Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Gallbladder Diseases The role of the gallbladder is to release bile into the small intestine through the cystic duct, so that food can be broken down properly for the purpose of digestion. Clinical manifestations for gallbladder diseases depend on the disease caused. However, the common symptoms of gallbladder diseases include severe pain in the abdomen, pain extending to the right shoulder blade and the back, pain that increases after the intake of a meal, pain that is crampy or sharp and makes the person feel dull pain that increases upon deep breathing, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, vomiting, fever, nausea, tremors, unusual color of the stools, jaundice, and tenderness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Alcoholism Also known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism is characterized by the pattern of alcohol use such that it becomes difficult to control, leading to pre-occupation with alcohol, an inability to discontinue its use even with the occurrence of problems, and causes withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Alcoholism also includes binge drinking, which has the consequences of causing significant health and safety risks. Symptoms and signs of alcoholism include strong urges to drink, impairment in normal functioning, drinking even after causing health issues, giving up social and work activities, the development of tolerance to alcohol, withdraw symptoms like nausea, tremors, and sweating and finally, alcohol intoxication causing behavioral alterations and mental problems. 7.7 Disorders of the Pancreas The pancreas is the long flat gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen, and functions to convert food into the fuel that is necessary for the functioning of normal body cells. The pancreas undertakes two major functions, which are endocrine and exocrine. The exocrine function is to digest food, while the endocrine function is to regulate blood sugar in the body. Disorders of the pancreas are related to impaired functioning of these two mechanisms, which are explained below. Exocrine The pancreas contains exocrine glands that release the enzymes necessary for the digestion process. Enzymes include trypsin and chymotrypsin (help in digesting proteins), and lipase (needed to break down fats and amylase for digesting carbohydrates). The major exocrine disorder of the pancreas is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. It can either be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and lasts for a few days, while chronic pancreatitis is developed over many years. In cases of pancreatitis, the enzymes required for digestion become over active and damage the pancreas itself. Generally, the pancreatic enzymes are in an inactivated state that move through pancreatic ducts and transfer to the small intestine. They then become activated to help complete the digestion process. In the case of pancreatitis, these enzymes become activated in the pancreas itself, leading to irritation of pancreas cells and causing inflammation. The main causes of pancreatitis are Achieve Page 118