DIGESTIVE DISORDERS OR SUMN

Upper gastrointestinal tract

Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Lower gastrointestinal tract

Includes the small intestine (except duodenum), large intestine, rectum, and anus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic condition with stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.

Dyspepsia

Indigestion or discomfort in upper abdomen with bloating, nausea, and burping.

Gastroparesis

Condition where the stomach can't empty food normally due to weak muscle contractions.

Peptic ulcer

Sore on stomach, small intestine, or esophagus lining due to stomach acid erosion.

Melena

Black, tarry stools indicating digested blood presence from bleeding ulcer.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood, often indicating bleeding in upper gastrointestinal tract.

Gastric ulcer

Type of peptic ulcer specifically on the stomach lining.

Duodenal ulcer

Type of peptic ulcer in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Group of inflammatory conditions in colon and small intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Tenesmus

Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement, often with pain and straining.

Toxic megacolon

Severe complication of inflammatory bowel disease where the colon rapidly dilates and is at risk for perforation

Celiac disease

Autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine

Portal hypertension

Increased blood pressure within the portal venous system, often due to liver disease like cirrhosis

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling

Portosystemic shunts

Blood vessels that bypass the liver, forming due to portal hypertension, allowing toxins to circulate systemically

Collateral veins

Secondary veins that form to bypass a blockage or high pressure area, often seen in portal hypertension

Asterixis

Flapping tremor of the hands when the wrists are extended, often seen in hepatic encephalopathy

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood

Icterus

Another term for jaundice, indicating a yellowish pigmentation of the skin and sclerae

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen, often due to increased pressure in the portal venous system

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, caused by viral infections, toxins, or autoimmune conditions

Acute hepatitis

Short-term liver inflammation resulting from viral infections, toxins, or drugs

Chronic hepatitis

Long-term liver inflammation lasting more than six months, often due to persistent viral infections or autoimmune conditions

Cirrhosis

Irreversible scarring of the liver, often due to long-term damage from alcohol, hepatitis, or other chronic liver diseases

Hepatotoxin

A substance that is toxic to the liver, causing damage to liver cells.

Liver failure

A severe decline in liver function, leading to the inability to perform essential metabolic processes.

Fetor hepaticus

A sweet, musty odor of the breath due to volatile substances normally processed by the liver being released through the lungs.

Purpura

Purple-colored spots and patches that occur on the skin due to small blood vessels leaking blood.

Petechiae

Small, pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin caused by minor bleeding from broken capillaries.

Spider angioma

A cluster of small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin, resembling a spider web.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed, which can be caused by a variety of factors including trauma, dry air, or underlying health conditions.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to blockage by gallstones.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic and is often associated with gallstones or chronic alcohol use.

Acute pancreatitis

A sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention.

Chronic pancreatitis

Long-term inflammation of the pancreas that leads to irreversible damage and can result in digestive and endocrine dysfunction.