inflammation of the appendix, which may be filled with mucus, stool, or parasites.
• It can lead to bursting, causing peritonitis. Peritonitis is an infection in the abdominal cavity lining.
• Both are serious medical emergencies and can be lethal.

Colitis

• Colitis is inflammation and irritation of the colon, often accompanied by pain, diarrhea, and bloody stool.
• Temporary colitis may be caused by food poisoning or infection.
• Chronic colitis is a more serious condition, often related to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's.
• Untreated colitis can increase the risk of perforation, peritonitis, colon cancer, and other complications.

Polyps & Colon Cancer

• Polyps are small growths of the epithelial lining in the large intestine.
• They can invade the colon, causing blockages and potentially infections.
• If removed early, the cure rate for polyps is high.
• Colon cancer is linked to high dietary fat intake and increased bile secretions.
• High-fiber diets can help inhibit colon cancer by absorbing water, increasing bulk, and reducing bile concentration.

Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease commonly affecting Caucasians, where thick, sticky mucus is secreted from cells in the body, including those related to the airways, sweat glands, and the digestive system.
• This mucus obstructs pancreatic ducts, hindering the release of digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
• Patients often require dietary enzymes to digest food.
• Respiratory passages can be severely obstructed.

Liver Disorders

• Liver diseases interfere with bile production and secretion.
• These diseases are potentially lethal.

Jaundice

• Jaundice is characterized by a yellowish tint in the whites of the eyes, skin, and tongue, due to excess bilirubin, which is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells.
• This bilirubin diffuses into the tissues.
• Two types include haemolytic (increased breakdown of red blood cells) and obstructive (bile duct blockage).

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infection.
• Several types of viral hepatitis exist, differing in transmission (e.g., A - sewage/water, B - sexual contact/blood/needles, C - contact with infected blood).
• Infected livers cannot function efficiently.

Cirrhosis

• Cirrhosis is a condition in which liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, often caused by malnutrition and the liver's toxicity to alcohol (for alcoholics).
• The organ becomes fatty.

Gallstones

• Gallstones are crystalline masses formed when bile hardens.
• They may be caused by high cholesterol, bile salts, an overly high intake of fat, and low fiber diet.
• Gallstones can block the bile duct, causing cramping pain, fever, or jaundice.