Gastrointestinal And Nutritional Complications
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Psycho-Oncology (United Kingdom) course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Absorption refers to the process by which the body takes in nutrients from food,… #
Related terms include digestion and metabolism. Absorption is critical for maintaining proper nutritional status, and any disruptions can lead to deficiencies and other health issues. For example, patients with celiac disease may experience malabsorption due to an adverse reaction to gluten, leading to a range of symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagu… #
Related terms include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia. Acid reflux can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as certain treatments and medications can exacerbate the condition. For instance, chemotherapy can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to increased risk of acid reflux.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in the blood that can be used to assess… #
Related terms include liver function tests and bone metabolism. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase can indicate liver damage or bone disorders, which can be a concern for patients with cancer. For example, patients with liver cancer may experience elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, which can be used as a diagnostic marker.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, with essential amino acids being… #
Related terms include protein synthesis and nitrogen balance. Amino acids play a critical role in maintaining muscle mass and overall health, and deficiencies can lead to a range of complications. For instance, patients with cancer may experience muscle wasting due to inadequate amino acid intake, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition.
Anemia is a condition characterized by low red blood cell count, often caused by… #
Related terms include iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. Anemia can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience anemia due to chronic blood loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Antiemetics are medications used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, commo… #
Related terms include ondansetron and metoclopramide. Antiemetics can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications. For instance, patients with breast cancer may experience nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, and antiemetics can help alleviate these symptoms.
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often caused by l… #
Related terms include liver cirrhosis and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Ascites can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to discomfort, pain, and respiratory problems. For example, patients with liver cancer may experience ascites due to liver dysfunction, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Bile salts are compounds produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, pl… #
Related terms include bile acid synthesis and lipid metabolism. Bile salts can be affected by certain medications and medical conditions, leading to digestive issues and other complications. For instance, patients with liver disease may experience bile salt deficiencies, leading to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, used… #
Related terms include weight loss and cachexia. BMI can be a useful tool for healthcare professionals, as it can help identify patients at risk of malnutrition and other complications. For example, patients with cancer may experience weight loss due to inadequate nutrition, and BMI can be used to monitor their progress.
Cachexia is a condition characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and loss o… #
Related terms include muscle wasting and sarcopenia. Cachexia can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to decreased quality of life and increased risk of complications. For instance, patients with lung cancer may experience cachexia due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health and muscle function, with deficie… #
Related terms include vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. Calcium can be affected by certain medications and medical conditions, leading to deficiencies and other health issues. For example, patients with kidney disease may experience calcium deficiencies due to impaired vitamin D activation.
Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient that provides energy for the body, wit… #
Related terms include glycemic index and insulin resistance. Carbohydrates can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as certain types can exacerbate symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience changes in bowel habits due to carbohydrate malabsorption.
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones or… #
Related terms include cholelithiasis and biliary colic. Cholecystitis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to pain, nausea, and other complications. For example, patients with pancreatic cancer may experience cholecystitis due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, often c… #
Related terms include bowel obstruction and fecal impaction. Constipation can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to discomfort, pain, and other complications. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience constipation due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part… #
Related terms include ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malabsorption, diarrhea, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience Crohn's disease due to shared risk factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive… #
Related terms include pancreatic insufficiency and malabsorption. Cystic fibrosis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malabsorption, diarrhea, and other complications. For instance, patients with pancreatic cancer may experience cystic fibrosis due to shared risk factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and loose bowel movements, oft… #
Related terms include bowel obstruction and fecal incontinence. Diarrhea can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience diarrhea due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing, often caused by… #
Related terms include esophageal stricture and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and other complications. For instance, patients with head and neck cancer may experience dysphagia due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge, playing a critical role… #
Related terms include sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Electrolytes can be affected by certain medications and medical conditions, leading to imbalances and other health issues. For example, patients with kidney disease may experience electrolyte imbalances due to impaired renal function.
Enteral nutrition is a type of nutrition support that involves delivering nutrie… #
Related terms include parenteral nutrition and total parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as it can help maintain nutritional status and support recovery. For instance, patients with head and neck cancer may require enteral nutrition due to dysphagia, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux, infec… #
Related terms include esophageal stricture and Barrett's esophagus. Esophagitis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to pain, difficulty swallowing, and other complications. For example, patients with esophageal cancer may experience esophagitis due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digestible by the body, playing a cr… #
Related terms include soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Fiber can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as certain types can exacerbate symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience changes in bowel habits due to fiber malabsorption.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infection, medi… #
Related terms include peptic ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori. Gastritis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to pain, nausea, and other complications. For example, patients with stomach cancer may experience gastritis due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Gastrointestinal motility refers to the movement of food through the digestive s… #
Related terms include gastrointestinal transit time and bowel habits. Gastrointestinal motility can be affected by certain medications and medical conditions, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. For instance, patients with diabetes may experience gastroparesis due to nerve damage.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infection, medicat… #
Related terms include liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to liver dysfunction, malabsorption, and other complications. For example, patients with liver cancer may experience hepatitis due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Hydration is the process of maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, with d… #
Related terms include fluid balance and electrolyte imbalance. Hydration can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as certain treatments and medications can exacerbate dehydration. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience dehydration due to diarrhea, highlighting the importance of proper fluid management.
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of conditions that cause chronic in… #
Related terms include irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malabsorption, diarrhea, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience inflammatory bowel disease due to shared risk factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Iron deficiency is a condition characterized by low iron levels in the blood, of… #
Related terms include anemia and iron supplementation. Iron deficiency can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other complications. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience iron deficiency due to chronic blood loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often c… #
Related terms include liver dysfunction and biliary obstruction. Jaundice can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to liver dysfunction, malabsorption, and other complications. For example, patients with liver cancer may experience jaundice due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by the inability to digest lact… #
Related terms include lactose malabsorption and dairy intolerance. Lactose intolerance can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and other complications. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience lactose intolerance due to impaired lactase production.
Malabsorption is a condition characterized by the inability to absorb nutrients… #
Related terms include malnutrition and deficiencies. Malabsorption can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and other complications. For example, patients with pancreatic cancer may experience malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Megestrol acetate is a medication used to stimulate appetite and improve nutriti… #
Related terms include appetite stimulants and nutritional support. Megestrol acetate can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as it can help improve nutritional status and reduce the risk of malnutrition. For instance, patients with head and neck cancer may require megestrol acetate due to dysphagia, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that play a critical role in… #
Related terms include vitamin deficiencies and mineral deficiencies. Micronutrients can be affected by certain medications and medical conditions, leading to deficiencies and other health issues. For example, patients with kidney disease may experience micronutrient deficiencies due to impaired renal function.
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer, oft… #
Related terms include antiemetics and emesis. Nausea and vomiting can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as they can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications.
Nutritional assessment is the process of evaluating a patient's nutritional stat… #
Related terms include nutritional screening and nutritional support. Nutritional assessment can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as it can help identify malnutrition and develop effective nutrition strategies. For example, patients with head and neck cancer may require nutritional assessment due to dysphagia, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Obesity is a condition characterized by excess body fat, often caused by poor di… #
Related terms include overweight and metabolic syndrome. Obesity can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to increased risk of complications and decreased quality of life. For instance, patients with breast cancer may experience obesity due to hormone therapy, highlighting the importance of proper weight management.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, often caused by hor… #
Related terms include osteopenia and bone density. Osteoporosis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to increased risk of fractures and other complications. For example, patients with prostate cancer may experience osteoporosis due to hormone therapy, highlighting the importance of proper bone health management.
Pancreatic enzyme supplements are medications used to replace pancreatic enzymes… #
Pancreatic enzyme supplements can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as they can help improve nutritional status and reduce the risk of malabsorption. For instance, patients with pancreatic cancer may require pancreatic enzyme supplements due to impaired pancreatic function.
Parenteral nutrition is a type of nutrition support that involves delivering nut… #
Related terms include enteral nutrition and total parenteral nutrition. Parenteral nutrition can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as it can help maintain nutritional status and support recovery. For example, patients with head and neck cancer may require parenteral nutrition due to dysphagia, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Peptic ulcer disease is a condition characterized by ulcers in the stomach or du… #
Related terms include Helicobacter pylori and gastrointestinal bleeding. Peptic ulcer disease can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to pain, nausea, and other complications. For instance, patients with stomach cancer may experience peptic ulcer disease due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help maintain a healthy gut microbio… #
Related terms include prebiotics and gut health. Probiotics can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as certain types can exacerbate symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience changes in bowel habits due to probiotic supplementation.
Radiation enteritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the small in… #
Related terms include radiation colitis and gastrointestinal radiation injury. Radiation enteritis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience radiation enteritis due to radiation therapy, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by muscle wasting and loss of muscle mas… #
Related terms include muscle wasting and cachexia. Sarcopenia can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to decreased quality of life and increased risk of complications. For instance, patients with lung cancer may experience sarcopenia due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition characterized by an o… #
Related terms include irritable bowel syndrome and malabsorption. SIBO can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience SIBO due to impaired motility, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by excessive fat in the stool, often ca… #
Related terms include malabsorption and pancreatic enzyme supplements. Steatorrhea can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and other complications. For instance, patients with pancreatic cancer may experience steatorrhea due to impaired pancreatic function, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a type of nutrition support that involves de… #
Related terms include enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition. TPN can be a lifesaver for patients with cancer, as it can help maintain nutritional status and support recovery. For example, patients with head and neck cancer may require TPN due to dysphagia, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic i… #
Related terms include Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to malabsorption, diarrhea, and other complications. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience ulcerative colitis due to shared risk factors, highlighting the importance of proper management and treatment.
Vitamin deficiencies are conditions characterized by low levels of essential vit… #
Related terms include micronutrient deficiencies and nutritional supplements. Vitamin deficiencies can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as they can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other complications. For example, patients with colon cancer may experience vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.
Weight loss is a common symptom experienced by patients with cancer, often cause… #
Related terms include cachexia and muscle wasting. Weight loss can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to decreased quality of life and increased risk of complications. For instance, patients with lung cancer may experience weight loss due to tumor-related factors, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Xerostomia is a condition characterized by dry mouth, often caused by radiation… #
Related terms include hyposalivation and oral mucositis. Xerostomia can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to difficulty swallowing, taste changes, and other complications. For example, patients with head and neck cancer may experience xerostomia due to radiation therapy, highlighting the importance of proper oral care.
Zinc deficiency is a condition characterized by low levels of zinc in the blood,… #
Zinc deficiency can be a challenge for patients with cancer, as it can lead to impaired wound healing, decreased immune function, and other complications. For instance, patients with colon cancer may experience zinc deficiency due to malabsorption, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition support.