GI Disorders

Achalasia

Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to properly relax due to a loss of inhibitory myenteric neurons, causing esophageal dilation and dysphagia

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD

Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus due to low LES pressure, causing heartburn and esophagitis.

Hirschsprung Disease

Congenital absence of enteric ganglion cells resulting in a functional obstruction, abdominal distension, and megacolon.

Biliary Obstruction

Blockage preventing normal bile flow, leading to steatorrhea, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, and jaundice

Gastritis

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by mucosal injury or weakened defenses allowing acid penetration

Peptic Ulcers

Localized ulceration of gastric or duodenal mucosa caused by factors like Helicobacter pylori or NSAIDs damaging the mucus-bicarbonate barrier

Vomiting

Forceful expulsion of upper GI contents coordinated by the vomiting center, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis and dehydration

Diarrhea

Passage of excessively watery or frequent stools (classified into osmotic, secretory, inflammatory, and malabsorptive types)

Malabsorption

Inadequate nutrient absorption due to defects in digestion, mucosal uptake, or enzyme/bile delivery.

Constipation

Difficult or infrequent passage of hard stools caused by slow colonic motility and excessive water absorption.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation caused by premature intracellular activation of trypsinogen into trypsin, resulting in pancreatic autodigestion

Pancreatic Insufficiency

Inadequate exocrine secretion leading to malsecretion of enzymes/bicarbonate and steatorrhea.

Crohn’s Disease

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by transmural inflammation and abdominal pain.

Ulcerative Colitis

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum, presenting with mucosal/submucosal ulceration and bloody diarrhea

Portal Hypertension

Abnormally elevated pressure in the portal venous circulation due to increased flow resistance from liver disease, resulting in esophageal varices and ascites.

Liver Failure

Severe loss of hepatic functions (bile production, protein synthesis, detoxification) resulting in jaundice, ascites, and metabolic abnormalities.

Short bowel syndrome

Malabsorption resulting from inadequate functional small-intestinal length, causing severe diarrhea and malnutrition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS

characterized by abdominal pain, altered motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and altered bowel habits.