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Digestive
Disorders
Appendicitis
 Acute
inflammation of
the appendix
 Results from an
obstruction and an
infection
 If it ruptures, it causes
peritonitis (a very
serious condition)
 Treated by an
appendectomy (surgical
removal of the
appendix)
 Symptoms:





start with generalized
abdominal pain
Pain later localizes to
the LRQ
nausea & vomiting
mild fever
elevated white blood
cell count
Cholecystitis
 Inflammation
of the gallbladder
 Symptoms frequently occur after eating fatty
food, and include indigestion, nausea,
vomiting, and pain under the right rib cage
 If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, the
gallbladder can rupture and cause peritonitis
 Treatment methods include a low-fat diet,
lithotripsy (shockwaves to shatter gallstones),
or a cholecystectomy
Cirrhosis



Chronic destruction of
liver cells accompanied
by the formation of
fibrous connective and
scar tissues
Causes include:
hepatitis, bile duct
disease, chemical
toxins, and malnutrition
associated with
alcoholism
Symptoms vary, but
often include: liver
enlargement, and
jaundice (yellow
discoloration)


When the liver fails, hepatic
coma and death may occur
Treatment is directed
toward preventing further
damage to the liver


Avoiding alcohol, proper
nutrition, vitamin
supplements, rest and
appropriate exercise are
encouraged
If too much of the liver is
destroyed, a liver transplant
may be performed
Constipation
 Occurs
when fecal
matter remains in the
colon too long, causing
excessive reabsorption
of water
 The feces becomes too
hard, dry, and difficult to
eliminate
 Causes include:


Chronic laxative use
Diet low in fiber
 The
condition is usually
corrected by:



High-fiber diet
Adequate fluids
Exercise
 Although
laxatives are
often used to stimulate
defecation, frequent
laxative use can be
habit forming and may
lead to constipation.
Diarrhea
 Frequent,
watery stools
 Causes include:





Infection
Stress
Poor diet
An irritated colon
Toxic substances
 Can
be extremely
dangerous in infants
and small children due
to excessive fluid loss
 Treatment includes:



Eliminating the cause
Adequate fluid intake
Modifying the diet
Gastroenteritis
 Inflammation
of the mucus membrane that
lines the stomach and intestinal tract
 Causes include food poisoning, infection, and
toxins
 Symptoms include: abdominal cramping,
nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea
 Typical treatment includes rest and increased
fluid intake
 In severe cases, antibiotics and IV fluids may
be used
Hemorrhoids
 Painful,
dilated or
varicose veins of the
rectum and/or anus
 May be caused by:


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Straining to defecate
Constipation,
Pressure during
pregnancy
Insufficient fluid
intake
Laxative abuse
 Symptoms



include:
Pain
Itching
Bleeding
 Treatment
methods
include:




High-fiber diet
Increased fluid intake
Stool softeners
Hemorrhoidectomy (in
severe cases)
Hepatitis
 Viral
inflammation of the

liver
 Symptoms include:






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includes rest
and a diet high in
protein and low in fat
Type A
Most contagious
 Least serious
 Vaccine is available

Fever
Lack of appetite
Nausea/vomiting
Dark-colored urine
Enlarged liver
Jaundice (yellow
discoloration)
 Treatment
Types:

Type B
More serious than type A
 Vaccine is available


Type C
Most serious
 No vaccine is available


Liver transplant may be
necessary if liver is severely
damaged
Hernia
Occurs when an internal organ pushes through a
weakened area or hole in the body wall
Hiatal Hernia



Stomach protrudes thru the
diaphragm into the chest
cavity thru the opening for
the esophagus
Symptoms: heartburn,
chest pain, difficultly
swallowing
Treatment: bland diet, small
frequent meals, staying
upright after eating, surgical
repair
Inguinal Hernia


Small intestine
protrudes thru the
lower abdominal wall
If it can not be reduced
(pushed back in place),
a surgical repair is
performed
Pancreatitis
 Inflammation
of the pancreas
 The enzymes of the pancreas begin to digest
the pancreas itself
 Can be caused by excessive alcohol
consumption, blockage of pancreatic ducts by
gallstones, or idiopathic
 Symptoms include severe abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, and diaphoresis (excessive
perspiration)
 Treatment depends on the cause
Ulcer

An open sore in the
lining of the digestive
tract



In the stomach (gastric
ulcers)
In the small intestine
(duodenal ulcers)
The main cause is a
bacterium that burrows
into the stomach
membranes, allowing
stomach acids and
digestive juices to create
an ulcer
 Symptoms



Burning pain
Indigestion
Blood in vomit or stool
 Usual




include:
treatment includes:
Antacids
A bland diet
Decreased stress
Avoidance of irritants like
alcohol, fried foods,
caffeine, and tobacco