10.3: Digestive System Disorders
Disorders of the Digestive Tract
Peptic Ulcer
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder
Constipation
Description
- a sore in the lining of the
stomach or duodenum
- an endoscope inserted into
the digestive tract will show
the ulcer
- chronic inflammation that
causes pain and prevents food
from being absorbed
adequately.
- Crohn’s Disease can affect
any part of the alimentary
canal.
- children may not grow
properly during adolescence.
- Ulcerative Colitis affects the
colon and can cause loose,
bloody stools, cramping, and
abdominal pain.
- infrequent bowel
movements and dry stools
that are difficult to pass.
Causes
- protective coating of the
stomach is weakened, often
because of Helicobacter pylori
attached to the lining.
Treatment
- antibiotics
- lifestyle changes such as
losing weight, quitting
smoking, and avoiding alcohol.
- not completely understood.
- environmental, dietary, and
genetic causes may be
involved.
- anti-inflammatory
medication.
- it is sometimes necessary to
remove part of the digestive
tract.
- inadequate water intake
- lack of good nerve or muscle
function.
- unhealthy diet.
- dietary changes, including
eating more fibre and drinking
more liquids.
Disorders of Accessory Organs
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Diabetes
Description
- inflammation of the liver,
usually caused by a virus.
- can lead to cirrhosis
Causes
- drinking contaminated water
(hepatitis A)
- sexual contact with infected
person (hepatitis B)
- Contact with infected blood
(hepatitis C)
- scar tissue replaces healthy
- chronic alcoholism and
liver tissue and prevents the
hepatitis C are the most
liver from functioning properly common causes.
- glucose is unable to enter the
body cells due to lack of
insulin.
- in Type 1, the body cannot
produce insulin.
- in Type 2, the body produces
too little insulin or cannot use
the insulin it makes.
- Type 2 diabetes is associated
with age, weight, family
history, and is more common
in some ethnic groups than
others.
Treatments
- there are vaccines for
hepatitis A and B.
- hepatitis C may be treatable
with medication.
- in many cases the liver can
heal itself.
- if liver failure occurs, a liver
transplant is needed.
- controlling blood sugar levels
by controlling diet or by
injecting insulin.