U10 - Disorders of the Digestive System

GERD

gastroesophageal reflux disease

aka heartburn and acid indigestion

lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter relaxes inappropriately and allows stomach's contents (acid) to flow up to the esophagus

esophageal varices

abnormal, enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus that may lead blood or rupture

-> develops when normal blood flow to the liver is obstructed

stomach ulcers

aka peptic ulcer disease

- most are caused by Helicobacter pylori

- infection can persist for years or life

- can develop either peptic and duodenal ulcers or both

gastric bypass surgery

helps lose weight by changing how stomach/small intestine handle food you eat

-> smaller stomach = feel full with less food

-> no longer goes into some parts of the stomach and small intestine = body doesn't absorb all calories

last-ditch effort

hepatitis

inflammation of the liver caused by a virus; comes in several versions (A -> G)

Hepatitis A: spreads via fecal-oral route; asymptomatic or mild symptoms

Hepatitis B: transmitted via blood/body fluids; anorexia, jaundice, swollen liver, coke-colored urine, clay-colored stool

lactose intolerance

an inability to digest milk sugar, lactose (for babies)

- can cause small intestine pain and discomfort

- 65% of the worldwide population have this

gallstones

aka cholelithiasis

an accumulation of hardened cholesterol/calcium deposits in the gallbladder

- can pass into GI tract or surgically removed

celiac disease

autoimmune response to the presence of gluten proteins -> wheat, barley, rye

result is a truncation (flattening) of intestinal villi; leads to malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies

gastroenteritis

inflammation of stomach or intestines; inhibits nutrient absorption and leads to excessive H2O and electrolyte loss

Causes: bacteria, viruses, etc.

Fecal to Oral route of transmission

colorectal cancer

aka colon, rectal, or bowel cancer

Risk Factors: lifestyle, older age, inherited genetic disorders (rare