Lower gi

Diarrhea

Increased frequency of bowel movements, resulting in watery stools.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disease, in this case, diarrhea can be due to infectious organisms.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of a disease.

Short-chain fatty acids

Fatty acids that are essential for gut health and are produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs and symptoms of a disease.

Antibiotics

Medications that disrupt normal gut flora, potentially leading to diarrhea.

Immunocompromised

Individuals with weakened immune systems, increasing their risk for infections.

Stool cultures

Laboratory tests that identify pathogens in the stool.

IV fluids

Intravenous fluids used to restore hydration in severe cases of diarrhea.

Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI)

A severe infection that can occur after antibiotic use, often leading to diarrhea.

Fecal Microbial Transplant (FMT)

A treatment for recurrent CDI involving the transfer of stool from a healthy donor.

Fecal Incontinence

Inability to control bowel movements, leading to unintentional passage of stool.

Digital de-impaction

Manual removal of hardened feces from the rectum.

Cathartic colon syndrome

A condition resulting from excessive use of laxatives, leading to decreased colonic function.

Acid-base imbalance

A disturbance in the body's normal acid-base balance, which can occur in severe diarrhea.

Rebound tenderness

Pain that is felt when pressure is released from the abdomen, indicating inflammation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical intervention.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection or perforation.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Chronic inflammation of the colon characterized by ulceration and bleeding.

Crohn's Disease (CD)

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Strictures

Narrowing of the bowel that can occur in Crohn's disease.

Toxic megacolon

A severe complication of inflammatory bowel disease, leading to intestinal distention and risk of perforation.

Malabsorption

Impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

Administration of nutrients via an intravenous route when oral intake is not possible.

Obstipation

Severe constipation characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Colorectal cancer

Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often screened for with colonoscopy.

Diverticulosis

Condition of having diverticula, small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of diverticula, potentially leading to severe complications.

Lactose Intolerance

Inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of lactase enzyme.

Celiac Disease

Autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, leading to inflammation and malabsorption.

Short Bowel Syndrome

A malabsorption disorder resulting from surgical removal of a portion of the small intestine.

Fiber

A type of carbohydrate that aids in digestion and bowel regularity.

Anti-diarrheal medications

Drugs used to reduce diarrhea, often avoid in infectious diarrhea.

Electrolyte disturbances

Imbalances of essential minerals in the body, often due to dehydration.

Nutritional deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients needed for proper body function.

Skin care management

Strategies to protect the skin, particularly surrounding an ostomy.

Handwashing protocols

Guideline for proper hygiene to prevent infections, especially in CDI.

Stoma

An artificial opening in the abdominal wall created during an ostomy surgery.

Probiotics

Microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, often supporting gut health.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the gut microbiota, which can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.

Constipation

A condition marked by infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by infections.

Digestive Enzymes

Proteins that help break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

Colonoscopy

A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon for abnormalities.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can cause discomfort and bleeding.

Glycemic Index

A measure of how quickly foods raise blood glucose levels after consumption.

Hydration

Maintaining adequate fluid balance in the body, important for overall health.

Endoscopy

A procedure to visualize the interior of the digestive tract using an endoscope.