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symptoms of digestive system

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Basis of GI symptoms

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  • Gastro-intestinal (GI) system consists of hallow viscus (Esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix) & solid organs (Liver, pancreas, spleen)

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  • Hallow viscus - is a tubular structure and symptoms are due to obstruction/perforation/bleeding

    • Obstruction 

      • The tube tries to overcome the obstruction by increasing the peristalsis (contractions) leading to colicky Pain

      • Intestinal contents can not go forward resulting in constipation & dysphagia in case of esophagus

      • Contents accumulate & distend the tube  leading to abdominal distension

      • Contents come back resulting in  vomiting

    • Perforation

      • Leads to peritonitis - severe pain abdomen

    • Bleeding inside the lumen

      • Hemetemesis, malena, bleeding per rectum, generalized weakness due to anemia

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  • Solid organs are enveloped by capsule, stretching of which leads to pain (Liver, spleen, pancreas). So, any pathology which stretches the capsule in these organs leads to pain 

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  • Whenever there is blockage in the bile ducts at any level from liver to duodenum, bilirubin & bile salts spill into blood circulation resulting in jaundice (bilirubin) & itching (Bile salts)

 

  • Note

    • Disorders of the digestive system can be associated with one or more symptoms

    • Presence of symptoms are manifestation of underlying disease and not a diagnosis by themselves

    • Symptoms and signs can be site specific depending on the underlying pathology

Abdominal Pain

  • It is the most common symptom of GI tract which brings the patient to doctor

  • Site & nature of pain depends on the organ of origin

  • Pain can be localised or diffuse

  • Examples- Appendicitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, intestinal obstruction 

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Dysphagia & Odynophagia

  • Dysphagia is difficulty in swallowing of food. Example- esophageal cancer

  • Odynophagia is pain during swallowing. Example- Esophagitis due to any cause

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Nausea & Vomiting

  • Nausea is the sensation of urge to vomit

  • Vomiting is the act of ejecting the stomach contents through the mouth

  • Examples- gastritis, gastric outlet obstruction, intestinal obstruction

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Abdominal Distension

  • Abdominal distension can be generalized or localised

  • Generalized distension can be due to accumulation of fat(obesity), fluid (ascites), feces (distended bowel loops), foetus (pregnancy)

  • Localized distension can be any tumor or pathology

Dyspepsia & heart burn

  • Dyspepsia or indigestion is feeling of upper abdominal discomfort including pain, bloating, nausea, belching etc. Example- Gastritis

  • Herat burn is retrosternal burning sensation seen in GERD

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Hemetemesis

  • Vomiting of blood

  • Examples- Esophageal variceal bleeding, gastritis/gastric ulcers

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Malena

  • Passage of black, tarry & foul smelling stool

  • Usually indicates slow, small quantity bleeding from the upper GI tract eg. Stomach, duodenum and proximal jejunum

Bleeding per rectum

  • Variety of conditions including cancer can present with bleeding PR

  • Passage of fresh, bright red blood per rectum is called as "hematochezia"

  • Examples-rectal cancer, piles

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Generalized itching

  • Indicates biliary obstruction of any etiology

  • Usually associated with jaundice

  • Examples- biliary strictures, CBD stones

Constipation & Obstipation

  • Non passage of stools is called constipation ( * however individual variation can occur in stool frequency in normal persons)

  • Non passage of both stools & flatus is called as obstipation

  • Examples- intestinal obstruction due to strictures or cancers

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Jaundice

  • Yellowish discoloration of skin & sclera

  • Can be due to liver disorders, biliary obstruction & excessive hemolysis

  • Jaundice with generalized itching indicates biliary obstruction

  • Examples- CBD stone, biliary strictures

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Abdominal Lump

  • Lump can indicate any tumor or underlying pathology

  • Examples- Liver cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer

Anorexia & weight loss

  • Anorexia is loss of appetite

  • Weight loss is called significant when >/= 10 % weight loss in last 6 months

  • Can be a manifestation of any underlying malignancy

Diarrhea

  • Passage of loose stools (> 3 per day)

  • Examples-enteritis, colitis

Clinic Address: Mysore

Impulse Medical Center, Near Vidyashrama College, Temple Road, Mysore-570012 

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Clinic Address: Mandya

Sattva Health Care, Behind TVS show room, 100 feet Raod, Mandya -571401 

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