Digestive System Disorders

Digestive Disorders or Diseases 

 

Digestive system disorders occur when something goes wrong with the digestive processes. Sometimes it may be caused by a faulty formation in the digestive tract. In others, the digestive disorder may be caused by another condition. This page discusses about the normal digestive system and some common disorders of the digestive system.

The digestive system is composed of the digestive tract, which is a series of hollow organs connected in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus, and other accessory organs that help break down and absorb food (See Figure).

The Digestive Tract

Organs making up the digestive tract include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. The liver and the pancreas are organs that help with the digestion by producing digestive juices.

When you eat, your digestive system breaks food down to a form it can use to build and nourish cells and provide energy. This process is called digestion.

 

Common Digestive Disorders

There are many types of common digestive disorders. Some of the common digestive disorders are discussed below.

 

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is the inflammation or swelling of the appendix. The appendix is a small tube attached to the first part of the large intestine. It is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen. Experts are not sure what the appendix does.

A blockage inside of the appendix causes appendicitis. The blockage leads to increased pressure, problems with blood flow and inflammation. If the blockage is not treated, the appendix can break open and leak infection into the body.

Appendicitis is a medical emergency, which requires immediate care. Learn more >>>

 

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. On the other hand, the rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine, which is close to the anus.

Ccording to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women.

Colorectal cancer is more common in people over the age of 50, and the risk increases with age. You are also more likely to get it if you have

 

Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive disorder that affects almost everyone at one time or another. It may be present if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful or difficult to pass.

In most cases, constipation may be prevented by eating a variety of foods, especially vegetables, fruits, and grains; drinking plenty of liquids; exercising regularly; and Visiting the restroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Learn More >>>

 

Diarrhea

Diarrhea means that you have loose, watery stools more than three times in one day. Some people with diarrhea may also have cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Diarrhea is can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, some foods or medicines, or diseases that affect the digestive system. 

The condition can be dangerous when dehydration occurs.

In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids. You should talk to your doctor if you have a strong pain in your abdomen or rectum, a fever, blood in your stools, severe diarrhea for more than three days or symptoms of dehydration.

If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children. Learn More >>>

 

Dyspepsia (Indigestion)

Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a term used to describe one or more symptoms including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen. Nearly everyone has had indigestion at one time.

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious problem, see your health care provider if it lasts for more than two weeks or if you have severe pain or other symptoms. Learn More >>>

 

Gas

Everyone has gas in the digestive tract. According to the National Institue of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), most people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day. Gas is eliminated by burping or belching or passing it through the rectum.

Most of the time, gas does not have an odor. The odor of passed gas comes from  bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases containing sulfur.

 

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a swelling or inflammation of the liver. The liver helps the body digest food, store energy, and remove toxins or poisons. Most cases of hepatitis are caused by viruses. In others, the condition may be caused by drug or alcohol use. Sometimes, hepatitis may occur as a result of an autoimmune disease or disorder. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues.

 

Heartburn 

Heartburn is a burning feeling felt in the chest or throat. It occurs when acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the pharynx - structure where food passes after passing through the mouth - to the stomach. Although named as such, heartburn is not a condition affecting the heart.

 

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when a person cannot digest foods containing lactose. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. People with lactose intolerance may feel sick to their stomach after drinking milk or eating foods with milk in them. They may also have cramps, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.

In most cases, lactose intolerance is not serious. However, it can make you very uncomfortable after you eat foods with lactose.

Your doctor can do tests to see if your problems are caused by lactose intolerance or by something else. Learne More >>>

 

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. A peptic ulcer that happens in the stomach is called gastric ulcer. When the ulcer occurs in the duodenum, it is called duodenal ulcer.

Peptic ulcer is a common digestive problem. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 1 in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time in his or her life.

The most common cause of peptic ulcer is an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In other cases, the condition may be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. 

Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food, but these can make ulcers worse.

 

Image Credit: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Image Library.

Updated: February 23, 2009