Gastrointestinal Disorders Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering GI inflammatory disorders including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and diverticulitis from the lecture transcript.

Ulcerative Colitis

A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the colon caused by immune system dysfunction that results in inflammation of the mucosa and continuous ulcerations throughout the colon.

Ulcerative Colitis Signs and Symptoms

Manifestations including diarrhea with blood or pus (10 to 20 liquid stools per day), fever, abdominal pain, fecal urgency, weight loss, weakness, anemia, and dehydration.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

A laboratory marker that is elevated in the presence of chronic inflammation, such as in ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and diverticulitis.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

A laboratory parameter that increases in response to chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Sulfasalazine

A GI anti-inflammatory medication used in the treatment of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Proctocolectomy

A surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the entire colon and rectum.

Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Management

Patient teaching requiring NPO status during acute exacerbations, followed ongoing by a high-calorie, low-fiber diet eaten in smaller, more frequent meals while avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and lactose.

Crohn's Disease

A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that can involve any part of the entire GI tract, characterized by patchy ulcerations or skip lesions affecting all layers of the bowel wall.

Fistula

An abnormal tunnel between two organs that should not be present, which can form as a complication when Crohn's disease affects all layers of the bowel wall.

Crohn's Disease Signs and Symptoms

Manifestations including diarrhea (5 to 6 loose stools per day), steatorrhea, right lower quadrant abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, fever, and fatigue.

Steatorrhea

A condition characterized by a high fat content in the stool, commonly associated with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease Complications

Key risks associated with Crohn's disease including fistulas, malnutrition, and intestinal obstruction.

Diverticulosis

The formation of pouches off of the intestine due to high intraluminal pressure caused by factors such as obesity, a low-fiber diet, and genetic factors.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticular pouches resulting from the accumulation of undigested food and bacteria within them.

Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms

Manifestations including left lower quadrant abdominal pain (primarily affecting the descending or sigmoid colon), bloating, fever, and nausea or vomiting.

Diverticulitis Complications

Severe conditions arising from inflamed diverticula including perforation of the diverticula, peritonitis, bleeding, and potential fistula formation.

Diverticulitis Dietary Management

NPO status or a clear liquid diet during acute exacerbations, progressing to a low-fiber diet during recovery, and transitioning to a high-fiber diet ongoing.