digestive structural

Peptic ulcer

Causes: 80% of cases caused by spiral-shaped bacterium called Heliobacter pylori, oversecretion of HCl in the stomach without food to digest a hole in the lining of the stomach

Symptoms: dull pain, loss of appetite, nausea, acid reflux

Treatment: antibiotics, acid blockers to reduce acid production

Hiatus hernia

Causes: an opening at the diaphragm near where the esophagus passes, affects the cardiac sphincter’s ability to close properly (acid reflux)

Symptoms: heartburn, burping, gas

Treatment: bland diet or antacids, surgery

Cirrhosis

Causes: alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease causes scarring 

Symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling, weight loss, yellow discoloration

Treatment: excessive damage requires a liver transplant

Diverticulitis

Causes: alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease causes scarring 

Symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling, weight loss, yellow discoloration

Treatment: excessive damage requires a liver transplant

Gallstones

Causes: genetics, obesity, pregnancy, age, fatty diet; gall stones form when molecules like cholesterol, pigments and broken down RBCs combine with excess bile and bilirubin and solidify

Symptoms: severe and sudden pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, dark urine

Treatment: removal of the gall bladder

Gastrointestinal cancer

Causes: genetics, lifestyle, carcinogens

Symptoms: depends on which area has been affected by cancer

Treatment: radiation, chemotherapy, surgery