Digestive system

diseases

appendicitis

• Acute inflammation of the appendix usually caused by a obstruction and infection

• Symptoms: abdominal pain, N & V, mild fever, elevated WBC

• If ruptures infectious material spills out into peritoneal cavity and causes peritonitis

• Tx: appendectomy

cholecystitis

• Inflammation of the gallbladder• Cholelithiasis: gallstones form from

crystallized cholesterol, bile salts and bile pigments

• Symptoms: (after fatty foods) indigestion, n & v, pain under the rib and radiates to right shoulder

• Tx: low fat diet, lithotripsy, cholecystectomy

cirrhosis

• Chronic destruction of liver cells accompanied by the formation of fibrous connective and scar tissue

• Cause: malnutrition associated with alcoholism, hepatitis, bile duct disease and chemical toxins

Cirrhosis cont.

• Symptoms: vary and become more sever as the disease progresses

• Enlargement of the liver, anemia, nosebleeds, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, ascites (accumulation of fluid in abdominal peritoneal cavity)

• Liver function fails: disorientation, hallucinations, hepatic coma, and death

constipation

• Occurs when fecal matter remains in the colon too long, causing excessive reabsorption of water; feces becomes hard, dry and difficult to eliminate

• Causes: poor bowel habits, chronic use of laxatives, diet low in fiber, & digestive disease

• Tx: high fiber diet, adequate fluids & exercise

diarrhea

• Frequent watery stools

• Cause: infections, stress, diet, and irritated colon and toxic substances

• Dangerous for infants and small children due to excessive fluid loss.

• Tx: eliminate cause, provide adequate fluid intake, modify diet

diverticulitis

• Inflammation of diverticula, pouches or sacs that form in the intestine as the mucosal lining pushes through the surrounding muscle– Fecal mater and bacteria become trapped in

diverticula, inflammation occurs– Can cause an abscess or rupture leading to

peritonitis

Diverticulitis cont.

• Symptoms: abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements and flatus (gas), constipation or diarrhea, abdominal distention, low grade fever, n & v

• Tx: antibiotics, stool softening and pain meds., surgery to remove the affected section of colon

Gastroenteritits

• Inflammation of mucus membrane lining the stomach and intestinal tract

• Cause: food poisoning, infections and toxins

• Symptoms: abdominal cramping, n & v, fever, and diarrhea

• Tx: rest and increased fluid intake, sever cases: antibiotics, IV, and meds to slow peristalsis

Hemorrhoids

• Painful, dilated or varicose veins of rectum and or anus

• Causes: straining to defecate or constipation, pressure during pregnancy, insufficient fluid intake, abuse of laxatives, prolonged sitting or standing

• Symptoms: pain, itching, and bleeding• Tx: high fiber diet, increased fluids, stool

softeners, sitz baths/warm moist compress, sever case: hemorrhoidectomy