Diseases of the Digestive System

The Digestive system is consists of important organs responsible for the breakdown of nutrients needed by the body. Proper
coordination and functions will mean good nutrition for the whole body. However, it is more often affected by diseases that
consequently affect its functions. The following are some of the most common diseases that affect the digestive system:

Diseases and its Description Signs and Symptoms Picture Treatment

Gastroesophageal Reflux - Burning sensation in the
Disease (GERD) chest or throat - Medications or
- Occurs when the - You can taste the - Surgery
muscle at the end of stomach acid felt more - Relieve symptoms by:
the esophagus does than twice a week
not close properly Avoiding alcohol and spicy,
- Other symptoms are dry
fatty or acidic foods that trigger
which causes the cough, asthma symptoms
heartburn
stomach acid to leak or trouble swallowing Eating smaller meals
into the esophagus
Not eating close to bedtime
and irritate it Losing weight if needed
- Also known as heart Wearing loose-fitting clothes
burn because you will
feel a burning
sensation in the chest
or throat

Canker sore
- Small round sores in - Pain - The sores are self-limiting
the mouth, inside of - Sore with a red edge and (go away by themselves)
the cheek, under the gray center - Ointment and creams may
tongue or at the back help with the pain
of the throat - Avoid hot and spicy food
- Triggered by stress, while with sore
food allergies, lack of
vitamins and
minerals, hormonal
changes or menstrual
periods

Cavities or Dental Caries

- The term used to - Pain in the area - Tooth extraction
describe the holes in - Prevention is done by:
the teeth
Brushing teeth regularly
- It is caused by plaque
Use dental floss to clean in
(a sticky substance in
between teeth
the mouth mostly
Limit sugar-rich snacks
made of germs) See the dentist regularly

Peptic Ulcer
- A wound in the lining - Burning stomach pain - If the cause is not
of the stomach - changes in appetite infection: a prescription or
- Happens when the - nausea over-the-counter
stomach acids digest - bloody or dark stools medications for up to eight
the walls of the (melena) weeks to reduce stomach
stomach - unexplained weight loss acid and help heal ulcer
- The most common - indigestion - Antacid can also reduce
cause is infection - vomiting stomach acid and ulcer
with a bacterium - chest pain pain.
called Helicobacter
pylori.
 - Long term use of
aspirin and ibuprofen
also causes this

Gallstones
- It blocks the flow of - Attacks after eating - removal of the gall bladder
bile - Nausea
- It forms when - Vomiting
substances in bile - pain on the abdomen,
hardens back or under the right
arm

Appendicitis
- caused by a blockade
inside the appendix
- this blockage lead to
increase pressure,
problems in the
blood flow and
inflammation
Hemorrhoids
- Swollen veins around
the anus
- Result from straining`
a bowel movement
-
- sudden pain on the right - A medical emergency
side of the abdomen - Surgical removal of the
- Other symptoms (not all appendix
symptoms are usually felt)
Swelling on the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Inability to pass gas
Low fever
- Bright red blood covering - Warm baths
the stool - Cream
- Surgery for large
hemorrhoids

Colon Cancer - Diarrhea or constipation - Surgery

- Occurs when tumors - A feeling that your bowel - Chemotherapy
are formed on the does not empty - Radiation
lining of the large completely - may be treated with
intestine - Blood (either bright red or surgery when detected
- very dark) on your stool early
- Stools that are narrower
than usual
- Frequent gas pains or
cramps, or feeling full or
bloated
- Weight loss with no
known reason
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting