Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that prevents the normal flow of contents through the small or large intestine. It can be partial or complete and may lead to serious complications like bowel ischemia or perforation if untreated. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Types of Intestinal Obstruction Type Cause Examples Mechanical Adhesions, hernias, tumors, volvulus, intussusception, strictures Functional […]
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to lactase enzyme deficiency in the small intestine. This leads to gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming lactose-containing foods. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Types of Lactose Intolerance Type Description Primary (adult-type) Most common; lactase production decreases after infancy (genetic predisposition) Secondary
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excess bacteria (normally found in the colon) grow in the small intestine, leading to symptoms due to malabsorption and intestinal irritation. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Risk Factors 😖 Symptoms 🧪 Diagnosis 1. Breath Tests (non-invasive, common) 2. Small Intestine Aspirate and Culture (gold standard but invasive) 3.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. It causes patchy, transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, which may lead to strictures, fistulas, and nutrient malabsorption. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Common Locations 😖 Symptoms Gastrointestinal Systemic/Extraintestinal Chronic diarrhea (± blood) Fatigue Abdominal
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—in genetically susceptible individuals. It causes inflammation and damage to the small intestinal lining, leading to malabsorption and a wide range of symptoms. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Risk Factors 😖 Symptoms Celiac disease can be classical (GI-related)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the esophagus characterized by inflammation with eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). It leads to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), food impaction, and long-term esophageal remodeling or narrowing if untreated. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Risk Factors 😖 Symptoms In Adults In Children 🥴 Dysphagia (solids) Feeding difficulties 🍗
Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the lower part of the esophagus, most commonly caused by portal hypertension, typically due to liver cirrhosis. These veins are fragile and can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. 🧬 Pathophysiology ⚠️ Risk Factors for Bleeding Risk Factor Explanation Large varices Wider diameter → more tension High portal pressure Hepatic
Esophageal stricture refers to an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), food impaction, and sometimes chest discomfort. It is often a complication of chronic reflux (GERD) but can have various other causes. 🧬 Types of Esophageal Strictures 🔹 Benign Strictures (most common) 🔹 Malignant Strictures ⚠️ Symptoms Symptom Description Dysphagia
What is Salmonellosis? 🥚🐔🦠 Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella, commonly found in contaminated food or water. It mainly affects the intestines and causes gastrointestinal illness. How is Salmonellosis Transmitted? Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention 🛡️
Achalasia is a rare, chronic esophageal motility disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly, and the esophageal muscles lose coordinated movement. This leads to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation, and sometimes chest pain or weight loss. 🧬 Pathophysiology 🔍 Cause: 😖 Symptoms Symptom Description Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids Regurgitation Undigested
