Conditions, Disorders, Diseases of the Digestive System
Conditions, such as indigestion can make a person feel uncomfortable but can usually get better with little or no treatment. There are diseases that can occur to parts of the digestive system that can have long lasting impact on the functioning of the system such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The digestive system has many organs that have a role in the process of digestion including the liver, pancreas, digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines). There are many conditions, diseases and disorders that affect the functioning of the digestive system.
Conditions, such as indigestion can make a person feel uncomfortable but can usually get better with little or no treatment. There are diseases that can occur to parts of the digestive system that can have long lasting impact on the functioning of the system such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If a person has IBD, a specialist called a gastroenterologist is called upon to help the individual deal with the disease.
There are three common conditions that individual can have that affect the esophagus: Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are congenital conditions. These conditions are usually detected soon after birth and both require surgery in order for the digestive systems to work in babies with these conditions.
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus and is a noncongenital condition. Those who have esophagitis usually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes the esophagitis. GERD can sometimes be healed with lifestyle changes such as making food selection changes but usually medication is required to bring relief to the individual. Sometimes infection or taking a certain medication can cause esophagitis.
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This is the test that requires that you swallow barium.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure where the doctor can examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum by placing a thin lighted tube, called a endoscope down your mouth, throat, and into your esophagus, stomach and also your duodenum.
Intestinal Disorders
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Everyone at one time or another commonly experiences diarrhea and constipation. Other not so common stomach and intestinal disorders are: Celiac disease which is caused by an abnormal response that the immune system has to a protein called gluten found in certain foods that we eat. When individuals with Celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, damage can be done to the lining of the intestines. Symptoms that they may experience are: abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Gastritis a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes irritated or inflamed and peptic ulcers (sores or holes) form in the lining of the stomach or duodenum causing pain and/or bleeding. Medications can relieve both of these conditions.
A chronic inflammation of the intestines that affects older kids, teens, and adults is an inflammation of the intestines. There are two types of IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both types are treated with medications, and if needed surgery to remove inflamed or damaged parts of the intestine.
Most people have heard of Cystic fibrosis, a chronic, inherited disease in which production of thick mucus blocks the ducts in the pancreas. This blockage prevents digestive juices from entering into the intestines. Without these juices it is difficult to breakdown and digest proteins and fats. When these ingredients are not digested the body can't use them and they pass through the body without being used.
Liver damage is a possibility when individuals contract hepatitis, which is a viral infection of the liver.
Cholecystitis is when the gallbladder becomes inflamed and gallstones can develop. Teens can get cholecystitis especially if they have sickle cell anemia or have been treated with certain long-term medications. News on Digestive Disorders
09/02/2010
City of San Diego Addresses Lead Paint Problem
Howard sits on a mauve recliner in the middle of his front yard, an area that he refers to as his office.
City of San Diego Addresses Lead Paint Problem
09/03/2010
Bone-building drugs double the risk of esophageal cancer, but the risk is still small
The family of bone-building drugs that includes Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva can double the risk of developing throat cancer, researchers reported Thursday in the latest development in what has become a confusing discussion. Other studies have reported no increase, but even if the newest finding is correct, the risk is still quite small--about two cases per 1,000 people between age 60 and 79 ...
Bone-building drugs double the risk of esophageal cancer, but the risk is still small
09/03/2010
New Pump Created For Microneedle Drug-Delivery Patch
Purdue University researchers have developed a new type of pump for drug-delivery patches that might use arrays of "microneedles" to deliver a wider range of medications than now possible with conventional patches. The current "transdermal" patches are limited to delivering drugs that, like nicotine, are made of small hydrophobic molecules that can be absorbed through the skin, said Babak Ziaie ...
New Pump Created For Microneedle Drug-Delivery Patch
09/03/2010
WATCH: Pakistani Children of the Floods
Two million children are estimated to be at risk for diarrhea and dehydration. Diarrhea - Dehydration - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Digestive Disorders
WATCH: Pakistani Children of the Floods
09/03/2010
Colonoscopy repeats greater with non-specialists
Older adults who have a colonoscopy performed by a family doctor, internist or general surgeon are somewhat more likely to need another one within a year compared with those who have the procedure done by a gastroenterologist, a new report finds.
Colonoscopy repeats greater with non-specialists
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