Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Pathogenesis These open sores are formed when the acid in the digestive tract eats away these parts, such that a painful sore is created, which can even bleed. Generally, the digestive tract has a coating of mucous, which helps safeguard from acid. When this acid increases, or the mucous layer is decreased, ulcers are formed. The main causes of these ulcers are attacks from the bacterium belonging to the species of Helicobacter pylori; regular use of pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen; and other medicines like potassium supplements and biphosphonates. Clinical Manifestations One of the vital signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease is immense pain in abdomen. This pain aggravates when the stomach acid gets in contact with the ulcerated area. This pain further worsens when the stomach is empty or at night time; it gets better upon eating for a short time duration, and can be transient in nature. Other symptoms of a peptic ulcer include vomiting reddish black colored blood, dark-colored bloody discharge in the stool, nausea and vomiting, unintended and unexplained loss in weight, and alterations in appetite. 7.4 Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel diseases are the disorders that cause chronic inflammation in either part of or the entire digestive tract. These diseases generally include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcertaive Colitis/ Crohn’s Disease Ulcerative colitis is the inflammatory bowel disease characterized by long lasting inflammation and formation of sores in the inner most lining of the large intestine as well as the rectum. Pathogenesis The exact cause of the inflammatory bowel disease is not known with certainty. This disease occurs due to a malfunction of the immune system, where the immune system attacks the cells in the digestive tract. In some cases, congenital factors also cause inflammatory bowel diseases. Moreover, poor diet habits and stress are the factors that aggravate the situation. Clinical Manifestations The signs and symptoms of both these diseases depend on the severity and location of the inflammation. The main symptoms include diarrhea, low grade fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain and cramping in abdomen, bright red blood in stools, reduction in appetite, and unintended weight loss. Achieve Page 115