Digestive System Diseases and Conditions

Appendicitis Acute inflammation of the appendix (results from an obstruction or infection) S&S = RLQ pain, 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

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

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 3 rd world countries Testing reserved for overseas travelers No vaccine

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)

Crohn’s Disease Type of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Cause unknown (Hereditary) Affects any part of GI; mostly ileum to ascending colon S&S = fever, constipation/diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue Tx = Meds (lower inflammatory response) Diet Surgery (remove diseased area)