Digestive SystemDiseases and Conditions

Appendicitis• Acute inflammation of the appendix (results from an

obstruction or infection) • S&S = abd pain @ the RLQ, N/V, mild fever, elevated WBC

• If appendix bursts, infectious material spills into the

peritoneal cavity (peritonitis) • Tx = Appendectomy

Cholecystitis Inflammation of the gallbladder (can be caused by

gall stones)  S&S = indigestion, N/V, pain under rib cage &

radiates to R shoulder (usually occur after meals)  Tx = low fat diet, Lithotripsy, Cholecystectomy

Gastroenteritis• Inflammation of the stomach lining• Caused by food poisoning, infection, & toxins

• S&S = abd pain, cramping, N/V, fever

• Tx = IV fluids, meds to slow peristalsis, Antibiotics (some

cases)

Cirrhosis • Chronic destruction of liver cells (Hepatitis, Alcoholism) • S&S = liver enlargement, N/V, jaundice, ascites, liver failure

• Tx = vitamin supplements, proper nutrition, alcohol avoidance, infection prevention

Diverticulitis• Inflammation of the pouches in the intestine

• Caused by bacteria, waste product trapped in the pouches

• S&S = abd pain, irregular bowel movements, constipation,

N/V • Tx = Antibiotics, pain medication

Hepatitis• Inflammation of the liver• S&S = Fever, loss of appetite, N/V, dark colored urine,

enlarged liver, jaundice • Tx = medications, rest, diet high in protein & low in fat, liver

transplant

Types of Hepatitis• Type A = • Infectious hepatitis• Transmitted in food / water• Does not lead to chronic hepatitis• Vaccine available

• Type B =• Transmitted by blood • More serious than A (can lead to cirrhosis)• Vaccine available

Types of Hepatitis• Type C =• Transmitted by blood • Similar to Hepatitis B• No vaccine

• Type D =• Only occurs in the presence of Hep B • Most common in IV drug users• Transmitted by blood• No vaccine

Types of Hepatitis• Type E =• Also called ‘Non-A, Non-B’• Similar to Hep A• Transmitted by contaminated food / water• Does not lead to chronic hepatitis• Common in 3rd world countries• Testing reserved for overseas travelers• No vaccine

Hernia• Internal organ pushes through weak area of an opening in a

body wall

• Hiatal hernia – stomach protrudes through diaphragm• Intestinal hernia – intestines protrudes through abdomen

• S&S = heartburn, stomach distention, chest pain

• Tx = bland diet, small meals, staying upright after meals,

medications, surgical repair

Pancreatitis • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatic enzymes begin to

digest pancreas itself)

• Caused by alcoholism or blockage of pancreatic ducts, many cases unknown

• S&S = severe abd pain, N/V

• Tx = pain meds, nutritional support ; often results in death

Ulcer • Open sore in digestive lining (H. Pylori; Stress)

• S&S = heartburn, abd pain, bloody vomitus (severe cases)

• Tx = meds (Prevacid, Zantac), bland diet, if bacteria present-

antibiotics

Ulcerative Colitis• Severe inflammation of the colon (Food allergy, stress) • S&S = weight loss, abd pain, bloody feces

• Tx = reducing inflammation, proper nutrition, surgical

removal of affected colon section (severe cases)