Issues with digestion Flashcards
heartburn
occurs when stomach food enters the throat
burning pain that is felt in the throat
Vomiting
Stomach contents exit through the mouth, causing dehydration.
Diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, forcing contents through the esophagus.
Can be triggered by illness, stress, or diseases. While often harmless, it can signal a more serious illness.
Flatulence (farting)
A normal process that occurs in every human body
Small amounts of air enter the digestive tract while eating and need to be released through flatulence or burping
people do not often notice when it happens
Diarrhea
Feces exit the body before absorption is complete, resulting in loose stools with high water content
Often caused by bacteria, but can also be triggered by food, stress, or illness
Constipation
Occurs when bowel movements are infrequent, and feces are hard, dry, and difficult to pass
Often linked to diet and lifestyle, with inadequate water intake or poor bowel nerve and muscle function.
Can cause headaches and may be toxic or life-threatening if severe.
Peptic Ulcer
Occurs when the stomach’s protective mucus weakens, allowing stomach acid to damage the walls
abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Caused by unprotected tissues contacting acidic gastric juices.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBS
A group of diseases causing inflammation in the intestines
Long-lasting or recurring, with no cure—only treatable with medication and a specialized diet
ex Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.
Hepatitis
An inflammation of the liver
3 types A B & C
Hepatitis A
usually contracted from drinking contaminated water
Hepatitis B
spread by sexual contact
there is a vaccine to protect against it
Hepatitis C
usually contracted by contact with infected blood
Cirrosis
Chronic liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, impairing liver function
Often caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C.
Blood tests can detect fatty liver, an early sign of cirrhosis.
Polyps
Small growth in epithelial lining of colon
can be benign or cancerous
often are able to be removed surgically
Diabetes
A condition where blood cells can’t use glucose for energy
After eating, the pancreas releases insulin to control blood glucose levels
Develops when there is insufficient insulin or the body can’t use it properly, preventing glucose from entering cells
Endoscope
helps diagnose medical problems, visually inspects the alimentary canal, and allows for safer, painless procedures with faster recovery, less risk, and no need for cutting