Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Constipation

Flashcards of key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes on nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Gastroenteritis

Implies enteritis and diarrhea; vomiting alone is not gastroenteritis.

Staphylococcal Toxin

A preformed, heat-stable toxin often related to barbecues and picnics, causing nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea.

Chinese Restaurant Syndrome

Caused by Bacillus cereus, a spore-forming bacteria on precooked rice, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy leading to dehydration and ketosis, more common in women with previous pregnancies or multiple gestations.

Ciguatera Toxin

Found in fish like grouper and mackerel, can cause nausea and vomiting.

Subdural Hematoma

Typically venous bleeds that develop slowly, common in elderly patients on anticoagulants after a fall, presenting with nausea and vomiting.

Epidural Hematoma

Arterial bleed (usually from the middle meningeal artery due to a temporal bone skull fracture), often in younger patients with acute trauma, presenting with loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval, then unconsciousness and potential nausea/vomiting

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Typically from aneurysms, presenting with the worst headache of their life and associated nausea and vomiting.

Bilious Vomiting

Suggests potential obstruction and can be related to cholelithiasis, biliary colic, or pancreatitis.

Feculent Vomiting

Indicates bowel obstruction.

Odansestron (Zofran)

A 5-HT3 serotonin receptor antagonist used as an antiemetic.

Acute Diarrhea

Diarrhea lasting less than two weeks, often caused by infection or antibiotic use.

Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea lasting greater than two weeks.

Secretory Diarrhea

Results from a toxin that activates cells' ion transport mechanisms, causing active secretion of water into the lumen.

Osmotic Diarrhea

Due to osmotically active substances in the colon that draw water from the intestine.

Rotavirus

Most common type of viral diarrhea, particularly in young children.

Norovirus (Norwalk-like viruses)

Viral cause of diarrhea that can show up as epidemics( e.g. cruise ships).

Enterotoxigenic E. Coli

Most common cause of traveler's diarrhea.

Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli (e.g., O157:H7)

Problematic E. Coli strain associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Condition induced by toxins from enterohemorrhagic E. Coli strains, leading to renal failure and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and edema.

Giardia Lamblia

Number one parasite affecting patients in the United States, typically found in contaminated streams.

Entamoeba Histolytica

Parasite mostly found in Mexico, Central and South America, and Africa, causing small, mucousy, and bloody stools.

Constipation

Defined as less than three bowel movements per week.

Opiates

Number one medication causing constipation.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Herniated disc affecting the cauda equina, leading to saddle anesthesia and potential bowel/bladder dysfunction (often diarrhea instead of constipation).

Hirschsprung's Disease

Potential cause of consitpation in newborns and infants.

Anal Stenosis

Potential cause of constipation in newborns and infants.

Psyllium

A bulking agent which increases the size of the stool

Lactulose

An osmotic agent used as a laxative.

Lubiprostone

A chloride channel activator used to allow more fluid to get into the bowel.