2. Definition
• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
affect the digestive system,
impairing normal digestion,
absorption, and waste elimination.
• These conditions can be acute or
chronic, ranging from mild
discomfort to life-threatening
complications.
4. 1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Definition:
•Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive
condition where stomach acid or bile flows back into the
esophagus, irritating its lining and causing symptoms like
heartburn and acid regurgitation.
•GERD occurs due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter
(LES), which normally prevents stomach contents from moving
backward. The refluxed acid can damage the esophagus, leading
to inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, and long-term complications
like Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition).
6. Common Causes:
Weak LES due to obesity, pregnancy, or hiatal hernia
Certain foods (spicy, fatty, citrus) and beverages (coffee, alcohol)
Smoking and stress
Chronic use of NSAIDs
7. Symptoms:
Persistent heartburn (burning sensation
in the chest)
Acid regurgitation (sour or bitter liquid in
the throat)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Chronic cough or sore throat
8. 2. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Definition:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a condition
characterized by open sores or ulcers in the
stomach lining, duodenum, or esophagus, often
caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or
prolonged NSAID use.
Peptic ulcers form when the protective mucus
layer of the stomach is eroded by stomach acid,
leading to irritation and ulceration. Duodenal
ulcers are more common than gastric ulcers.
9. Common
Causes:
Helicobacter pylori (H.
pylori) infection
Prolonged NSAID (aspirin,
ibuprofen) use
Smoking and alcohol
consumption
Excess acid production
(Zollinger-Ellison
syndrome)
10. Symptoms:
Burning pain in the upper
abdomen, especially when the
stomach is empty
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating and belching
Black, tarry stools (indicative of
bleeding ulcer)
11. 3. Gastritis
Definition:
Gastritis refers to inflammation of
the stomach lining, often caused by
bacterial infections, excessive alcohol
consumption, or prolonged NSAID
use.
•Gastritis can be acute (sudden
onset) or chronic (long-term
inflammation). If untreated, it can
lead to ulcers or an increased risk of
stomach cancer.
12. Common
Causes:
H. pylori infection
Prolonged use of NSAIDs
Excess alcohol intake
Autoimmune diseases
14. 4. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)
Definition:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a
chronic functional disorder of the
intestines, causing abdominal pain,
bloating, and changes in bowel
habits without structural
abnormalities.
•IBS is classified as a functional
disorder, meaning it affects gut
motility and sensitivity rather than
being caused by infection or
inflammation.
16. Symptoms:
Abdominal pain relieved
after defecation
Alternating constipation
and diarrhea
Excessive gas and bloating
Mucus in stools
17. 5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to chronic autoimmune disorders causing inflammation of
the digestive tract, mainly Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Detailed Explanation:
a) Crohn’s Disease
Can affect any part of the GI tract (from mouth to anus)
Causes patchy, deep tissue inflammation
b) Ulcerative Colitis
Affects only the colon and rectum
Causes continuous, shallow ulcers in the lining
21. 6. Celiac Disease
Definition:
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of
gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small
intestine lining.
•When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, the immune
system attacks the intestinal villi, leading to malabsorption of
nutrients.
22. 7. Constipation
Definition:
•Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel
movements, often accompanied by hard stools and straining.
8. Diarrhea
Definition:
•Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools due to infections,
food intolerances, or digestive disorders.
23. 9. Gastroenteritis
Definition:
•Gastroenteritis is an infection or inflammation of the stomach and intestines,
leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
10. Hepatitis
Definition:
•Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often due to viral infections, toxins, or
autoimmune conditions.
