Describe common gastrointestinal diseases, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, medical and surgical procedures, and drugs.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Common gastrointestinal (GI) diseases include conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, and celiac disease. GERD is characterized by acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn. IBS is a functional disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum due to an imbalance between digestive fluids and the stomach’s protective lining. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine.
Laboratory and diagnostic procedures for GI diseases include blood tests to check for anemia, infection, and inflammation, stool tests for the presence of bacteria, parasites, or blood, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the GI tract. Endoscopy, including colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy, allows direct visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa to diagnose ulcers, cancers, or inflammation. Biopsy samples can also be taken during endoscopic procedures for histopathological examination.
Medical and surgical procedures to treat GI diseases include medication such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers for GERD, anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids and biologics for IBD, and antibiotics for infections like H. pylori in peptic ulcers. Surgical options include procedures such as colectomy for severe cases of IBD, cholecystectomy for gallbladder issues, or bowel resection in cases of cancer or Crohn’s disease.
Drugs commonly used include PPIs, antacids, antiemetics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, and biologics for conditions like IBD. Treatment is tailored to the specific disease, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient’s quality of life.