Medical History & GI Functions

A patient’s past medical history can significantly impact the function and health of their gastrointestinal (GI) system. Various conditions and previous medical events can alter the physiology of the GI tract, leading to a range of functional and structural changes.

Common Conditions in Past Medical History Affecting GI Functions

  1. Chronic Diseases: Diabetes Mellitus:
    • Impact on GI Function: Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves controlling the GI tract, leading to conditions such as gastroparesis, where the stomach empties too slowly. This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety.Sources: NHS – Diabetes and Gastroparesis
    Thyroid Disorders:
    • Hypothyroidism: Can cause reduced motility of the GI tract, leading to constipation.
    • Hyperthyroidism: Can increase motility, leading to diarrhoea.
    • Sources: British Thyroid Foundation
  2. Surgical History: Abdominal Surgeries:
    • Impact on GI Function: Surgeries like bowel resection, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), or bariatric surgery can lead to changes in digestion and absorption. Adhesions from surgeries can cause bowel obstructions.Sources: National Health Service (NHS) – Abdominal Adhesions
    Gastrointestinal Surgery:
    • Gastric Bypass: Can lead to dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
    • Sources: NHS – Bariatric Surgery
  3. Infectious Diseases: Previous GI Infections:
    • Impact on GI Function: Infections like Helicobacter pylori can lead to chronic gastritis or peptic ulcers, affecting stomach function and leading to symptoms such as pain, bloating, and indigestion.Sources: Helicobacter Pylori Research
    Hepatitis:
    • Impact on GI Function: Hepatitis infections can lead to liver dysfunction, which affects bile production and digestion. This can result in jaundice, steatorrhea (fatty stools), and abdominal discomfort.
    • Sources: British Liver Trust
  4. Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s Disease:
    • Impact on GI Function: Can lead to impaired motility of the GI tract, causing constipation and gastroparesis.Sources: Parkinson’s UK
    Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
    • Impact on GI Function: Can cause neurogenic bowel, leading to constipation or incontinence.
    • Sources: MS Society UK
  5. Autoimmune Disorders: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
    • Impact on GI Function: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.Sources: Crohn’s and Colitis UK
    Coeliac Disease:
    • Impact on GI Function: Autoimmune reaction to gluten damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
    • Sources: Coeliac UK