5: Common Digestive Problems
- Page ID
- 40958
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Before moving to metabolism, in this chapter you will learn about some common digestive problems.
- 5.1: Peptic Ulcers
- This page discusses peptic ulcers, which arise when the mucus layer in the stomach or duodenum thins, exposing the lining to acid. Approximately 10% of Americans are affected, primarily due to the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which spreads through contaminated food or fluids. Prolonged NSAID use can also lead to ulcers by blocking protective compounds. The page corrects misstatements about mucus secretion, clarifying that neck cells, not goblet cells, are responsible for this function.
- 5.2: Gallstones
- This page discusses gallstones, the most common digestive disease affecting 1 million Americans each year. They form mainly from cholesterol and bile pigment precipitation. Symptoms are often absent, but some may experience pain from blockages. The gallbladder is non-essential, and cholecystectomy is the primary treatment, enabling direct bile flow from the liver to the small intestine.
- 5.3: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- This page discusses irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affecting up to 20% of Americans, characterized by symptoms such as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation due to improper colon functioning. The cause remains unknown, but management includes dietary changes, stress reduction, and medication. For further details, visit the linked resource.
- 5.4: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- This page discusses inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract, primarily the ileum, while ulcerative colitis targets the colon and rectum. About 1 million people in the U.S. are affected, with a nearly equal distribution between the two diseases. The causes are largely unknown, though an overactive immune system is implicated. Symptoms often mimic other gastrointestinal disorders.
- 5.5: Celiac Disease and Gluten
- This page discusses celiac disease, affecting 1 in 133 Americans, causing an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the intestine. Symptoms vary widely, and while gluten-free diets are popular even among non-celiacs, research suggests fructans might be responsible for some symptoms. Additionally, low FODMAP diets are gaining traction due to increased supporting evidence.
- 5.6: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- This page discusses diverticulosis, a condition affecting 10% of individuals under 40 and 50% of those over 60, characterized by diverticula in the large intestine. It's often associated with a low-fiber diet and can lead to diverticulitis, causing abdominal pain. Most are unaware of their condition until it progresses. Treatment typically involves a liquid diet initially, followed by a gradual increase in fiber intake to reduce inflammation.
- 5.7: Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids are swollen or inflamed veins of the anus or lower rectum. An internal hemorrhoid occurs within the anus, while an external hemorrhoid occurs in the skin surrounding the anus. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding, pain during bowel movements, and/or itching1. It is estimated that “about 75% of people will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives”.