causes of black stool plus hemorrhoids, anal fissures (Stools, 2005).
Define achalasia - failure to relax a sphincter (Thomas, 1970, A18); dysphagia - inability or difficulty in swallowing (D73).
Describe the pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: backflow of stomach contents into esophagus; heartburn, regurgitation of stomach contents into mouth, excessive salivation, pain on swallowing, bleeding, peptic esophageal ulcers; treatment involves, raising head of bed to keep acid from flowing into esophagus, avoiding coffee, alcohol and other substances which stimulate stomach acid production; antacids, cholinergic drug to tighten esophageal sphincter, drug therapy and dilation for narrowed esophagus (Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997, 461-462).
Explain the role of Helicobacter pylori in the development of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease: bacteria grows in mucus-secreting cells of stomach lining and are common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers; how these bacteria cause gastritis and peptic ulcers is still unknown (496).
Differentiate between causes and clinical manifestations of acute and chronic gastritis:
-acute - most severe type, caused by sudden severe illness or injury (not necessarily to the stomach), discomfort in upper abdomen, stomach lining is bruised following injury, and bruises turn to ulcers in a few hours; if patient remains ill, ulcers enlarge and hemorrhage 2-5 days after injury; if severe can cause blood pressure to fall, and can be fatal (494-495)
-chronic - results from irritants such as drugs, (especially aspirin, NSAIDs), Crohn's disease, bacterial and viral infections; develops slowly bleeding or ulcers may develop; common in those who abuse alcohol; nausea and pain in upper abdomen, if bleeding develops may vomit blood or partially digested food, or pass black, tarry stool (494-495).
Describe the predisposing factors in the development of pepti...