GI_diseases L3

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Common Gastrointestinal Diseases

Nursing Training

Acid Reflux (GERD) – Definition

• Chronic reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus

• Caused by weak lower esophageal sphincter

• Acid irritates esophageal lining

Acid Reflux Illustration

Name some of the GERD symtoms

GERD – Symptoms

• Heartburn

• Acid regurgitation

• Chest discomfort

• Chronic cough

• Difficulty swallowing

GERD – Diagnosis

• Medical history

• Upper endoscopy (EGD)

• 24‑hour pH monitoring

• Esophageal manometry

Enter your question here

A

Medical Hystory, and EGD

B

Culture of the vomit

C

Prescribe medication

D

Further investigation

GERD – Prevention

• Maintain healthy weight

• Avoid late meals

• Reduce fatty and spicy foods

• Stop smoking

• Elevate head of bed

How can we prevent GERD?

1

2

3

GERD – Treatment

• Lifestyle modification

• Antacids

• Proton pump inhibitors

• H2 blockers

• Surgery in severe cases

Peptic Ulcer – Definition

• Open sore in stomach or duodenum

• Damage caused by acid and pepsin

• Often linked to H. pylori infection

Peptic Ulcer Illustration

Peptic Ulcer – Symptoms

• Burning stomach pain

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Possible bleeding

Peptic Ulcer – Diagnosis

• Upper endoscopy

• H. pylori test

• Stool antigen test

• Biopsy if needed

Peptic Ulcer – Treatment

• Antibiotics for H. pylori

• Proton pump inhibitors

• Stop NSAIDs (Medication that reduces pain, inflammation and fever)

• Diet modification

Peptic Ulcer – Prevention

• Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs

• Treat H. pylori infection

• Stop smoking

• Limit alcohol

• Balanced diet

Gallstones – Definition

• Hardened deposits in the gallbladder

• Made of cholesterol or bilirubin

• May block bile ducts

Gallstones Illustration

Gallstones – Symptoms

• Right upper abdominal pain

• Pain after fatty meals

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain radiating to shoulder

Gallstones – Diagnosis

• Abdominal ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI if needed

• Blood tests

Gallstones – Treatment

• Pain management

• Observation if asymptomatic

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

• ERCP if bile duct stones

Gallstones – Prevention

• Healthy body weight

• Avoid rapid weight loss

• Balanced diet

• Regular physical activity

Hemorrhoids – Definition

• Swollen veins in rectum or anus

• Caused by increased pressure

• Common in constipation and pregnancy

Hemorrhoids Illustration

Hemorrhoids – Symptoms

• Bright red rectal bleeding

• Itching

• Pain or discomfort

• Swelling around anus

Hemorrhoids – Diagnosis

• Physical examination

• Digital rectal exam

• Anoscopy

• Colonoscopy if needed

Hemorrhoids – Treatment

• High fiber diet

• Increased fluid intake

• Sitz baths

• Topical medication

• Procedures or surgery if severe

Hemorrhoids – Prevention

• High fiber diet

• Adequate hydration

• Avoid straining

• Regular bowel habits

• Physical activity