Chapter 8: Diseases and Conditions of the Digestive System – Flashcards
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What are the accessory organs of digestion and their functions?
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Digestion accessory organs include: salivary glands, which secret saliva to initiate carbohydrate digestion; the liver, which manufactures bile; the gallbladder, which releases bile to aid fat digestion in the duodenum; and the pancreas, which releases pancreatic juice into the duodenum to digest protein, carbohydrates, and fats
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How does malocclusion lead to complications?
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A malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.
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What problem may result from untreated gingivitis?
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Untreated gingivitis may lead to destruction of the gums and a bone disease called periodontitis.
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How would you describe the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease?
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TMJ is characterized by pain made worse by chewing, clicking sounds while chewing, and limitation of jaw movement.
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What is the difference between an aphthous mouth ulcer and a "cold sore"?
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Aphthous ulcers are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. A cold sore is normally associated with the herpes simplex virus and appears along the lips and side of the mouth.
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What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease? How is it treated?
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Causes of GERD include the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, certain medications, and alcohol. Treatment may include limitation of alcohol, stop smoking and weight loss.
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How does Helicobacter pylori relate to peptic ulcers and gastritis?
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Helicobacter pylori bacteria commonly live in the mucous layer that covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. Often, H. pylori causes no problems, but it can cause inflammation of the stomach's inner layer, producing an ulcer.
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What is a serious possible complication of esophageal varices?
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Esophageal varices may evolve into rupture of the veins lining the esophagus, which can result in hemorrhage and signs of hypovolemic shock.
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How are peptic ulcers treated?
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Peptic ulcers are treated with antibiotic therapy, gastrectomy, and reduce stress level.
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What is the diagnostic value in (a) an endoscopy and (b) a colonscopy?
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Both of these procedure produce successful results in helping the doctors detect cancers.
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Is pain usually the initial symptom of gastric cancer?
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Gastric cancer is usually asymptomatic or causes vague digestive symptoms in the early stages.
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What is the diagnostic significance of McBurney's point?
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McBurney's point is significant as the point of tenderness of the abdomen in acute appendicitis.
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What is a strangulated hernia?
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An incarcerated hernia can lead to a strangulated hernia, which cuts off the blood supply to your intestine. It can be life-threatening if it isn't treated.
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What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease?
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Ulcerative colitis is the chronic inflammation of the mucosa of the rectum and colon, resulting in chronic and severe diarrhea and its complications. Crohn disease is the chronic inflammation of all layers of the bowel wall and can affect any part of the alimentary canal.
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What is the goal in treatment of gastroenteritis?
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Treatment of gastroenteritis includes controlling symptoms and maintaining a normal fluid and electrolyte balance, and educating the patient to prevent recurrences.
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What is the difference between a functional and a mechanical intestinal obstruction? Give an example of each.
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Mechanical blockage narrows or obstructs the intestines as a result of tumors, foreign bodies, or twisting (e.g., volvulus). Functional blockage is nonmechanical and usually involves paralysis of the bowel (e.g., lack of peristalsis) as a result of medication, or peritonitis.
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How would you compare the pathology of diverticulosis to diverticulitis?
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Diverticulosis is a condition in which diverticula penetrate weak points in the muscular layer of the large intestine, which does not usually cause symptoms. Diverticulitis is the inflammation and infection of one or more diverticula. It causes abdominal discomfort and GI symptoms.
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How is colorectal cancer detected?
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Colorectal cancer is detected with a history assessment, physical examination, and study of stool specimen for occult blood.
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What causes pseudomembranous enterocolitis?
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Pseudomembranous enterocolitis is caused by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that destroy the body's protective natural intestinal flora and allows infection with Clostridium difficile to develop.
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If a person has peritonitis, what serious complications may occur?
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Septicemia, shock, and death may occur in the individual with peritonitis.
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What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver?
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Signs of cirrhosis include enlarged, firm liver, elevation of the liver enzyme and bilirubin levels in the blood. Symptoms of cirrhosis include nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
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How do hepatitis A and hepatitis C compare in etiology? What are the preventive measures for each disease?
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Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus and is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Prevention measures consist of frequent, thorough hand washing, the use of the noninfectious vaccine called Havrix, or the intramuscular administration of immune globulin. Hepatitis C causes by the hepatitis C virus and is transmitted by blood and body fluids. Prevention measures include avoidance contact with the blood of an infected person, including sexual contact.
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What are the presenting symptoms of a patient with (a) biliary colic and (b) acute pancreatitis?
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Biliary colic symptoms include pain in the epigastric region or right upper quadrant (or both) or the abdomen. Jaundice may be present. Acute pancreatitis symptoms include sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
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What are causes of pancreatitis?
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Pancreatitis may be caused by alcoholism, biliary tract disease, or gallstones.
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What are some examples of disorders of nutrition caused by deficiencies and excesses?
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Deficiencies in nutrition can lead to malnutrition, malabsorption, and food poisoning. Excesses in nutrition can lead to obesity and hypervitaminosis.
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In what ways do pathogens cause food poisoning?
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Bacteria themselves or the toxins they produce cause food poisoning.
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What are three diagnostic criteria for celiac disease?
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Blood tests for gluten autoantibodies, small bowel biopsy, and stool samples.
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What are the similarities and differences between anorexia nervosa and bulimia?
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Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia are considered behavioral disorders linked to psychologic disturbances. Differences: anorexia nervosa is self-imposed starvation from a compulsion to be thin, whereas bulimic behavior is binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting fueled by a morbid fear of becoming fat.
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What is the leading cause for liver transplant in the United States?
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Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) is the most common reason for liver transplants.
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What is the third most common site of cancer incidence in men and women?
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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.
