Digestive System Pathophysiology

CCMA Exam Prep

Appendicitis causes

Idiopathic inflammation of the appendix

Appendicitis symptoms

RLQ pain, loss of appetite, nausea

Appendicitis treatment

antibiotics, appendectomy

Cirrhosis causes

scarring liver, can be autoimmune, medication, alcohol, Hepatitis B or C

Cirrhosis symptoms

anemia, fatigue, fever, enlarged liver, jaundice, weight loss

Cirrhosis treatment

avoid alcohol, antibiotics, diuretics

Cholelithiasis (gallstones) causes

insoluble cholesterol and bile salt

Cholelithiasis (gallstones) symptoms

can be asymptomatic, radiating right upper quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting

Cholelithiasis (gallstones) treatment

laparoscopic, lithotripsy

Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) causes

viral or bacterial infection

Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) symptoms

diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating

Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) treatment

treatment of underlying surgery

Constipation (difficulty eliminating feces) causes

inactivity, lack of fiber and water in diet, medications

Constipation (difficulty eliminating feces) symptoms

bloating, abdominal pain, hard feces

Constipation (difficulty eliminating feces) treatment

increased dietary fiber and water, physical activity

Crohn’s disease causes

inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune

Crohn’s disease symptoms

fever, joint pain, tender gums, abnormal abdominal sounds, constipation or diarrhea, intestinal bleeding

Crohn’s disease treatment

dietary changes, antibiotics, surgery

Diverticulitis (abnormal out-pouching of intestinal wall) causes

bacterial, viral, parasitic

Diverticulitis (abnormal out-pouching of intestinal wall) symptoms

constipation or diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, nausea

Diverticulitis (abnormal out-pouching of intestinal wall) treatments

high-fiber diet, antibiotics

Hemorrhoids (varicose vein of the rectum or anus) causes

constipation, straining during bowl movements, pelvic pressure during pregnancy, child birth

Hemorrhoids (varicose vein of the rectum or anus) symptoms

itching, pain in anal area, blood with bowel movements, visible protrusion from the anus

Hemorrhoids (varicose vein of the rectum or anus) treatment

high-fiber diet, stool softeners, surgical removal

Hiatal hernia (part of stomach protrudes through diaphragm) causes

unknown causes, smoking

Hiatal hernia (part of stomach protrudes through diaphragm) symptoms

heartburn, chest pain, excessive burping

Hiatal hernia (part of stomach protrudes through diaphragm) treatment

weight reduction, medication