Digestive Disorders

Digestion –The mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods for use by the body’s cells Absorption –The passage of digested food from the digestive tract into the cardiovascular system Elimination –The expulsion of undigested food or body wastes Functions of the GI Tract

Digestion involves both mechanical and chemical processes –Mechanical- chewing, mashing, and breaking food into smaller pieces. –Chemical- Digestive juices change the food into simpler substances. The nervous system triggers the digestive process to begin at the sight or smell of food and controls muscles involved with digestion. The cardiovascular system moves the nutrients to the cells of the body. Functions of the Digestive System

These behaviors will help reduce digestive problems: –Eat a well balanced diet –Wash your hands before and after preparing food –Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly –Drink at least 8 (8oz.) Glasses of water daily –Avoid using food as a way of dealing with stress and emotion Health Behaviors for the GI Tract

Can range from minor discomfort caused by gas or indigestion to more serious problems that need immediate medical attention such as appendicitis Problems of the Digestive System

Diarrhea Frequent passage/ expulsion of watery feces. Occurs when digested food passes too quickly through the large intestine Can be cause by changes in eating style, overeating, pathogens, or nutritional deficiencies. Large concern is dehydration.

Diarrhea

Constipation Condition in which feces become dry and hard and bowel movements become difficult and painful. Chyme moves slowly through the large intestine. Too much water absorbed from chyme. Straining can lead to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum) Can be caused by not getting enough fiber or water, failing to respond to a bowel movement Rx: diet high in fiber, drink plenty of water

Indigestion Difficulty in digesting food. Feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen. Can be accompanied by gas and nausea, & stomach cramps Can be caused by eating too much, eating too quickly & spicy foods that are high in fat. Stomach disorders and stress can lead to indigestion Rx. Antacids

Acid Reflux Symptom- burning sensation RX- avoid chocolate and peppermint, coffee, citrus, fried or fatty foods, tomato products – stop smoking- take antacids – don’t lay down 2-3 hours after eating. When small quantities of stomach acid are regurgitated into the esophagus

GERD Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms: heartburn, burning chest, bitter taste in mouth Faulty or weak sphincter caused by nicotine. Caffeine, chocolate Tx: lifestyle changes, weight loss, avoid certain foods

GERD

Inflammation of mucous membrane lining of stomach and intestine Common cause = Virus Symps – diarrhea and vomiting for hours Complication = dehydration

Sore or lesion that forms in the mucosal lining of the stomach Cause – H. pylori (bacteria) is primary cause Lifestyle factors that contribute: cigarette smoking, alcohol, stress, and certain drugs. May be hereditary Symptoms – burning pain in abdomen, between meals and early morning, may be relieved by eating or taking antacids. Diagnosis – x-ray, presence of bacteria Rx – H 2 blockers ( drugs) that block release of histamine

Ulcer

Small crystals that form from bile in the gallbladder Several factors may come together to create gallstones, including: Genetics Body weight Decreased motility (movement) of the gallbladder Diet high in cholesterol Can block the bile duct causing pain in the shoulder blades Small ones may pass on their own, large ones surgically removed Surgical removal of gallbladder = Cholecystectomy Cholecystitis: Inflammation of gallbladder. Gallstones

Diverticulosis Many abnormal pouches form in the intestinal wall and when they become inflamed (diverticulitis) Reasons: diet too low in fiber, walls become weak high fat diet, and inactive lifestyle Prevention: high fiber diet

Other Disorders Gas  Gas is air in the digestive tract  Usually caused by swallowing air and by the breakdown of certain foods in the large intestine by bacteria.  Certain amounts of gas are considered normal.  Excessive gas can result in cramps or uncomfortable feelings of fullness.  Certain foods may cause excess gas in some people, but not in others.

Other Disorders Nausea  Feeling of discomfort that sometimes precedes vomiting.  Caused by motion sickness, pathogens, some medications, and dehydration and etc.  Vomiting is a reflex in which the contents of the stomach are brought back up the esophagus and out of the mouth. This is caused by powerful muscular contractions in the stomach.

IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome No known cause, can be due to stress, laxative abuse, or irritating foods An intestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Cramps, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation Caused by foods such as milk, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, & chocolate Lifestyle changes, and figuring out what is causing it.

A blind sac attached to the cecum and has no known function. When appendix becomes inflamed If it ruptures, bacteria from appendix can spread to peritoneal cavity. Symptoms- RLQ pain, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and vomiting RX - appendectomy

Other Disorders  Crohn’s Disease  Causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract.  Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain.  No known cause but has been thought to have stemmed from immune disorders   Cirrhosis  Destruction of liver tissue, usually caused by prolonged and heavy alcohol use.  Can lead to total liver failure and death unless a liver transplant is performed.

Crohn’s Disease

Chronic progressive disease of the liver Normal tissue replaced by fibrous connective tissue 75% caused by excessive alcohol consumption

Diseases of the Digestive System 1. Tooth Decay (dental caries) A) This is an endogenous infection 1) Most common infectious disease of humans 2) Young are more susceptible than old

Dental Caries (cavities) Diets rich in simple carbohydrates Poor dental hygiene Lack of regular visits to dentist creates a sticky substance known as plaque Plaque provides hiding spot for bacteria to create acids that attack the teeth If cavity not filled, further destruction of the tooth will occur and the tooth may need to be pulled.