patient report gi problem

The most common GI issues reported include diarrhea, dyspepsia, heartburn, noncardiac chest pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, etc. and they have been summarized in several reviews [ 1, 2 ].

Full Answer

What are the most common problems with the GI tract?

They are the most common problems affecting the GI tract (including the colon and rectum). Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, food poisoning, gas, bloating, GERD and diarrhea are common examples. Many factors may upset your GI tract and its motility (ability to keep moving), including:

How do I know if I have a GI disease?

2. Blood test. Blood tests like blood count, liver function test, lactose tolerance test, antibodies to H. pylori, pancreatic enzyme test, etc. can help diagnose certain GI conditions like bacterial or parasitic infection, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, exact cause of diarrhoea, etc.

Why is it important to diagnose GI disorders?

Diagnosing GI disorders is critical to effective treatment and prevention of complications. The various ailments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract affect food digestion and absorption.

Why is it important to understand how the GI tract works?

It is important to understand how the GI tract works normally and to identify differences in men and women which may be associated with possible worsening of GI problems. These differences may present with unique symptoms in women for shared diseases or even unique diagnoses for women.

How do you describe gastrointestinal disorders?

What are gastrointestinal diseases? Gastrointestinal diseases affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus. There are two types: functional and structural. Some examples include nausea/vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance and diarrhea.

What are common GI problems?

Information on Common GI ConditionsAcid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD.Dyspepsia/Indigestion.Nausea and Vomiting.Peptic Ulcer Disease.Abdominal Pain Syndrome.Belching, Bloating, Flatulence.Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders and Gallstone Pancreatitis.Gallstone Pancreatitis.More items...

What are the main complaints in patients with gastrointestinal disease?

Patients may complain of upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, early satiety, or reflux symptoms.

What do I need to ask a patient with GI?

Abdominal painDoes the patient use a single finger or spread the fingers and move the palm over much of the abdomen?What is the nature of the pain? Note body language. ... Are there any aggravating or relieving factors? ... How often is the pain felt and how long does it last?Is there radiation elsewhere?

What are 4 clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease?

Whereas symptoms vary depending on the condition and underlying causes, most gastrointestinal diseases share common symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight loss and excess gas.

How do you fix GI problems?

Diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference:Cut back on fatty foods.Avoid fizzy drinks.Eat and drink slowly.Quit smoking.Don't chew gum.Exercise more.Avoid foods that cause gas.Avoid sweeteners that cause gas such as fructose and sorbitol.

What is the most common gastrointestinal disease?

Here are six of the most common gastrointestinal problems — and what can be done about them.Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Heartburn happens, but if it occurs regularly, you may need to be evaluated for GERD. ... Chronic Diarrhea. ... Chronic Constipation. ... Gastroenteritis. ... Ulcers. ... Hemorrhoids.

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal infection?

Symptoms of gastrointestinal infectionnausea.vomiting.fever.loss of appetite.muscle aches.dehydration.headache.mucus or blood in the stool.More items...•

What causes gastrointestinal illness?

Gastrointestinal (GI) illness is caused by a variety of different disease-causing microbes or germs that can be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, contact with contaminated recreational water, infected animals or their environments, or infected people.

What is a focused GI assessment?

By asking specific questions about a patient's gastrointestinal history and performing focused abdominal exam techniques for your adult patient, you will be able to assess for the slightest changes in gastrointestinal function. Alterations in your gastrointestinal assessment findings could indicate potential problems.

How do you document bowel sounds?

Place the diaphragm of your stethoscope lightly over the right lower quadrant and listen for bowel sounds. If you don't hear any, continue listening for 5 minutes within that quadrant. Then, listen to the right upper quadrant, the left upper quadrant, and the left lower quadrant.

What questions would a nurse ask a client about their gastrointestinal health and why?

ome chief complaints of the gastrointestinal system include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, change in bowel habit, diarrhea, and constipation....AnorexiaHave you had any loss of appetite recently?Is there a food you cannot eat because it hurt your stomach?Are there foods that cause nausea or vomiting?

Why is it important to understand how the GI tract works?

It is important to understand how the GI tract works normally and to identify differences in men and women which may be associated with possible worsening of GI problems. These differences may present with unique symptoms in women for shared diseases or even unique diagnoses for women.

What is the GI tract?

The GI tract muscles in women may function differently compared with men. Between the end of the esophagus and the beginning of the stomach, there is a muscle which acts like a door. When one eats, the door opens allowing the food to slide into the stomach and then quickly closes again, preventing the food from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Why do women have less stomach acid?

Women secrete less stomach acid than men, throughout their lives and they tend to have fewer ulcers related to acid. The stronger muscles at the end of the esophagus and the lesser amount of stomach acid present in women may help to explain the milder damage to the esophagus. However, because women are more sensitive to irritants, ...

What causes delayed gastric emptying?

Certain conditions including diabetes, prior stomach surgeries, infections, medications, and low thyroid levels can cause damage to nerves that are responsible for gastric emptying, leading to a condition called gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying).

How often does IBS occur in women?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) occurs 2 to 6 times more often in women than in men. In patients with IBS, there is super-sensitivity to irritants (such as intestinal gas) that would not be bothersome to other people.

How much fiber should I take for constipation?

Chronic constipation is common in women and tends to worsen with age. Treatment includes at least 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise. Non-prescription medications may include stool softeners and laxatives.

How to tell if you have a colonoscopy?

Symptoms may include diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, and anemia. Diagnosis is generally made after colonoscopy and review of biopsy specimens by pathology. Treatment can vary but often requires long-term medications, many of which are safe in pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of GI?

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion/dyspepsia, bloating and constipation are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood both by health care providers and patients.

What is the ACG clinical guidelines?

Developed by a talented group of GI experts, the College is devoted to the development of new ACG guidelines on gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our guidelines reflect the current state-of-the-art scientific work and are based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. ACG Clinical Guidelines.

How many people have IBS?

In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease. IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians. Visit the IBS Health Center.

What should patients be asked about when they are vomiting?

Regarding eating, patients should be asked about difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia ), loss of appetite, and presence of nausea and vomiting. If patients are vomiting, they should be asked how often and for how long and whether they have noted blood or coffee-ground–like material suggestive of GI bleeding.

What are the elements of medical history?

Important elements of the past medical history include presence of previously diagnosed GI disorders, previous abdominal surgery, and use of drugs and substances that might cause GI symptoms (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], alcohol, marijuana).

What does it mean when you have pain in the lower left quadrant?

Pain in the left lower quadrant may indicate diverticulitis or constipation. Pain in either the left or right lower quadrant may indicate colitis, ileitis, or ovarian (in women) etiologies. (See figure Location of abdominal pain and possible causes .)

Why is a gynecologic history important?

A gynecologic history is important in women because gynecologic and obstetric disorders may manifest with GI symptoms.

Is a physical examination necessary for gastrointestinal disorders?

Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal Patient. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders are quite common. History and physical examination are often adequate to make a disposition in patients with minor complaints; in other cases, testing is necessary.

Is GI testing necessary?

History and physical examination are often adequate to make a disposition in patients with minor complaints; in other cases, testing is necessary.

What are the elements of medical history?

Important elements of the past medical history include presence of previously diagnosed GI disorders, previous abdominal surgery, and use of drugs and substances that might cause GI symptoms (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], alcohol, marijuana).

What does it mean when you have pain in the lower left quadrant?

Pain in the left lower quadrant may indicate diverticulitis or constipation . Pain in either the left or right lower quadrant may indicate colitis, ileitis, or ovarian (in women) etiologies. (See figure Location of abdominal pain and possible causes .)

Why is a gynecologic history important?

A gynecologic history is important in women because gynecologic and obstetric disorders may manifest with GI symptoms.

Is a physical examination necessary for gastrointestinal disorders?

Evaluation of the Gastrointestinal Patient. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders are quite common. History and physical examination are often adequate to make a disposition in patients with minor complaints; in other cases, testing is necessary.

Is GI testing necessary?

History and physical examination are often adequate to make a disposition in patients with minor complaints; in other cases, testing is necessary.

What is the gastrointestinal tract?

The gastrointestinal tract is the route for the entry of fluids and nutrients into the body. Diseases of the system, or conditions of other organs which cause gastro intestinal symptoms, are likely to effect nutritional status through impairing function in a number of ways listed in Table 1. Table 1.

What to do if food intake is insufficient?

If food intake is insufficient to meet nutritional requirements a nutritional supplement may be offered. If intake is still insufficient an enteral tube feed may be neededrequired. Dependng on the type and amount of enteral feed tolerated a vitamin and trace element supplement may be required.

Why is fiber important for colorectal cancer?

This principle should also be followed for any other patients failing to eat sufficient food. Control of symptoms. Dietary fibre plays an important role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Increased amounts are often recommended to aid the control of bowel function for example, in irritable bowel disease.

What is a physical exam for GI?

The symptoms present and a physical examination may help diagnose a few GI disorders like diarrhoea, constipation, acidity , etc. For diseases like haemorrhoids, physical rectal examination may be done wherein the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.

Why is it important to diagnose GI disorders?

Diagnosing GI disorders is critical to effective treatment and prevention of complications. The various ailments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract affect food digestion and absorption. Diagnosing them is critical to effective treatment and prevention of complications. Here are 11 diagnostic tests that help diagnose various GI disorders.

What does a stool culture show?

A stool culture can help diagnose bacterial infection. Increased fat levels in the stool may be seen in celiac disease, pancreatitis, etc. High pH of the stool could indicate inflammation, cancer, etc. Some enzyme immunoassays are used to detect viral and bacterial antigen in stool sample. 4. Renal function test.

What is the procedure to check for acidity in the stomach?

5. Endoscopy . Long-standing acidity, heartburn, unexplained weight loss and changes in bowel pattern may need a detailed investigation of the intestine. Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that involves examination of the stomach or digestive tract with the help of an instrument called endoscope.

What happens when sugar is not absorbed by the small intestine?

When ingested sugars are not completely absorbed by the small intestine, bacteria within the colon produce hydrogen gas. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can also produce large amounts of hydrogen. Hydrogen gas absorbed into the blood travels to the lungs.

How does a colonoscopy tube work?

They can help detect presence of cancerous cells. During colonoscopy, a tube is inserted through the anus to visualise the colon. It aids in detection for areas of inflammation or small ulcers in the colon. Proctoscopy can help visualise the rectum.

What is an ultrasound of the abdomen?

Abdominal ultrasound is used to examine organs and their blood vessels in the abdomen like liver, pancreas, gallbladder, etc.