Gastrointestinal (GI) System Disorders What is the Gastrointestinal (GI) System? The gastrointestinal system is responsible for: Digestion of food Absorption of nutrients and water Elimination of waste Organs of the GI System Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Large intestine (colon) Rectum Anus Accessory organs: Liver Gallbladder Pancreas Common Gastrointestinal Disorders 1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Definition: Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Causes: Weak lower esophageal sphincter Obesity Pregnancy Hiatal hernia Smoking Symptoms: Heartburn Acid regurgitation Chest discomfort Chronic cough Difficulty swallowing Diagnosis: Clinical evaluation Upper GI endoscopy 24-hour pH monitoring Treatment: Lifestyle modification Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) H2 receptor blockers Surgery (selected cases) 2. Gastritis Definition: Inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes: Helicobacter pylori infection NSAID use Alcohol Stress Autoimmune disease Symptoms: Epigastric pain Nausea Vomiting Bloating Loss of appetite Diagnosis: Endoscopy H. pylori testing Blood tests Treatment: PPIs Antibiotics (for H. pylori) Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs 3. Peptic Ulcer Disease Definition: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. Causes: H. pylori NSAIDs Smoking Symptoms: Burning upper abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting GI bleeding (black stools or vomiting blood) Diagnosis: Upper GI endoscopy H. pylori testing Treatment: PPIs Antibiotics for H. pylori Stop NSAIDs if possible 4. Acute Gastroenteritis Definition: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to infection. Causes: Viruses (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus) Bacteria Parasites Symptoms: Diarrhoea Vomiting Fever Abdominal cramps Dehydration Diagnosis: Clinical assessment Stool examination (when indicated) Treatment: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) IV fluids if severe dehydration Treat the underlying cause when appropriate 5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Definition: A functional bowel disorder causing recurrent abdominal pain with altered bowel habits. Symptoms: Abdominal pain Bloating Constipation and/or diarrhoea Mucus in stool Diagnosis: Clinical criteria after excluding other causes Treatment: High-fibre diet (when appropriate) Stress management Medicines based on symptoms 6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Types: Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Symptoms: Bloody diarrhoea Weight loss Abdominal pain Fatigue Diagnosis: Colonoscopy Biopsy Blood and stool tests Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medicines Immunosuppressants Biologic therapy Surgery (selected patients) 7. Appendicitis Definition: Inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms: Pain starting around the umbilicus, then moving to the right lower abdomen Fever Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Diagnosis: Clinical examination Ultrasound or CT scan Blood tests Treatment: Appendectomy (surgical removal) Antibiotics 8. Hepatitis Definition: Inflammation of the liver. Types: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hepatitis D Hepatitis E Symptoms: Jaundice Fatigue Nausea Dark urine Abdominal pain Diagnosis: Liver function tests Viral serology Ultrasound Treatment: Supportive care or antiviral therapy, depending on the cause 9. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) Symptoms: Right upper abdominal pain Pain after fatty meals Nausea Vomiting Diagnosis: Abdominal ultrasound Treatment: Pain relief Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic disease 10. Pancreatitis Types: Acute pancreatitis Chronic pancreatitis Causes: Gallstones Alcohol High triglycerides Certain medicines Symptoms: Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back Nausea Vomiting Fever Diagnosis: Serum amylase and lipase CT scan or ultrasound Treatment: IV fluids Pain management Nutritional support Treat the underlying cause Common GI Symptoms Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Diarrhoea Constipation Heartburn Bloating Indigestion Blood in stool Black stools (melena) Jaundice Weight loss
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