Gastrointestinal Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, celiac disease, and obesity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits.

FODMAP

A group of fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals.

Visceral hypersensitivity

Increased sensitivity of the internal organs resulting in exaggerated pain responses, commonly seen in IBS patients.

Biopsychosocial model

A model explaining IBS that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors impacting health.

Lactose intolerance

The inability to digest lactose due to the lack of the enzyme lactase, leading to symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

Celiac disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, associated with intestinal damage.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

A condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver not due to alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity and insulin resistance.

Cholelithiasis

The formation of gallstones, typically linked to super saturation of cholesterol in the gallbladder.

Acute pancreatitis

An inflammation of the pancreas often resulting from biliary obstruction or high alcohol intake, characterized by abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A psychological treatment technique found to help some patients manage symptoms of IBS.

Genetic predisposition

An inherited tendency to develop a particular condition, such as IBS or celiac disease.

Serotonin transporter protein

A protein involved in the transport of serotonin, linked to gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders.