Week 7 Summary

This week, we discussed disorders of the digestive GI system. We began the week with a review of the anatomy and physiology of the digestive GI system. We also covered some of the many possible causes of digestive GI bleeding. Some of the digestive GI disorders that we covered in this week are:

Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, which often occurs because of a blockage of the appendix. Bacterial infection can also cause appendicitis.

The two main types of gallbladder diseases, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, because of which the pancreatic digestive enzymes become active inside the pancreas and start digesting the organ.

Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the wall of the abdomen.

IBS, a chronic GI tract disorder that results in severe diarrhea or constipation and sometimes both intermittently.

Hepatitis A, B, and C, which are diseases caused by HAV, HBV, and HCV, respectively. In all these diseases, the liver gets affected, although the nature of infection varies in each case.

Digestive System Case Study

DC comes to the emergency room complaining of acute abdominal pain. She states the pain came after dinner at an all-you-can-eat buffet and has been increasing steadily. The pain is located in her right upper quadrant and is “boring” into her back. She says she feels “gassy” and bloated.

What are your differential diagnoses? Include the pathological process involved with your diagnosis. What tests would you order to confirm your diagnosis?

What treatments or interventions would be the first line of protocol for your diagnosis?