Conclusion
The GI system consists of the alimentary canal and accessory organs that are
commonly referred to as the GI tract. Appendicitis is a common problem in
the GI system. This occurs when the vermiform appendix, which is a blind
pouch located near the ileocecal valve in the right lower quadrant of the
abdomen, may be obstructed by stool. This decrease in blood supply may
result in gangrene or perforation as the pressure continues to build.
Certain congenital disorders affect the GI system. One of these is celiac
disease where enzymes in the intestinal mucosal cells are damaged when they
are in contact with gluten. As a result, there is decreased absorption by the
small intestines.
Another congenital disorder is a cleft palate and cleft lip. This occurs when
the upper jaw and palate bone and tissue don’t fuse together properly during
the second month of pregnancy.
Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition where stool is unable to be
pushed through the colon due to lack of peristalsis caused by missing nerve
cells in the colon.
Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are congenital anomalies
that are an emergency. A tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital anomaly in
which the trachea and the esophagus are connected. A child with a tracheoe-
sophageal fistula is likely to have an esophageal atresia where the esophagus
ends in a blind pouch, preventing food from entering the stomach.
Children between 6 months and 3 years of age might experience intussus-
ceptions, which is a disorder in which the intestine telescopes, causing inflam-
mation and edema and resulting in occlusion of blood vessels and necrosis.
Volvulus is also an intestinal disorder in which the intestine twists around
itself as a result of ingesting a foreign substance or from adhesions. This can
lead to compressed blood vessels and an ischemia leading to necrosis.
Infants can experience spasms of the pylorus muscle resulting in pyloric
stenosis that prevents the pyloric sphincter from emptying stomach contents
into the duodenum.
Any portion of the GI tract can become inflamed. Chronic inflammation of
the GI tract is called Crohn disease. In most cases, the small and large intes-
tine become inflamed and can lead to strictures or the formation of fistulas.
Another inflammatory disorder is ulcerative colitis. This occurs when the
large intestine becomes inflamed and can lead to ulcerations and abscesses.
Patients who have ulcerative colitis experience periods of exacerbations and
remissions.
Hepatitis is another inflammation disorder of the GI system that affects
liver cells commonly as a result of a virus infection or exposure to drugs or
toxins. There are seven types of hepatitis.(^252) Pediatric Nursing Demystified