Digestive System 3

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

An abnormal increase in motility of the small and large intestines generally associated with emotional stress Signs and symptoms: intermittent cramping of intestines, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, bowel and stomach erosion Symptom relief obtained from bulk diet or fiber supplements, stabilizing the water content of the stool, anti/dia/rrhe/al drugs to decrease elimination, and emotional support to relieve depression and/or anxiety

Diverticul/itis (outpouches/inflamed)

Excessive outpouching of diverticula (plural) that are inflamed is referred to as diverticulitis Causes: constipation, pain, abscesses, gangrene Penetration of fecal matter through the thin wall of the diverticula causes inflammation, and abscesses may form in the tissues that surround the lumen of the colon

col/os/tom/y (large intestine/mouth/cut/procedure)

Performed when feces are unable to move through colon or with certain diseases Colostomies can be performed at multiple locations throughout the intestines

hem/orrh/oid (blood/bursting forth/resembles)

A mass of dilated, tortuous veins in a plexus of the anal-rectal area There are internal and external hemorrhoids Treatment depends upon the symptoms and not size A strangulated hemorrhoid is when a prolapsed hemorrhoid is trapped in the anal sphincter

appendic/itis (appendage/inflamed)

Acute, sub-acute or chronic inflammation of vermiform appendix attached to cecum (1/4" by 6" long) Symptoms are abdominal pain (lower right quadrant: McBurney's point) and a temperature of more than 100° F Gangrenous appendicitis is a condition of eating sores caused by appendicitis

Diverticul/osis (outpouching/condition)

Diverticulum is a sac or pouch in the wall of a canal or organ The ongoing condition of diverticulum is referred to as diverticulosis An increase in dietary fiber intake can aid in propelling the feces through the colon. Avoidance of foods with seeds and nuts decreases the risk of fecal material lodging in the diverticula

Enter/itis (intestines/inflamed)

Enteritis is any acute or chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. Specifically, the inflammation of the mucosa and sub/mucosa of the small intestine Can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic and functional causes The term "enterocolitis" is used to refer to an inflammation of both intestines

Crohn's Disease aka chronic enteritis, chronic ileitis, regional ileitis, or chronic colitis

Inflammation of terminal ileum. The anus and rectum are usually involved in early stages with internal peri/anal and peri/rectal abscesses with fistula opening onto area skin Characterized by: diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills, weakness, anorexia, weight loss Diagnosis is made by history of intestinal disorders, radiological exams, and lesion biopsies

Ile/itis (twisted "part"/inflamed)

Inflammation of the membrane of the ileum The ileum becomes ulcerated, thick, rigid and swollen, the lumen narrows, and lymph glands enlarge It is caused by a heredity or abnormal immune response and is sometimes triggered by diet and stress Present with: paraumbilical and right lower quadrant pain, abdominal distention, vomiting, alternating diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, and grayish brown stool

Enema (injection)

Introduction of solution into rectum and colon to stimulate bowel activity and colon emptying Can also be used to introduce food or medicine for therapeutic use, anesthesia, and barium for imaging due to absorption of fluid into the colon's circulatory system

Volvulus (twisted)

The twisting of the bowel upon itself casing obstruction Caused by the prolapsing mesentery (peritoneal fold that attached the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall) Often occurs in the sigmoid colon or at the ileo/cecal valve area A neo/natal volvulus causes vomiting, distention, constipation, and no bowel sounds

proct/itis (rectum or anus/inflamed)

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum and the anus A sigmoid/oscopic exam is the insertion of a specialized endo/scope into this area. A tubular speculum is sometimes used Usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, HPV, and LGV, or trauma, drugs, and diseases such as Crohn's diseases