GI System Part 1: Esophageal Disorders, PUD, and Intestinal Conditions

What are the two major control systems of the gastrointestinal (GI) system?

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) and hormonal regulation.

What is the role of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)?

It is known as the 'brain of the gut' and controls digestive processes.

What initiates mechanical digestion in the mouth?

Chewing, where teeth break food into smaller pieces and the tongue forms the bolus.

What begins chemical digestion in the mouth?

Saliva, which starts carbohydrate digestion and lubricates food.

What is the function of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?

It kills microbes.

What enzyme is responsible for protein digestion in the stomach?

Pepsinogen.

What is intrinsic factor and why is it important?

It is essential for vitamin B12 absorption.

What is esophagitis?

Inflammation and injury of the esophageal lining.

What is the most common cause of esophagitis?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

What are the clinical manifestations of esophagitis?

Heartburn, odynophagia, dysphagia, and chest pain.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing esophagitis?

Upper Endoscopy (EGD).

What is achalasia?

An esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function.

What is the hallmark symptom of achalasia?

Dysphagia to both solids and liquids.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing achalasia?

Manometry.

What is a common clinical problem related to foreign body ingestion?

It is especially common in children, elderly patients, and individuals with psychiatric conditions.

Where do foreign bodies most commonly lodge in the esophagus?

At the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), aortic arch/left main bronchus level, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

What is the most common foreign body ingested by children?

Coins.

What is the treatment for foreign body ingestion?

Endoscopy, with removal using graspers or retrieval nets.

What is esophageal perforation?

A serious GI emergency that allows air, saliva, gastric contents, and bacteria to escape the lumen.

What is the gold standard imaging for esophageal perforation?

CT Scan with IV Contrast.

What is gastritis?

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

What is the most common cause of gastritis worldwide?

Helicobacter pylori.

What characterizes Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)?

A mucosal defect of the stomach or duodenum that penetrates through the muscularis mucosae.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing peptic ulcers?

Endoscopy.

What is Crohn's Disease?

Transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the GI tract, most commonly the terminal ileum.

What is intussusception?

Telescoping of one segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment.

What is the peak incidence age for pediatric intussusception?

4-36 months of age.

What is infectious esophagitis?

Occurs predominantly in patients with impaired immunity. Commonly - Candida, HSV, and CMV

Esophageal Cancer

Common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Commonly presents with increasing dysplasia to solids and progressing to liquids as the tumor increases in size

What is the gold standard for gastritis?

endoscopy & urea breath test