Digestive System Malfunctions

• Digestive System Malfunctions include Heartburn, Gastroenteritis, Ulcers, Appendicitis, Hepatitis A and B, Cirrhosis, and Cholelithiasis.

Heartburn

• Heartburn is also known as acid reflux.
• Symptoms of heartburn include a burning sensation.
• Treatment involves avoiding chocolate, peppermint, coffee, citrus or fried or fatty foods, and tomato products.
• Additional treatments include stopping smoking, taking antacids, and avoiding laying down for 2-3 hours after eating.
• It occurs when small quantities of stomach acid are regurgitated into the esophagus.

Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach and intestine.
• Common cause of gastroenteritis is a virus.
• Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting for 24-36 hours.
• A complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration.

Ulcer

• An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the mucosal lining of the stomach.
• Gastric ulcers occur in the stomach, and duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum.
• The primary cause is H. pylori (bacteria).
• Lifestyle factors that contribute include cigarette smoking, alcohol, stress, and certain drugs.
• Symptoms consists of a burning pain in the abdomen, between meals and early morning, and may be relieved by eating or taking antacids.
• Diagnosis involves X-rays and the presence of bacteria.
• Treatment involves H2 blockers, which are drugs that block the release of acid.

Appendicitis

• The appendix is a blind sac attached to the cecum with no known function.
• Appendicitis: the appendix becomes inflamed
• If this ruptures, bacteria from the appendix can spread to the peritoneal cavity.
• Symptoms include right lower quadrant pain, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• Treatment involves an appendectomy, which is a surgical procedure.

Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis A is an infectious type of hepatitis.
• Hepatitis A is caused by a virus.
• It is spread through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is a serum type of hepatitis.
• Hepatitis B is caused by a virus found in blood.
• It is transmitted by blood transfusion, being stuck with contaminated needles, or by drug addicts.
• Healthcare workers are at risk and should be vaccinated.
• Standard precautions should be used for prevention.

Cirrhosis

• Cirrhosis is a chronic progressive disease of the liver.
• Normal tissue is replaced by fibrous connective tissue.
• 75% of cirrhosis cases are caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Cholelithiasis

• Cholelithiasis involves gallstones.
• Gallstones can block the bile duct, causing pain in the shoulder blades and digestive disorders and jaundice.
• Small gallstones may pass on their own, while large ones are surgically removed.
• Surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.
• Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.