Question

1. Describe one condition that affects the upper gastro-intestinal tract, unsure you discuss the effects of the condition to nutrition status and develop nutrition therapy for the patient

Answer 1

The upper gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenum [ upper part of small intestine ]. Some common diseases of upper gastrointestinal tract include gastritis, ulcers, hiatal hernia, gastro-esophagal reflux disease etc.

A very commonly occuring upper GI tract disease is gastritis. It is an inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. It can be caused due to various reasons like excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting stress or even due to the use of certain medicines like aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides this, infection by a bacterium species called Helicobacter pylori, is also a cause of gastritis. Rarely, it is caused by bile reflux, i.e., backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract.

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Gastritis is diagnosed by upper endoscopy, blood tests and stool tests. Once the disease is confirmed, treatment is required. Treatment includes medication and a carefully planned diet. Treatment is based on the cause of gastritis, like,

*taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acids

* if the cause is H. pylori infection, a course of antibiotics will have to be taken.

* if the cause of the disease is pernicious anemia, shots of B12 will be given

Nutritional plan for patients suffering from gastritis is essential for the disease to be cured and treatment to be effective. The patient should be given small meals at short gaps so that digestion is easy and the stomach does not remain empty for long. All sorts of hot and spicy foods have to be avoided. Intake of lactose from dairy products and gluten from wheat should be minimized. Keeping this in mind, the nutrition therapy should include the following--

* high fiber foods such as apples, carrots, beans, broccoli, oatmeals etc

* low-fat foods such as fish, chicken and turkey

* foods which are low on acidic content and are more on the alkaline side, like vegetables.

* un-carbonated drinks and no caffein

* all cooked food should be bland and without spices.

* plenty of water should be a part of the daily diet while all sorts of synthetic or fermented drinks should be avoided.

Medication, a disciplined daily routine and a suitable diet will help the patient recover quickly from the disease.