Diseases & Disorders of the
Digestive System
•Acid reflux occurs when
stomach acids back up
into the esophagus
•Caused by a weak
cardioesophageal
sphincter
•Symptoms include a
burning sensation called
heartburn
Cardiac sphincter = esophageal sphincter
•A sore of the
lining of the
stomach most
often caused by
bacteria
•More severe
cases a hole
•H. pylori attach to
the wall of the
digestive tract
and prevent that
area from
producing
protective mucus
•Treated primarily
with antibiotics
•Doctor may also
prescribe
medications that
reduce stomach
acidity
Lactose Intolerance
Reduced ability to digest
lactose (small intestines does
not make enough enzyme
lactase).
Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, and sometimes,
vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
Lactose Intolerance
What are reasons for the variations?
Lactase persistence
Lactose Intolerance: Treatment
- Avoid lactose
- Take Lacteeze (lactose
enzyme in pill form)
- Consume lactose-free
products
Celiac Disease
Gluten causes an immune
response that atrophies (shrinks)
the villi and prevent them from
absorbing nutrients properly.
Symptoms:
- Gas and bloating
- Changes in bowel movements
- Weight loss
- Feeling very tired
- Weakness
Canada - 1.0% of the population
Celiac Disease
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins
found in grains.
It gives bread its elastic,
slightly-chewy texture.
In celiac disease, gluten can
trigger the immune system to
attach the small intestine.
Celiac Disease
Blood test - looks for
antibodies against gluten in
the blood.
Endoscopy – camera can
examine small intestine and
perform a biopsy of the tissue.
How do you treat celiac
disease?
Diverticulosis
Diverticula:
-Small pouches in the lining of
colon, causing the condition
diverticulosis
-Pouches get inflamed and swell
(diverticulitis)
-
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis:
-Caused by low fiber diet*
-Lack of exercise associated
-Muscles in colon wall weaken if
feces are hard to push downward,
and eventually bulge outward
*25 g of fiber per day is recommended
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis:
-Caused by low fiber diet*
-Lack of exercise associated
-Muscles in colon wall weaken if
feces are hard to push downward,
and eventually bulge outward
*25 g of fiber per day is recommended
•Chronic
inflammation of
the digestive tract,
especially the
large intestine
•Includes Crohn’s
disease
Crohn’s disease
• Causes inflammation
and tissue destruction
anywhere along the GI
tract
• Exact cause is
unknown
Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in your stool
- Mouth sores
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
Gallbladder disease
Refers to a range of conditions
affecting the gallbladder (the small organ
that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by
the liver)
E.g. Gallstones
• Hard deposits that can form in the
gallbladder, sometimes causing
pain or blockage of bile duct
• Cholesterol gallstones are the most
common
• Occur when too much
cholesterol in the bile
