Digestive System Diseases & Careers Kristin Milian Stefanny Gamboa Annika Reczek Constance Thurmond

Appendicitis The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine that becomes swollen. There is a laparoscopic procedure that removes the appendix to stop the pain. Some symptoms include: chills, constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea, shaking, and vomiting. Anyone can get appendicitis, but is more commonly found in people ages

Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is a condition where the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed due to bacteria or a virus. The treatment of gastroenteritis is to keep hydrated due to the constant diarrhea and vomiting. If fluids aren’t held down, an IV would most likely be started. Some symptoms of gastroenteritis is: low grade fever to 100 F, nausea with or without vomiting, mild to moderate diarrhea, dehydration, & painful abdominal bloating. Anyone can get gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages. Some bacterial gastroenteritis such as rotavirus is commonly found in children 5 and under.

Constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. Constipation occurs when you’re pregnant, stressed, have a low amount of fiber in your diet, don’t drink much water, don’t exercise enough, depression, and more. To treat constipation, you can add fiber to your diet, drink more water, exercise more frequently, or take laxatives. Symptoms: straining during a bowel movement, hard stools, incomplete evacuation, or two or fewer bowel movements in a week. Anyone can become constipated, there is no specific race, culture, or age group that is more prone to becoming constipated.

Pancreatitis This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes swollen or inflamed. Alcohol and gallstones are the two main causes of pancreatitis. To help the pain, you can consume soft foods and stop drinking alcohol. In some cases, if it is caused by gallstones, the gallbladder will be removed. Symptoms: nausea, fever, chills, swollen abdomen which is tender to the touch, weakness, fatigue, lightheaded, irritability, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. People who consume more alcohol than others is more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Ulcer An ulcer is a sore or an open, painful wound. Ulcers a can be treated healing on their own, however if they are not taken care of, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making changes to ones lifestyle, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery Symptoms: gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night, bloating, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. People who can get ulcers: take pills such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and many others, have a family history of ulcers, have another illness, such as liver, kidney, or lung disease, drink alcohol regularly, or are 50 years old or older.

Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologists are doctors that specifically deal with diseases and disorders that deal with the stomach and intestines. The salary ranges anywhere from $120,000 - $425,500 anually. The occupation requires a doctorates degree, a state license, medical school, residency training in internal medicine for 3 years.

Dietitian Dietitians plan food and nutrition programs for people that need special diets or that want to eat healthy. Dietitians earn about an annual salary of $52,150. To become a dietitian, you need the following educational requirements bachelor's degree and a certification or registration.

Dentist A dentist specializes in oral surgery and the teeth. The average salary for a dentist is $84,000 - $200,000 annually. To become a dentist, the following requirements must be met, becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), registration, and a license.

Proctologist A proctologist works with the digestive tract and the final parts of the digestive system (the anus, colon and rectum). The average annual salary is between $155,000 – $290,000 You must obtain a bachelor’s degree, go through medical school, have your license and residency, and a board certification to become a proctologist.

Hepatologist A hepatologist takes care of problems with your liver and has specialized training. A hepatologist earns about $278,000 to $319,000 annually. A hepatologist must obtain 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency training to become certified for the job.