GI Disorders Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions and key features of GERD, gastritis, and pancreatitis from the lecture notes.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Condition in which acidic gastric contents chronically reflux into the esophagus, leading to inflammation, metaplastic change and potential cancer risk.

GERD Manifestations

Epigastric burning, chest pain, belching, nausea, regurgitation with bitter taste, and dry cough (silent GERD).

Metaplasia in GERD

Adaptive change of esophageal squamous epithelium to glandular cells after prolonged acid exposure.

Acute Gastritis

Short-term inflammation of the gastric mucosa, commonly from irritants such as aspirin, alcohol or microbes; reversible once the stressor is removed.

Acute Gastritis Manifestations

Mild-to-severe abdominal pain, indigestion, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, hematemesis, anemia, or shock from hemorrhage/perforation.

Chronic Gastritis

Long-standing gastric mucosal inflammation due to H. pylori infection or autoimmunity, causing gland atrophy and impaired acid secretion.

Chronic Gastritis Manifestations

Dyspepsia, loss of appetite, vomiting, anemia, or possible absence of symptoms.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Gram-negative bacterium transmitted via saliva or feces that colonizes stomach lining and drives chronic gastritis.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas resulting from autodigestion by pancreatic enzymes.

Acute Pancreatitis

Sudden pancreatic inflammation, often triggered by gallstone duct obstruction or heavy alcohol use; leads to edema, hemorrhage, necrosis or abscesses.

Acute Pancreatitis Manifestations

Severe upper abdominal pain (sudden or dull), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, jaundice, and clay-colored stools.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Irreversible pancreatic damage due to persistent inflammation (commonly from chronic alcohol abuse) causing fibrosis, duct obstruction, and eventual loss of exocrine & endocrine function.

Chronic Pancreatitis Manifestations

Recurrent severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, and potential diabetes from insulin loss.

Steatorrhea

Bulky, foul-smelling, fatty stools caused by malabsorption or pancreatic enzyme deficiency.

Dyspepsia

General term for indigestion characterized by upper abdominal discomfort or pain.