Treatments for Gastrointestinal & Endocrine Disorders

Describe diagnostic criteria for nausea and vomiting and treatment recommendations
Discuss symptoms of GERD, complications, and drug management
Compare and contrast Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis
Discuss Diabetes, its causes, symptoms, and treatment

Full Answer Section

     
    • maging (abdominal ultrasound, CT scan)
    • Endoscopy (upper GI tract)  

Treatment Recommendations:

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms:

  • Mild cases:
    • Dietary changes (bland foods, clear liquids)  
    • Over-the-counter medications (antacids, antiemetics)  
  • Moderate to severe cases:
    • Prescription antiemetics (ondansetron, promethazine)  
    • Intravenous fluids for dehydration  
    • Hospitalization if needed

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Symptoms:

  • Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)  
  • Regurgitation (bringing food back up)  
  • Chest pain  
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic cough or sore throat  

Complications:

  • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)  
  • Barrett's esophagus (precancerous changes)  
  • Esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus)  

Drug Management:

  • Antacids (neutralize stomach acid)  
  • H2 blockers (reduce stomach acid production)  
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (block stomach acid production)  
  • Prokinetics (help stomach empty faster)  

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Feature Crohn's Disease Ulcerative Colitis
Location Can affect any part of the GI tract, often in patches Affects the colon, starting at the rectum and extending upwards
Inflammation Transmural (through all layers of the intestinal wall) Primarily affects the inner lining of the colon
Symptoms Abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, fatigue Diarrhea (often bloody), rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, urgency, tenesmus (feeling of needing to have a bowel movement)
Complications Strictures, fistulas, abscesses, malnutrition Toxic megacolon, perforation, increased risk of colon cancer

Diabetes

Causes:

  • Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas  
  • Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance (body doesn't respond properly to insulin) and eventually insulin deficiency  
  • Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy, usually resolves after delivery

Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst  
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Increased hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Frequent infections

Treatment:

  • Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management  
  • Medications:
    • Oral medications to improve insulin sensitivity or increase insulin production  
    • Insulin injections or pump therapy
  • Monitoring: Regular blood glucose monitoring
 

Sample Answer

     

Nausea and Vomiting

Diagnostic Criteria:

Nausea and vomiting are not diseases themselves but symptoms of an underlying condition. Diagnosing the cause involves:  

  • Patient History: Detailed information about symptoms (onset, frequency, triggers), medical history, medications, and recent travel or exposures.  
  • Physical Exam: Checking for signs of dehydration, abdominal tenderness, or neurological abnormalities.  
  • Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include:
    • Blood tests (electrolytes, kidney/liver function, infection markers)  
    • Urine tests (infection, pregnancy)