Digestive system: Health issues

Ulcers:

• Sometimes open sores or ulcers develop on the lining of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach or upper portions of the small intestine.

• Ulcers can be very painful.

• They are generally caused by bacterial infections and some medications.

Diarrhoea:

• Occurs when a person passes frequent, loose, watery stools

• Many diseases cause undigested food to pass through the large intestines too quickly for water to be absorbed and cause diarrhoea.

• Diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration and if left untreated, it could result in hospitalisation and even death.

Liver Cirrhosis:

• Slowly replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue and eventually prevents the liver from functioning properly.

• Alcohol abuse and fatty liver caused by obesity and diabetes are the most common causes of liver cirrhosis.