Assignment: GI disorders Case

Assignment: GI disorders Case
Assignment: GI disorders Case
Assignment: GI disorders Case
Week 5 discussion This week you have learned about common GI disorders in the Adult and Geriatric patient. For the purpose of this discussion select one of the following GI disorders and provide the following in your initial post: Common Signs and symptoms seen Screening assessment tools Recommended diagnostic tests (if any) Treatment plans both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic based on current clinical practice guidelines GI disorders: GERD Peptic Ulcer Disease Diverticulitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders include such conditions as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, perianal infections, diverticular diseases, colitis, colon polyps and cancer. Many of these can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good bowel habits, and submitting to cancer screening.
What are functional gastrointestinal disorders?
Functional disorders are those in which the gastrointestinal (GI) tract looks normal but doesn’t work properly. They are the most common problems affecting the GI tract (including the colon and rectum). Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two common examples.
Many factors may upset the GI tract and its motility (or ability to keep moving), including:
Eating a diet low in fiber
Not enough exercise
Traveling or other changes in routine
Eating large amounts of dairy products
Stress
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
Resisting the urge to have bowel movements due to pain from hemorrhoids
Overusing laxatives (stool softeners) that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
Taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
Pregnancy
Constipation
Constipation means it is hard to have a bowel movement (or pass stools), they are infrequent (less than three times a week), or incomplete. Constipation is usually caused by inadequate “roughage” or fiber in the diet, or a disruption of the regular routine or diet.
Constipation causes a person to strain during a bowel movement. It may cause small, hard stools and sometimes anal problems such as fissures and hemorrhoids. Constipation is rarely the sign of a more serious medical condition.
You can treat your constipation by:
Increasing the amount of fiber you eat
Exercising regularly
Moving your bowels when you have the urge (resisting the urge causes constipation)
If these treatment methods don’t work, laxatives are a temporary solution. Note that the overuse of laxatives can actually make symptoms of constipation worse. Always follow the instructions on the laxative medicine, as well as the advice of your doctor.