Diseases & Disorders

All of these are located (can occur) in the digestive system

Gastritis

An inflammation of the stomach lining

What is the cause of gastritis?

Bacteria or viruses, some medications (motrin), alcohol, spicy foods, excessive eating poisons, and stress

Treatment for gastritis:

Cook food properly to kill bacteria/viruses, avoid foods/medications that irritate stomach linings, begin acid reducing medications

Heartburn (GERD)

Occurs when stomach acids are pushed into the esophagus

What are the causes of heartburn?

Alcohol, some foods, defective esophageal sphincter, pregnancy, obesity, hiatal hernia, and repeated vomiting

Treatment for heartburn:

Reducing weight, diet changes, reduce alcohol consumption, medications, not lying down after meal

Hemorrhoids

Varicose veins of the rectum or anus

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

Constipation, excess straining during bowel movements, liver disease, pregnancy, and obesity

Treatment for hemorrhoids:

Eating high fiber, stool softeners, medications, surgery

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver

What are the causes of hepatitis?

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, immune disorders, the use of alcohol and drugs, and overdose of acetaminophen

Treatment for hepatitis:

Avoid drugs and alcohol, prescribed medications

Hiatal hernia

Occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm

Inguinal hernias

Occurs when a portion of the large intestine protrudes into the inguinal canal

Oral cancer

Usually involves the lips or tongue, but can occur everywhere in the mouth

Pancreatic cancer

4th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Stomach cancer

Most common in the upper part of the stomach

Stomach ulcers

Occurs in the lining of the stomach