Upper Gastrointestinal

A comprehensive collection of flashcards focusing on vocabulary relevant to upper gastrointestinal disorders and their management.

HCl

Hydrochloric acid, secreted in the stomach to assist with digestion.

G-cells

Cells that secrete gastrin in the stomach.

Parietal cells

Cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach.

Chief cells

Cells that secrete pepsinogen in the stomach.

Epithelial cells

Cells that line the stomach and contribute to its function.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which may start with solids and progress to liquids.

Hiatal Hernia

A defect in the diaphragm allowing part of the stomach to move into the thorax.

Acute Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, often resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.

PUD

Peptic ulcer disease, which involves ulcerative disorders in the upper GI tract.

Stenosis

Narrowing of a bodily channel, which may contribute to dysphagia.

Stricture

An abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage, often resulting from scarring.

Achalasia

A condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly.

LES

Lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach.

Inflammation

A response of the body to injury or infection, often resulting in redness and swelling.

Complications

Secondary problems that arise as a consequence of a disease or condition.

Barrett esophagus

A condition where the esophageal lining changes, often due to chronic GERD.

CVA

Cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, which can cause neuromuscular dysfunction.

Asthma

A condition marked by difficulty in breathing due to narrowed or obstructed airways.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.

Chemical ingestion

The intake of substances that can cause harm to the esophagus, such as toxins.

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.

Intrinsic factor

A protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum.

Pernicious anemia

A type of anemia caused by the inability to absorb vitamin B12 due to lack of intrinsic factor.

Chronic gastritis

A progressive disorder characterized by long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.

H. pylori

A type of bacteria that can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer.

Blood vomit

Hematemesis; vomiting of blood, indicating a serious gastrointestinal issue.

Postprandial discomfort

Discomfort that occurs after eating.

Fluid volume depletion

A reduction in the volume of fluids in the body, often a complication of gastroenteritis.

Erosion

A breach in the gastric mucosa caused by acid exposure.

Hemorrhage

Bleeding, which can be a severe complication of peptic ulcers.

Obstruction

A blockage that can occur in the digestive tract, potentially leading to severe issues.

Perforation

A hole that develops through the wall of an organ; a serious complication of ulcers.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause gastric injury and ulcers.

Prostaglandins

Compounds that perform many functions, including protecting the gastric mucosa.

Antacids

Medications used to neutralize stomach acid.

H2 receptor antagonists

Medications that block histamine at the H2 receptors in the stomach to reduce acid production.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)

Medications that irreversibly inhibit the proton pump in the stomach, reducing acid secretion.

Metoclopramide

A prokinetic agent that increases GI motility and suppresses nausea.

Sucralfate

A medication that forms a protective barrier over ulcers in the lining of the stomach.

Extrapyramidal reactions

Movement disorders caused by certain medications affecting the nervous system.

Cimetidine

An H2 receptor antagonist used to treat GERD and PUD.

Pantoprazole

A proton pump inhibitor used for short-term treatment of peptic ulcers and GERD.

Akinesia

Inability to initiate movement, often associated with extrapyramidal reactions.

Akathesia

An inability to stay still, a potential side effect of certain medications.

Tardive dyskinesias

Involuntary movements, often of the face and limbs, as a result of long-term medication use.

Upper gastrointestinal tract

The portion of the GI tract that includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa

An irritation and swelling of the stomach lining often caused by H. pylori.

Initial treatment phase

The early stage of managing conditions like PUD, often involving medications.

Clinical manifestations

The signs and symptoms associated with a disease.

Antisecretory drugs

Medications that reduce the secretion of gastric acid.

Gastrin

A hormone that stimulates acid secretion in the stomach.

Epigastric pain

Pain that occurs in the upper central region of the abdomen.

Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation

The failure of the LES to close properly, allowing acid reflux.

Nitric oxide

A signaling molecule that can influence gastrointestinal motility.

H. pylori diagnosis

Confirming the presence of Helicobacter pylori through tests and examinations.

Acid rebound

A phenomenon where increased acid production occurs after stopping proton pump inhibitors.

Bile reflux

The backflow of bile into the stomach and esophagus, possibly causing GERD symptoms.

Chemo-induced N/V

Nausea and vomiting that occur as a side effect of cancer treatments.

Acidic environment

An environment with low pH levels, which can lead to mucosal irritation in the stomach.

Minimize resistance

Using combination therapies to prevent bacterial resistance in treatment.

Short-term therapy

A limited duration of treatment, often applicable to NSAID use.

Long-term implications

Concerns associated with prolonged use of certain medications, such as PPIs.

Directive for medication dosing

Guidelines that recommend dosing intervals and amounts for medications.

Adjunct therapy

Additional treatment used alongside the primary therapy to enhance efficacy.

Bacterial infections

Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, which can impact gastrointestinal health.

Transcobalamin

A protein that transports vitamin B12 in the bloodstream.

Cobalamin

Vitamin B12, which is necessary for red blood cell formation and neurological function.

Dyspepsia

Indigestion; discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.

Gastrointestinal motility

The movement of food through the digestive tract.

Serious systemic disorders

Severe diseases that can impact the function of multiple organ systems.

Caustic substance

A material that can cause injury to tissues through chemical action.

Prokinetic agents

Medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility to facilitate digestion.

Hepatotoxicity

Toxicity that affects the liver, often as a result of medication use.

Mechanical obstruction

A physical blockage that hampers the flow of contents through the digestive tract.

NSAID-induced injury

Gastric or intestinal damage caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease, encompassing conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

First-line therapy

The initial treatment recommended for a condition.