Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Running Head: GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT 1

GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT 3

GastroIntestinal Tract

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GastroIntestinal Disorders

Introduction

Normally, gastric acids are produced and stimulated so that the body can break down consumed foods and digest them easily. The major component of gastric juice is hydrochloric acid, which is produced by oxyntic cells. The secretion of these acids takes place in three phases namely: the cephalic phase, the gastric phase and the intestinal phase. The cephalic phase starts when someone has an urge to eat or smells food. The brain signals the parietal cells to secrete gastric acids and the ECL to secrete histamine. The gastric phase is when someone has eaten and the amino acids present in the food stimulates the production of these acids. The last phase is stimulated by the distention in the small intestines and the amino acids too and the secretion takes place when chime enters the small intestines (Testani et al., 1996).

Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)

There are gastrointestinal orders that exist, such as Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD), Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) and Gastritis disorders. Patients suffering from GERD have a complex gastric acid secretion caused by frequent acid reflux. There are cases where HCL frequently flows back to the esophagus and when this happens, the lining of the esophagus becomes irritated. The age factor is visible in this disorder. Older people are more likely to experience this disease than young. However, symptoms are less visible in the elderly. The fact that there is no serious warning symptom of GERD among the elderly makes the disorder more complicated in them. GERD can be diagnosed by a probe test, upper endoscopy or x-ray of the upper digestive system. For the elderly, adequate doses of medication that do not harm the digestive system are effective. Medical therapeautic agents, including PPIs such as pantoprazole and Omeprazole, can also cure GERD.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

PUD is caused by an imbalance between the secretion of gastric acid and duodenal mucous defence. When the balance between the two is disrupted, there is a consequence of mucousal injury and hence peptic ulcers. PUD among the elderly is associated by complications and when administering medication, special attention should be given to the elderly since they respond negatively to medications and surgery. PUD can be diagnosed by carrying out both physical and diagnostic tests (Okello, et. al, 2016) . Once it has been diagnosed, laboratory tests can then be undertaken such as breath tests, stool and blood tests. There are two main factors that contribute to the high rate of PUD among the elderly are the high rates of H. Pylori and prescription of drugs that increase damage in the gastroduodenal drugs. Elderly patients receive medical treatment of PUD

Gastritis Disorders

Gastritis disorders basically results from mucous injury that may have been caused by many factors (Azer,& Akhondi, H. 2019).. These factors include infection, too much consumption of alcohol, excessive use of pain killers and injuries. These factors cause stomach inflammation. Symptoms of gastric disorder include pain in both lower and upper abdomen, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn and belching. These disorders can be diagnosed by any of the following tests: acid and reflux tests, imaging, endoscopy and nuclear scans. Antacids and antibiotics can help treat gastritis disorders, but the treatment entirely depends on the course of the disorder. For the elderly, the doctor should consider prescribing medication that cure H. Pylori.

References

Azer, S. A., & Akhondi, H. (2019). Gastritis. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

Okello, T. R., Ogwang, D. M., & Pecorella, I. (2016). A 10 years trend of peptic ulcer disease and other gastrointestinal disorders in northern Uganda. East and Central African Journal of Surgery, 21(2), 11-16.

Testoni, P. A., Bagnolo, F., & Tittobello, A. (1992). Interdigestive antro-duodenal motor disorders in functional dyspepsia. Associated chronic gastritis correlates with further motor impairment. The Italian journal of gastroenterology, 24(8), 440-445.