Health Impacts of Aging and Common GI Disorders

GI Changes with Ageing

Slower liver regeneration and reduced calcium absorption.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Congenital defects influenced by genetics and environment.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, often due to neurological disorders.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food into lungs, risk in dysphagia.

GERD

Reflux of stomach chyme into esophagus.

Hiatal Hernia

Stomach bulges through diaphragm, causing GERD.

Gastritis

Inflammation of stomach lining, acute or chronic.

H. pylori

Bacteria most common cause of chronic gastritis.

Peptic Ulcers

Lesions in stomach or duodenum, often due to H. pylori.

Cholelithiasis

Gallstones, often linked to obesity and rapid weight loss.

Hepatitis A

Liver inflammation from fecal contamination, vaccine available.

Hepatitis B

Liver infection from sexual contact or needles, vaccine available.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver damage affecting albumin production.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Fat accumulation in liver not related to alcohol.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of appendix, can lead to peritonitis.

IBD

Chronic inflammation of GI tract, includes Crohn's and colitis.

Oral Cancer

Linked to heavy smoking and alcohol use.

Esophageal Cancer

Often caused by GERD, poor prognosis.

Diabetes

Disorder affecting insulin, leads to hypoglycemia.

Type 1 Diabetes

Insulin-dependent, typically diagnosed in childhood.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance, often reversible with lifestyle changes.

Gestational Diabetes

Insulin deficiency during pregnancy, usually resolves post-birth.

Goiter

Enlargement of thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels increase cell membrane excitability.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium levels decrease cell membrane excitability.

Hypothyroidism

Low hormone production, commonly from Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Hyperthyroidism

Excessive thyroid activity, can cause weight loss.

Cushing's Disease

Excess glucocorticoids leading to high cortisol levels.

Addison's Disease

Deficiency in glucocorticoids, causes weight loss and cravings.

Meningitis

Inflammation of meninges, often viral or bacterial.

Spinal Bifida

Neural tube defect causing spinal cord exposure.

Transient Ischemic Attack

Mini stroke indicating risk for full stroke.

Seizure

Temporary disorder from abnormal brain electrical activity.

Epilepsy

Seizure disorder with spontaneous neuron firing.

Parkinson's Disease

Neurodegenerative disorder causing dopamine deficiency.

Alzheimer's Disease

Most common dementia, involves brain atrophy.

PICA

Craving non-food substances.

Anorexia

Eating disorder characterized by restricted food intake.

Bulimia

Binge eating followed by purging.

Binge Eating Disorder

Excessive eating without purging.