Digestive system diseases appendicitis Acute inflammation of the

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