Digestive System Diseases
1. Peptic Ulcers
• What it is:
• A defect in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
• Caused when the lining of the stomach or small intestine breaks down.
• Causes:
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
• Overuse of NSAIDs (e.g., Advil, aspirin).
• Smoking cigarettes, alcohol use.
• Symptoms:
• Pain, bloating, and loss of appetite.
• Treatment:
• Antibiotics to target H. pylori.
• Risk Factors:
• Stress (not clearly proven), alcohol, smoking, overusing NSAIDs.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• What it is:
• A condition where the band of muscle (cardiac sphincter) connecting the esophagus to the stomach does not close tightly, allowing stomach contents and acid to flow back into the esophagus.
• Symptoms:
• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
• Bad taste or burning sensation in the back of the mouth.
• Pain in the chest, trouble swallowing, hoarseness.
• Treatment:
• Small meals.
• Avoid lying down for 3+ hours after eating.
• Medications (antacids, H₂ blockers, proton pump inhibitors).
• Surgery to tighten the muscle.
• Risk Factors:
• Alcohol, smoking, being overweight, pregnancy.
3. Hepatitis
• What it is:
• A viral disease that affects liver function, causing inflammation and potential liver damage.
• Types:
• Hepatitis A:
• Contracted from contaminated food or water.
• Symptoms: Pale/clay-colored stool.
• Severity: Liver usually heals itself within 2 months; rarely fatal.
• Treatment: Monitor liver function; vaccine available.
• Hepatitis B:
• Contracted from body fluid exchange or mother-to-fetus transmission.
• Symptoms: Stomach pain, aching joints.
• Severity: Most recover within 6 months but can cause lifelong damage in severe cases.
• Treatment: Interferon and long-term symptom management; vaccine available after birth.
• Hepatitis C:
• Contracted from blood contact (e.g., transfusions).
• Symptoms: Pale/clay-colored stool, swelling in legs, feet, and ankles.
• Severity: Causes severe liver damage, leading to liver transplants.
• Treatment: Interferon, Ribavirin, and long-term symptom management (with severe side effects).
4. Ulcerative Colitis
• What it is:
• A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Symptoms:
• Diarrhea (often with blood or pus).
• Abdominal pain, cramping, rectal pain, rectal bleeding.
• Urgency to defecate but inability to do so.
• Weight loss, fatigue, fever.
• Treatment:
• Diet changes.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, antibiotics, IV fluids, immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., Stelara, Humira, Remicade).
• Surgical options: Colostomy, ileostomy, colectomy, or proctocolectomy.
5. Cancer (Stomach and Colon Cancer)
• What it is:
• Stomach and colon cancers are serious conditions with late-onset symptoms.
• Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in males (lung cancer is 1st).
• Symptoms:
• Rarely show early signs.
• Can metastasize and cause secondary liver cancer.
• Prevention:
• Regular exams (dental exams for mouth cancer, colonoscopy for colon cancer).
• Benign mucosal tumors (polyps) increase with age but should be tested for cancer.
Knowt
