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The number of secretory cells in the ______ decreases with age.
pancreas
The liver reduces in size with age but maintains its ability to perform various ______.
functions
One common digestive problem in older persons is ______, which changes bowel habits.
constipation
Symptoms of constipation may include difficult or painful bowel ______.
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Management of constipation often involves increasing fiber intake, staying ______, and regular physical activity.
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Some medications, like calcium channel blockers, can cause ______ as a side effect.
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The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and ______.
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The liver plays a role in detoxifying chemicals and storing ______ and vitamins.
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Loss of teeth is caused by a combination of bone loss from the jaw and ______.
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Diuretics lower blood pressure by causing the body to lose excess fluid through ______.
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Decreased level of saliva production can lead to thicker mucus and a diminished sense of ______.
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Diverticular Disease occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon ______ out.
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The mucus membrane of the stomach thins with age, resulting in lower levels of mucus, hydrochloric acid, and digestive ______.
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Many older individuals may experience difficulty in swallowing due to incomplete relaxation of the lower ______ sphincter.
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Symptoms of diverticulitis can include abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, and ______.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and ______.
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Diet modifications low in ______ can help with digestive issues.
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Atrophy of the walls of the small intestine alters the shape of the ______.
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Older adults often use nonsteroidal anti-______ to control pain from arthritis.
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Diverticulosis is a condition characterized by outpouchings from the wall of the ______.
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Difficulty swallowing food or fluids may occur due to conditions such as ______ or stroke.
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GERD is the most common upper GI disorder in older adults and involves stomach acid backing up into the ______.
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Eating late at night and consuming fast foods can cause ______.
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Smoking cessation and stress ______ are important lifestyle modifications for digestive health.
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Certain medications, including some blood pressure medications, can cause ______.
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Obesity increases your risk for heartburn and ______.
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Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or ______.
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Colonoscopy is used to detect colorectal polyps, cancer, and other ______.
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Blood tests measure liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and other markers of ______.
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Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week can help prevent many age-related health ______.
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Upper Endoscopy is recommended for individuals with symptoms like chronic heartburn, difficulty ______, or upper abdominal pain.
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CT Scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs and can help diagnose conditions such as ______, diverticulitis, or tumors.
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Study Notes
Digestive System Overview
- The digestive system is composed of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, and large intestine.
- It metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- It stores iron and vitamins ADEK and B12.
- It detoxifies chemicals.
- It promotes bone production when bone marrow production is insufficient.
Common Digestive Problems in Older People
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Constipation:
- Characterized by difficult or painful bowel movements, infrequent bowel movements, and hard, dry stool.
- Caused by a number of factors, including age-related changes in the digestive system.
- Management: Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, the use of laxatives under a doctor's supervision.
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Medication use: Some medications can cause constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal side effects.
- Example: Calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure cause constipation.
- Narcotic pain relievers slow down the gut, leading to constipation.
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Inactivity: Being inactive can lead to constipation.
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Not drinking enough fluids: Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation.
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Diuretics: Lower blood pressure by causing the body to lose excess fluid through urination, which can lead to dehydration and constipation.
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Diverticular Disease: Occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon bulge out along weak spots in the intestinal wall.
- Symptoms: Gas pain, bloating, cramps, and constipation.
- Diverticulitis occurs when the pockets become inflamed, causing abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, pain medications, and a high-fiber diet treat diverticulitis.
- Management: High-fiber diet for diverticulosis, antibiotics, or surgery for severe diverticulitis.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While IBS impacts people of all ages, it may worsen or be exacerbated in older individuals.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Management: Diet modifications (low FODMAP), stress management, and medications.
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Ulcers and NSAIDs: Older adults who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain from arthritis and other types of chronic pain can experience stomach bleeding, which manifests as vomiting blood, passing dark stools, or noticing blood when wiping.
Age-Related Changes to the Digestive System:
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Mouth:
- Loss of teeth: Occurs due to a combination of bone loss from the jaw and gum disease, both common with aging.
- Dentures: Can make it difficult to chew comfortably, leading to changes in eating habits and long-term nutritional deficits.
- Decreased saliva production: Thicker mucus production and a diminished sense of taste.
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Esophagus:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): May result from incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter: Increases the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.
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Stomach:
- Thinning of the stomach's mucus membrane: Results in lower levels of mucus, hydrochloric acid, and digestive enzymes.
- Reduced protein digestion: May lead to chronic atrophic gastritis.
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Small Intestine:
- Atrophy of the small intestine walls: Alters the shape of the villi and reduces the surface area for absorption.
- Decreased production of digestive enzymes: Makes it harder to break down and absorb nutrients from food.
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Large Intestine:
- Atrophy of the large intestine walls: Thinning of the walls results in out pockets (diverticulosis).
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Pancreas:
- Decrease in the number of secretory cells: Results in decreased fat digestion.
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Liver:
- Liver reduces in size with age: However, there is no significant reduction in its ability to perform its functions in healthy elderly people.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Most common upper gastrointestinal disorder in older adults.
- Occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
- Causes: Eating late at night, consuming certain types of food (fast food, fried foods), certain medications (like blood pressure medications), and obesity.
Hemorrhoids
- Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus, causing discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Management: Increased fiber and fluid intake, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
Management
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Hydration: Drink enough to avoid thirst. If taking diuretics, discuss hydration strategies with your doctor.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Address lifestyle factors that impact digestive health: smoking cessation and stress management.
- Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent age-related health problems, including GERD and fatty liver disease.
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Medication: Use medications with caution. If using NSAIDs for pain, work with your doctor to find the lowest effective dose and take them with food. Ensure you are taking only necessary medications.
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Diagnostic Exams:
- Get regular health screenings and inform your doctor about any concerning symptoms.
- Colonoscopy: To detect colorectal polyps, cancer, and other abnormalities.
- Blood tests: To measure liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and other markers of liver health, screening for liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Recommended for individuals with chronic heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or upper abdominal pain.
- Ultrasound or MRI: Used to assess the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, diagnosing conditions like gallstones, liver disease, or pancreatic disorders.
- X-rays: Used to visualize the digestive tract after ingesting contrast material, highlighting abnormalities.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs, helping diagnose conditions like appendicitis, diverticulitis, or tumors.
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Physical Activity: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week to prevent age-related health problems, promote regularity, and decrease colon cancer risk.
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Medication Management: Prescribe and manage necessary medications to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying condition.
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Description
Explore the complex functions of the digestive system, including its role in metabolism and detoxification. This quiz also addresses common digestive problems faced by older adults, particularly focusing on issues like constipation and the impact of medications.
