D1.3 - Health and the Digestive System

Digestive System Disorders

• Digestion's end result: absorption of nutrients, salts, and water
• Most digestive system disorders affect the body's salt and water content and nutritional state.
• Examples: Ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and gallstones.

Ulcers

• Ulcer: Forms when the protective mucus layer in the stomach lining is eroded by stomach acid.
• Most ulcers are caused by bacteria resistant to acid and attaching to the stomach wall.
• The bacteria then prevent the production of protective mucus, damaging the stomach wall.
• Risk factors: Smoking, caffeine, alcohol.

Treatments for Ulcers

• Medications to reduce stomach acid or strengthen the mucus layer.
• Antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
• Lifestyle adjustments.
• Surgery to block nerve signals or remove a part of the stomach.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Diseases causing inflammation in the intestines (bowels).
• Examples: Crohn's disease, colitis.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease: Primarily affects the ileum (part of the small intestine).
• Causes frequent bowel movements (diarrhea or rectal bleeding).
• Possible autoimmune disorder (immune system attacks the digestive tract).
• No cure; treatments include medication and surgery.

Colitis

• Colitis: Inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the colon.
• Symptoms: Loose/bloody stool, cramps, abdominal pain, skin lesions, and growth problems.
• Possible treatments include medication and surgery.

Disorders of Accessory Organs

• Hepatitis: Liver inflammation

• Hepatitis Types:

  • Hepatitis A: Contracted from contaminated water.
  • Hepatitis B: Spread through sexual contact (vaccine available).
  • Hepatitis C: Contracted through contact with infected blood.

• Cirrhosis: Chronic liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

  • Common causes: Chronic alcoholism and hepatitis C.

• Gallstones: Hard masses formed in the gallbladder from cholesterol in bile.

Explore common digestive system disorders, their causes, and treatments in this quiz. Learn about conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as their impact on nutrient absorption. Test your knowledge on effective treatment methods and lifestyle adjustments.