Gastrointestinal tract disease conditions | MPO Training 18
Are you aiming to become a successful Medical Promotion Officer (MPO)? This article explains common gastrointestinal tract disease conditions in a simple way that helps you understand what really matters. Whether you're new or preparing for a role in pharma, this guide makes complex medical topics feel easy.
If you're planning to talk with doctors, knowing about this topic will boost your confidence. You’ll find useful terms and ideas that are often asked in interviews. So, stay with it—you'll gain practical knowledge step by step.
Table of contents: Gastrointestinal tract disease conditions
Table of contents of this blog-
Gastrointestinal tract disease conditions
Gastrointestinal tract disease conditions refer to problems that affect the stomach, intestines, and digestive system as a whole. These include acid reflux, ulcers, IBS, constipation, and infections. As a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO), understanding these diseases helps you discuss treatment options confidently with doctors.
This article gives you an easy explanation of each condition. It’s perfect if you're new to the field and want to learn without medical jargon.
What is the GIT (Gastrointestinal Tract)?
The GIT (Gastrointestinal Tract) is a system in the body responsible for
digestion. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine, and rectum.
| Hyperacidity related | GI motility related | Intestinal Spasm related | Related Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1) Ulcers 2) Ulcerative Colitis 3) GERD 4) Gastritis 5) Reflux Esophagitis 6) Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome 7) Heart Burn 8) NSAIDs Induced Ulcer |
1) Constipation 2) Diarrhea |
1) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 2) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) |
1) Abdominal Bloating 2) Flatulence 3) Dyspepsia 4) Hiatal/Hiatus Hernia 5) Gastroparesis 6) Hepatic encephalopathy/Portal Systemic Encephalopathy 7) Hepatobiliary Disease |
Hyperacidity Related GIT Disease
Ulcer: An ulcer is a painful sore that is slow to heal and
sometimes recurs. Ulcers aren't 4 uncommon. Ulcers can appear anywhere in
or on your body, from the lining in your stomach to the outer layer of
your skin.
Ulcers in GIT:
1. Peptic Ulcer
- Gastric Ulcer
- Duodenal Ulcer
2. Esophageal Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the
inside lining of our stomach and the upper portion of our small
intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.
The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic
ulcers. However, they can make symptoms worse.
Symptoms:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Peptic ulcers include:
- Gastric ulcers: Ulcers that occur inside of the stomach.
- Duodenal ulcers: Ulcers that occur in the upper portion of our small intestine (duodenum).
Esophageal Ulcer: It's a painful sore located in the lining of
the lower part of the esophagus, at the junction of the esophagus and
stomach.
Esophageal ulcers usually form as a result of an infection with a
bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. It can also be caused by erosion
from stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. In some cases, other
infections from yeast and viruses can also result in esophageal
ulcers.
Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in our
digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of
your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over
time, rather than suddenly.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that refers to backflow of
stomach content into the esophagus.
Symptoms: The main symptom of GERD is acid reflux.
Some other symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Pain when swallowing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
Gastritis: Gastritis is an inflammation of the protective
lining of the stomach. Acute gastritis involves sudden, severe
inflammation. Chronic gastritis involves long-term inflammation that
can last for years if it's left untreated.
Symptoms: Gastritis doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in
everyone.
The most common symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, particularly after eating
- Indigestion
Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis is the irritation
and inflammation of the esophagus as a result of acid reflux and
GERD. Untreated reflux esophagitis is a potentially serious
condition that can lead to erosions and/or narrowing of the
esophagus.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a
rare condition in which one or more tumors form in the pancreas or
the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). These tumors,
called gastrinomas, secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin,
which causes our stomach to produce too much acid. The excess acid
then leads to peptic ulcers, as well as to diarrhea and other
symptoms.
Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Burning, aching, gnawing or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Decreased appetite
Heartburn: Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, a
condition where some of the stomach contents travel back up into the
esophagus, or food pipe. It creates a burning pain in the lower chest.
Symptoms:
- A burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- A burning, indigestion-like pain
- A foul, acrid taste in the mouth
NSAIDs Induced Ulcer: Ulcer which is caused by NSAIDs.
Gastrointestinal motility Related Disease
Constipation: It's defined as having hard, dry bowel movements
or passing stool fewer than three times a week. Our colon's main job is
to absorb water from residual food as it's passing through our digestive
system. It then creates stool (waste).
The colon's muscles eventually propel the waste out through the rectum
to be eliminated. If stool remains in the colon too long, it can become
hard and difficult to pass. Poor diet frequently causes constipation.
Dietary fiber and adequate water intake are necessary to help keep
stools soft.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition
of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements each
day. Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea occurs when the
condition lasts for 1 to 2 days.
You might experience diarrhea due to a viral or bacterial infection you
acquired via something you ate or drank. Chronic diarrhea refers to
having diarrhea on most days for longer than 3 to 4 weeks.
Intestinal Spasm Related Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is
a common disorder that affects the large intestine. IBS causes digestive
problems like cramping, belly pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or
both.
There are three types:
- IBS-D (diarrhea)
- IBS-C (constipation)
- IBS-M (mixed), also known as IBS-A (alternating)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): The term Inflammatory Bowel
Disease (IBD) describes a group of disorders such as Crohn's disease
and ulcerative colitis in which the intestines become inflamed.
Symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Diarrhea that may be bloody
- Severe urgency to have a bowel movement
- Fever
- Weight loss
Is IBS vs IBD the same bowel disease?
While both irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel
disease can have similar symptoms including abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and urgent bowel movements; however, IBS is not the
same as IBD.
IBD is a group of separate diseases that includes ulcerative
colitis and Crohn's disease, and is a more severe condition.
READ MORE: Concept microbiology guide | MPO training 15
Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a functional
gastrointestinal disorder because there is abnormal bowel
function. IBS is a group of symptoms and not a disease in
itself, which is why it's called a 'syndrome,' and it is
considered less serious than IBD.
Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause inflammation like
inflammatory bowel disease, and it does not result in permanent
damage to the intestines, intestinal bleeding, rectal bleeding,
ulcers, or the harmful complications that are often seen with
IBD.
GIT Disease Related Conditions
Abdominal Bloating: Abdominal bloating occurs when the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. Most people
describe bloating as feeling full, tight, or swollen in the abdomen.
Abdominal bloating causes Abdominal distension.
Flatulence: Flatulence is a buildup of gas in the digestive
system that can lead to abdominal discomfort.
Dyspepsia: Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, refers to
discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating
or drinking. It is not a disease but a symptom.
Hiatal/Hiatus Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the
upper stomach pushes through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a large
muscle that lies between our abdomen and chest. We use this muscle to
help breathing.
Normally, our stomach is below the diaphragm, but in people with a
hiatal hernia, a portion of the stomach pushes up through the muscle.
The opening it moves through is called a hiatus.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a disorder that occurs when the
stomach takes too long to empty food. This disorder leads to a variety
of symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting, feeling easily full, and
a slow emptying of the stomach, known as delayed gastric emptying.
The exact cause of gastroparesis isn't known, it's thought to have
something to do with disrupted nerve signals in the stomach.
Hepatic Encephalopathy/Portal Systemic Encephalopathy: Hepatic
Encephalopathy (HE) (also called portosystemic encephalopathy) is a
condition where liver disease affects brain functioning.
It occurs as a result of severe liver disease (such as hepatitis or
liver cirrhosis). In this condition, our liver can't adequately remove
toxins from our blood. This causes a buildup of toxins in your
bloodstream, which can lead to brain damage.
Hepatobiliary Disease: Hepatobiliary disease includes a
heterogeneous group of diseases of the liver and biliary system caused
by viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, neoplasia, toxic
chemicals, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, metabolic disorders, and
cardiac failure.
Common Terminology for GIT Drugs
Antacid
Antacids are a class of medicines that neutralize acid in the stomach.
They contain ingredients such as aluminium, calcium, magnesium, or
sodium bicarbonate which act as bases (alkalis) to counteract stomach
acid and make its pH more neutral.
Generally, aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3) & magnesium hydroxide
(Mg(OH)2) containing
Antacids are very common.
This medication works only on existing acid in the stomach. It does not
prevent acid production. It may be used alone or with other medications
that lower acid production (including H2 blockers and proton pump
inhibitors).
Magaldrate
Magaldrate is a chemical combination of aluminum, magnesium hydroxides
and sulphate. Chemical formula is: AlₛMg₁₀(OH)₃₁(SO₄)₂·H₂O
Anti-Ulcerant
A class of drug to prevent or treat ulcers and especially ulcers of the
wall of the stomach ulcers or duodenum.
Cytoprotective Agent
The term 'cytoprotection' means protection against gastric mucosal
injury by a mechanism other than inhibition or neutralization of gastric
acid. Cytoprotective agents stimulate mucus production and enhance blood
flow throughout the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. These agents
also work by forming a coating that protects the ulcerated tissue.
Gastroprokinetic
Prokinetic is a term that means to promote movement. A gastroprokinetic
agent is a type of drug which enhances gastrointestinal motility by
increasing the frequency or strength of contractions, but without
disrupting their rhythm.
They are used to treat certain gastrointestinal symptoms, including
abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and
vomiting; and certain gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable
bowel syndrome, gastritis, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.
Laxative
Laxatives can have powerful effects on our digestive health, helping
relieve constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
Milk of Magnesia
Milk of Magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide. It can act as an
antacid or as a laxative. This type of laxative works by drawing water
into a person's bowels to help loosen stool.
Antispasmodic
An antispasmodic is a pharmaceutical drug or other agent that suppresses
muscle spasms.
Muscle spasm is two types:
- Smooth Muscle Spasm/Visceral Muscle Spasm: Spasm in the stomach, intestine, urinary bladder, uterine muscle etc.
- Skeletal Muscle Spasm: Spasm in any part of the skeletal muscle.
Classification of gastrointestinal tract Drugs
| Header 1 | Header 2 |
|---|---|
|
Therapeutic Sub Class
|
1. Antacid (Acid Neutralizer)
2. Anti-Ulcerantleeno Therapeutic Group: a) H2 Receptor Blocker b) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) c) Cytoprotective Agent 3. Anti flatulence 4. Gastroprokinetic (Motility Stimulants/Dopamine Antagonist) 5. Antiemetic 6. Antidiarrhoeal 7. Antbiotic (Rifamycin analog) 8. Digestive Enzyme 9. Laxative 10. Antispasmodic (Anticholinergic/Anti-Muscarinic) 11. Hepatobiliary |
Some important basics of GIT (Gastrointestinal Tract)
Some important basics of GIT and common GIT diseases include understanding
the digestive organs like stomach, liver, and intestines. MPOs should know
common diseases like acid reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcer, and IBS. Knowing
symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps you present related medicines
clearly to doctors and answer their queries confidently.
Stomach Cells And Their Secretions
| Stomach cell | Secretion |
|---|---|
| Mucus Neck Cell | Mucus |
| Gastrin Cell (G Cell) | Gastrin |
| Enterochromaffin-Like Cell (ECL Cell) | Histamine |
| Parietal Cell | HCI |
| Chief Cell | Pepsinogen |
Accessory Organs And Their Secretions
| Accessory Organ | Secretion |
|---|---|
| Salivary Gland | Saliva |
| Liver | Bile (Produce) |
| Gallbladder | Bile (Store) |
| Pancreas | Pancreatic Juice |
Hydrochloric Acid production in parietal cell
Hydrochloric acid production in parietal cell is stimulated by:
- Acetylcholine
- Histamine
- Gastrin
How They Work:
- 1. Acetylcholine + M2 Receptor = Acid Production + Histamine Secretion
- 2. Histamine + H2 Receptor = Gastric Acid Secretion
- 3. Gastrin + Gastrin Receptor = HCl Secretion
Histamine
Histamine is a substance found in virtually all animal body cells. It
is a biological amine produced from the amino acid-Histidine. It is
considered as a principal mediator of many physiological &
pathological processes.
Types of Histamine receptors:
- H1-Receptor
- H2-Receptor
- H3-Receptor
- H4-Receptor
H1-Receptor: Responsible for immune response, allergic
reaction, contraction of smooth muscle of the respiratory tract,
increase of vascular permeability and induction for the production
of prostacyclin and platelet activating factor.
H2-Receptor: Responsible for gastric acid secretion, heart
contraction, cell proliferation etc.
H3-Receptor: Mainly involved in brain functions such as:
cognition, sleep-wake status etc.
H4-Receptor: Contributes to pain control, has a potential
role in cancer progression. It also modulates innate and adaptive
immune responses mediating cell migration and cytokine production.
Mechanism of Hydrochloric Acid production in Parietal Cell
1) HCl is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. To begin with,
water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) combine within the parietal cell
cytoplasm to produce carbonic Acid (H₂CO₃) which is catalysed by carbonic
anhydrase.
2) Carbonic acid then spontaneously dissociates into a hydrogen ion H⁺ and a
bicarbonate ion (HCO³⁻).
3) The hydrogen ion that is formed is transported into the stomach lumen via
the H+/K+ ATPase ion pump. This pump uses ATP as an energy source to
exchange potassium ions into the parietal cells of the stomach with H+ ions.
4) The bicarbonate ion is transported out of the cell into the blood via a
transporter protein called anion exchanger which transports the bicarbonate
ion out the cell in exchange for a chloride ion (Cl). This chloride ion is
then transported into the stomach lumen via a chloride channel.
5) This results in both hydrogen and chloride ions being present within the
stomach lumen. Their opposing charges lead to them associating with each
other to form hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Protections of Stomach Against Gastric Acid
Three Protections of Stomach Against Gastric Acid are-
- Mucus produced by foveolar cells that line the stomach.
- Bicarbonate produced by foveolar cells, which helps neutralize stomach acid.
- Blood circulation that aids in the repair and renewal of cells in the stomach's mucosal layer.
Gastric Mucosa
The inner surface of the stomach is lined by a mucous membrane known as
the gastric mucosa. It acts as part of a barrier that protects the stomach
wall from the acid and digestive enzymes within the stomach lumen.
pH of GIT
| Stomach | Small intestine | Large Intestine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH | 1.5 - 3.5 | 7 - 9 | 5.6 -6.9 |
astrointestinal Motility
Gastrointestinal motility or Gastric motility is the process by which
food travels through the digestive tract via a series of muscular
contractions called peristalsis.
Peristalsis
Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food
through the digestive tract. It starts in the esophagus where strong
wave-like motions of the smooth muscle move balls of swallowed food to
the stomach.
FAQs
1. What causes acidity or heartburn?
Acidity happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus,
causing a burning feeling. It can be triggered by spicy food, stress,
or irregular eating.
2. What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
IBS is a chronic condition that affects bowel movements. Symptoms
include bloating, stomach pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea. It's
often stress-related.
3. How is a peptic ulcer different from gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while a peptic ulcer
is a sore in the lining caused by acid or H. pylori bacteria.
4. What is H. pylori and how does it affect the stomach?
H. pylori is a bacteria that can infect the stomach and lead to
ulcers. It is treated with antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines.
5. Can GIT diseases be caused by stress?
Yes, stress doesn’t directly cause GIT diseases, but it can worsen
symptoms of conditions like IBS, acidity, and indigestion.
6. What lifestyle changes help with GIT problems?
Eating on time, avoiding spicy food, quitting smoking, reducing
alcohol, and managing stress help improve digestive health.
7. How are GIT diseases usually diagnosed?
Doctors may use physical exams, endoscopy, ultrasound, stool tests, or
blood tests to diagnose GIT problems.
8. Are GIT diseases serious?
Some are mild and temporary, like indigestion. Others, like ulcers or
liver problems, can be serious if not treated properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning about gastrointestinal tract disease conditions is essential for anyone who wants to become a knowledgeable Medical Promotion Officer (MPO). This article gives you a beginner-friendly overview so you feel more prepared in your pharma journey. You don’t need a medical degree to understand it—just curiosity and the right guidance. If you stay updated with such core topics, it can give you an edge in your career. Keep exploring and building your medical knowledge confidently.
Sarwar Hossain Himel
I am Sarwar Hossain Himel — a sports-loving person. Education: I have obtained a BBA and MBA degree in Accounting. Profession: Currently, I am working as a Medical Promotion Officer (MPO). In addition, I have over 5 years of experience in teaching. Freelance Work: I work as a Google Blogger and Article Writer in freelancing. Passion: I love doing web design and digital marketing. Especially, web design is one of my passions.