The Child with a Gastrointestinal Condition

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gastrointestinal conditions in children as discussed in the lecture notes.

Failure to thrive (FTT)

Failure to develop according to established growth parameters.

Pyloric Stenosis

Obstruction of the lower end of the stomach caused by overgrowth of the pylorus muscles; most common surgical condition of the GI tract in infancy.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, with treatment focused on restoring fluid and electrolyte balance.

Diarrhea

Sudden increase in stools with fluid consistency; can be acute or chronic.

Constipation

Difficult or infrequent defecation, often associated with hard, dry fecal material.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

Particularly significant in children under 2 years due to greater water loss through skin.

Dehydration

Condition caused by loss of fluids and electrolytes, classified by serum sodium levels.

Appendicitis

Most common reason for emergency abdominal surgery, resulting from an obstruction of the appendix.

Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)

Fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida, leading to inflammation if it passes into the GI tract.

Hematemesis

Vomiting of blood, indicating potential serious underlying issues in GI health.

Pruritus

Itching that may indicate liver dysfunction in the absence of allergy.

Anasarca

Severe generalized edema, often requiring monitoring of fluid balance.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Condition where stomach contents regurgitate into the esophagus, often seen in specific conditions like Down syndrome.

Enterocolitis

Inflammation of the colon and small intestines, requiring careful monitoring for associated symptoms.