Constipation and diarrhoea

• What are the two gastrointestinal issues mentioned in the study material?

  Constipation and diarrhoea
• How is constipation defined in the study material?

  Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements.
• What are some symptoms of constipation?

  Symptoms include infrequent stools, difficult stool passage, incomplete defecation, dry stools, and hard or abnormally large/small stools.
• What does "2°" refer to in the context of constipation?

  "2°" refers to secondary causes of constipation.
• What is a common characteristic of a healthy bowel that is not functioning properly?

  A healthy bowel that is not functioning properly may still be present but is not working effectively.
• What are the lifestyle choices that can lead to constipation?

  Lifestyle choices include social, physical, and psychological factors.
• What are some medical conditions that can cause secondary constipation?

  Endocrine/metabolic disorders, systemic disease, neuropathy, neurologic disease, and neural abnormalities.
• What causes opioid-induced constipation?

  Opioids slow down the movement of food and waste in the system.
• What is one method of managing constipation mentioned in the study material?

  Laxatives
• What are the types of laxatives mentioned for managing constipation?

  1. Bulk-forming (e.g., ispaghula husk)

  • Increases mass and fluid content of stool
  • Causes colonic distension and motility

  1. Stool softening (e.g., docusate sodium)

  • Decreases surface tension and increases fluid content of stool

  1. Osmotic (e.g., macrogol, lactulose)

  • Increases volume and retention of intraluminal fluid
  • Action dependent on metabolism by gut microbiota

  1. Stimulant (e.g., senna, bisacodyl)

  • Increases peristalsis and electrolyte secretion by mucosa
  • Action dependent on metabolism of gut microbiota
• What is Naloxegol used for?

  Naloxegol is used to manage opioid-induced constipation.
• What is a consequence of defective absorption in the gastrointestinal system?

  Defective absorption leads to fluid and electrolyte loss, associated with both fluid and blood loss.
• What are some viral causes of gastrointestinal issues mentioned in the study material?

  Rotavirus and small round viruses (e.g., norovirus).
• What is the purpose of oral rehydration in treating gastrointestinal issues?

  Oral rehydration prevents and reverses dehydration and restores electrolytes.
• What is the function of the anti-motility agent Loperamide?

  Loperamide slows down intestinal transit and inhibits presynaptic cholinergic nerves.
• How does Loperamide affect fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract?

  Loperamide reduces fluid absorption and secretion through opioid receptors.