Patho - Hepatic and GI

GERD

Backflow (reflux) of gastric contents into the esophagus due to malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter

GERD Symptoms (3)

- Heartburn

- Belching

- Regurgitation of food

GERD Treatment (3)

- Elevating the head of the bed while sleeping

- Avoiding alcohol

- Drugs to decrease production of acid

What can severe GERD lead to?

Esophageal cancer

Hernia

Protrusion or projection of an organ or a part of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it

Hiatal Hernia

Parts of the stomach have herniated through the diaphragm

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Discontinuation in the inner lining of the GI tract because of gastric acid secretion or pepsin

Where does PUD usually occur?

In the stomach and proximal duodenum

- Muscularis propria layer of the gastric epithelium

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas

- Extremely painful and makes the pt feel very nauseas and ill

What can pancreatitis be related to?

- Alcohol

- Autoimmune disease

- Cancer

- Gallstones

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix

- Usually d/t blockage of the appendix followed by infection

- Medical emergency

Treatment for acute appendicitis is ___ within ___ hours of the first symptom?

Appendectomy, 48

Diverticular Disease

Condition in which bulging pouches (diverticula) in the GI tract push mucosal lining through the surrounding muscle

Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis

-losis = Have diverticula

-litis = Inflammation/infection of diverticula

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Ulceration of the colon mucosa

2 Types of IBD

1. Crohn disease

2. Ulcerative colitis

Crohn Disease

IBD that usually affects the ileum but may affect any portion of the GI tract

How to tell Crohn Disease vs Ulcerative Colitis?

- Crohn has patchy inflammation

- UC has uniform inflammation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Characterized by GI s/s

- Including constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating

- All in the absence of inflammation (called spastic colon)

Ascites

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity

- Usually d/t liver disease

Cholelisthiasis

Gallstones in the gallbladder

How to tell gallstones vs peptic ulcer?

Gallstones = Stomach hurts after meal

Peptic ulcer = Stomach hurts during meal

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae of the eyes caused by excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia)

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease characterized by destruction of liver cells that eventually leads to ineffective liver function and jaundice

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver

Causes of Hepatitis (4)

- Viruses (A, B, C, D, or E)

- Drug toxicity

- Alcohol abuse

- Autoimmune

Where is pain located with cholelithiasis?

RUQ substernal and back

What is palmar erythema a sign of?

Liver disease

- Red palms

Spider Angiomas

Common in alcoholics

- Liver disease symptom

Asterixis

During wrist extension pt hand 'flaps'

- Sign of liver disease d/t ammonia build up that affects the CNS

Most common cause of Hepatitis E?

Unclean water