1. Digestive system
diseases

2. appendicitis
Acute inflammation of the appendix usually caused by a obstruction and infection
Symptoms: abdominal pain, N & V, mild fever, elevated WBC
If ruptures infectious material spills out into peritoneal cavity and causes peritonitis
Tx: appendectomy

4. cholecystitis Inflammation of the gallbladder
Cholelithiasis: gallstones form from crystallized cholesterol, bile salts and bile pigments
Symptoms: (after fatty foods) indigestion, n & v, pain under the rib and radiates to right shoulder
Tx: low fat diet, lithotripsy, cholecystectomy

5. cirrhosis
Chronic destruction of liver cells accompanied by the formation of fibrous connective and scar tissue
Cause: malnutrition associated with alcoholism, hepatitis, bile duct disease and chemical toxins

6. Cirrhosis cont.
Symptoms: vary and become more sever as the disease progresses
Enlargement of the liver, anemia, nosebleeds, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, ascites (accumulation of fluid in abdominal peritoneal cavity)
Liver function fails: disorientation, hallucinations, hepatic coma, and death

8. constipation
Occurs when fecal matter remains in the colon too long, causing excessive reabsorption of water; feces becomes hard, dry and difficult to eliminate
Causes: poor bowel habits, chronic use of laxatives, diet low in fiber, & digestive disease
Tx: high fiber diet, adequate fluids & exercise

9. diarrhea Frequent watery stools
Cause: infections, stress, diet, and irritated colon and toxic substances
Dangerous for infants and small children due to excessive fluid loss.
Tx: eliminate cause, provide adequate fluid intake, modify diet

10. diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticula, pouches or sacs that form in the intestine as the mucosal lining pushes through the surrounding muscle
Fecal mater and bacteria become trapped in diverticula, inflammation occurs
Can cause an abscess or rupture leading to peritonitis

11. Diverticulitis cont.
Symptoms: abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements and flatus (gas), constipation or diarrhea, abdominal distention, low grade fever, n & v
Tx: antibiotics, stool softening and pain meds., surgery to remove the affected section of colon

12. Gastroenteritits
Inflammation of mucus membrane lining the stomach and intestinal tract
Cause: food poisoning, infections and toxins
Symptoms: abdominal cramping, n & v, fever, and diarrhea
Tx: rest and increased fluid intake, sever cases: antibiotics, IV, and meds to slow peristalsis

13. Hemorrhoids Painful, dilated or varicose veins of rectum and or anus
Causes: straining to defecate or constipation, pressure during pregnancy, insufficient fluid intake, abuse of laxatives, prolonged sitting or standing
Symptoms: pain, itching, and bleeding
Tx: high fiber diet, increased fluids, stool softeners, sitz baths/warm moist compress, sever case: hemorrhoidectomy