Common Gastrointestinal Disorders andAnemia

• Ulcerative Colitis-A disease only of the colon

o Inflammatory bowel disease-the mucosal surface of the colon is inflamed most

often occurs in the rectosigmoid areas, but may involve the entire colon

o Results in friability (tissue falls apart and easily bleeds), erosions, and bleeding

o Characterized by bloody and purulent diarrhea

o While it is not the first treatment choice, total colectomy is a treatment option that

can completely resolve this problem

• Diverticulitis

o Patients with diverticulitis may present with bleeding not associated with pain or

discomfort

o Is associated with obesity-these patients are at higher risk

o When the diverticula become inflamed, there are usually signs and symptoms of

infection-fever, chills, and tachycardia

o Patients typically present with localized pain and tenderness in the LLQ of the

abdomen with associated anorexia, nausea, and vomiting

o CT scan with contrast may sometimes be done to r/o if the gynecologic etiology

(such as ovarian cyst or tumor) as well as bowel pathology such as abdominal

abscess

o High-fiber diet is best management

• Clostridium Difficile

o Infection of the large intestine

o Exists in air, water, soil, processed, and human feces

o Causes profuse, watery, mucoid-diarrhea

o Certain risk types can be dangerous or life-threatening if not treated

o Risk Factors

▪ Working in healthcare facility

▪ Long duration hospitalization

▪ Long-term use of antibiotics that affects normal GI flora

▪ Long-term use of medications that reduce GI acidity

▪ Consumption of contaminated food or water