Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Reflux Esophagitis/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease of the digestive system. It is characterized by the flowing back of stomach acid and content into the esophagus. This backwash, known as reflux, causes irritation in the esophagus lining. In the normal digestive system, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes so that food and liquid move down to the stomach, and after this, it closes again. But in the case where this valve abnormally relaxes or gets weak, it causes food content to flow back to the esophagus, causing heartburn. Signs and symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the chest, pain in the chest, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, sore throat, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and a sensation of a lump in the throat. Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernia is characterized by the pushing up of part of the stomach to the diaphragm. There is a small opening called the hiatus through which the esophagus passes and connects with the stomach. With a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up through this opening. Mild cases do not cause any problems to the affected person, but a large hiatal hernia causes food and acid to back up in the esophagus and leads to heartburn. It is caused by the weakening of the muscular tissues allowing the stomach to bulge up through the diaphragm. Possible causes of hiatal hernia are injury, hereditary and congenital factors, and persistent intense pressure on the surrounding muscles. Signs and symptoms of hiatal hernia are heartburn, belching, gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by blood in the vomit or black color stools, difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest and abdomen, and a feeling of fullness. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the large intestine. This disorder is characterized by cramping, constipation, diarrhea, gas formation, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. With irritable bowel syndrome, some people experience difficulty in bowel movements, causing constipation; or a frequent and urgent need to pass stools that are loose, known as diarrhea. Some people have both of these problems. In cases of IBS, the colon becomes more sensitive and reactive. It is caused by strong and long-lasting contractions of peristalsis, causing diarrhea, while weak intestinal contractions lead to constipation. It is also caused by an abnormal gastrointestinal nervous system. Food allergies, stress, hormone changes, and other illness, like episodes of infectious diarrhea, are some triggers of IBS. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include pain and cramping in the abdomen, a bloated feeling, gas, bouts of diarrhea, and constipation and mucus in stool. 7.2 Disorders of Absorption Disorders of absorption cause problems with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and substances in the diet. These nutrients constitute vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Some absorption disorders are reviewed below. Achieve Page 113