Inflammation of the stomach and small intestines, commonly associated with abdominopelvic pain.

• A. Ulcers
• B. Cholecystitis
• C. Gastroenteritis
• D. Peritonitis

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine is gastroenteritis. This term refers specifically to inflammation of the GI tract lining, which typically causes abdominal cramping and pain along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. It differs from ulcers, which are localized lesions in the stomach or duodenum and usually produce more focal, epigastric pain or bleeding rather than widespread GI inflammation. It also differs from cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder and usually presents with right upper quadrant pain, often with fever. Peritonitis involves irritation of the peritoneum and typically presents with sudden, diffuse abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation such as guarding. So the description of inflammation affecting the stomach and small intestine most clearly fits gastroenteritis.