Chapter 9 Digestive System

ascites

accummulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity

pancreatis

acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

backflow of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus, causing esophagitis

small bowel obstruction (SBO)

blockage of intestinal contents

irritable bowel syndrome

chronic condition characterized alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea

hepatitis

chronic inflammation of the liver, caused by one of several viruses (types A, B, C, D, or E)

ulcerative colitis

chronic inflammatory disease of the lining of the colon and rectum marked by up to 20 liquid, bloody stools per day

cirrhosis

chronic liver disease characterized by scarring and loss of normal structure

food poisoning

common term for a number of illnesses caused by eating food contaminated with bacterial or toxic organisms; sometimes called dysentery

cholelithiasis

condition in which gallstones are present in the gallbladder, liver, or biliary ducts

jaundice

condition marked by yellow staining of body tissues and fluids as a result of excessive levels of bilirubin in the blood

diverticulosis

consition in which diverticula form in the intestinal wall due to increased pressure

E. coli 0157:H7 infection

dangerous strain of Escherichia coli that produces toxins that can severely damage the intestinal lining, resulting in bloody diarrhea

achalasia

dilation and expansion of the lower esophagus, due to pressure from food accumulation

celiac disease

disorder in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged due to dietary factors, resulting in impaired nutrient absorption

Crohn disease

disorder involving inflammation and edema deep into the layers of the lining of any part of the GI tract

malabsorption syndrome

inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, especially the small intestine

oral thrush

infection of the skin or mucous membranes with any species of candida but mainly Candida albicans; also called candidiasis

Campylobacter infection

infection with Campylobacter organisms via contaminated food or water, resulting in intestinal illness

peptic ulcer

inflamed lesion in the gastric or duodenal lining

diverticulitis

inflammation of one or more diverticula (tiny pouches in the intestinal wall)

appendicitis

inflammation of the appendix

cholecystitis

inflammation of the gallbladder, usually secondary to the presence of gallstones

esophagitis

inflammation of the lower esophageal lining

peritonitis

inflammation of the organs and structures within the peritoneal cavity

gastroenteritis

inflammation of the stomach and intestines; often referred to as the stomach flu

gastritis

inflammation of the stomach's mucosal lining

pseudomembraneous enterocolitis

inflammatory condition of both small and large bowels that results in severe watery diarrhea; also called C diff. colitis

hemorrhoids

internal or external varicose veins of the anal area

salmonellosis

intestinal infection caused by various types of salmonella organisms

short bowel syndrome

malabsorption and malnutrition disorder created by the loss of a significant portion of functioning bowel

malnutrition

nutritional deficiency due to inadequate intake or absorption of protein, vitamins, minerals, or other vital nutrients

bowel obstruction

partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine; common causes include volvulus, intussusception, tumors, and adhesions (scar tissue)

anorexia nervosa

physical and psychiatric disorder that involves a combination of an intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and self imposed starvation

bulimia nervosa

physical and psychiatric disorder that involves a combination of obsessively eating huge quantities of food with purging behaviors

hernia

protrusion of a structure through the wall that normally contains it

hiatal hernia

protrussion of a portion of the stomach through the diaphram into the chest cavity; also called hiatus hernia

intussuseption

slipping or telescoping of a portion of the bowel into itself

volvulus

twisting of the bowel upon itself, causing obstruction

esophageal varices

varicose veins of the distal end of the esphagus

oral herpes

vesicular eruption in or on the mouth caused by herpesvirus; also called herpes labialis or cold sore

emesis

vomiting