Transcript Digestive System Disorders

Section 10.3 of the textbook
(pp. 420-426)
1. a) What is a peptic ulcer? ?
What causes them to develop?
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or
duodenum, where hydrochloric acid or pepsin are
present
Ulcers form when the tissues become inflamed because
the protective mucous lining that usually covers these
areas is weakened. This may happen because a colony of
Helicobacter pylori have attached to the lining of that
area of the digestive tract.
Peptic ulcers
b) List some symptoms of peptic
ulcers.
 Abdominal pain
 Bloating
 Nausea
 Loss of appetite
c) How are peptic ulcers treated by
physicians?
To get rid of the Helicobacter pylori, a doctor may
prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection first.
Other medications that reduce the acidity in the
stomach (antacids) may also be prescribed.
It is generally recommended that patients alter their
lifestyle to avoid alcohol or cigarette smoke, and they try
to lose weight if the patient is overweight.
d) What instrument may be used
to view a peptic ulcer?
An endoscope may be used to view ulcers.
e) Why are coffee and citrus fruits, like oranges
and grapefruit fruit, not recommended for
patients with peptic ulcers?
Coffee and citrus fruits are highly acidic. This,
combined with the acidity of the stomach acid can
further irritate an open sore in the lining of the stomach
or duodenum. This will also make antacid medications
work less effectively (more to acid to neutalize).
2. a) What is inflammatory bowel
disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general name
given to a group of diseases that cause inflammation in
the intestines.
b) What are the 2 main types of
IBD?
The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis.
c) Provide specific descriptions of
the two main types of IBD
Crohn’s
 Can affect any area of the alimentary canal
 Results in poor nutrient absorption
 Particularly negative impacts on bone development
(thinner, weaker) and on muscle development
c) Provide specific descriptions of
the two main types of IBD
Ulcerative Colitis
 Attacks the large intestine (colon)
 Results in loose, bloody stools, cramps and abdominal
cramps
d) In which part of the world are you more
likely to find people who suffer from IBD?
Western nations (North America, mainly
3a) Your friend complains about having hard stools,
infrequent bowel movements, and difficulty having bowel
movements. What diagnosis would your friend’s doctor
probably make based on these symptoms, and what advice
would the doctor provide to relieve these symptoms?
Your friend is constipated. She will probably be told to
drink more water, and eat a diet that is higher in fibre.
3. b) What is fibre and why is it
important to add to your friend’s diet?
Fibre is not a nutrient, and is not digested. It is found in
fruit, vegetable and grains that are not broken down in
the digestive system. It is essential to maintaining a
healthy digestive system, as it helps move waste
materials through the body.
4. a) “Hepa” is a prefix that, in medical
terminology, refers to “liver,” and “-itis” refers to
swelling. What then, does hepatitis refer to?
What is the key cause of hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by
infections caused by viruses.
4b) List the three types of hepatitis and
some key characteristics of each type.
 Hepatitis A – contracted from contaminated food and
water usually
 Hepatitis B – contracted through sexual contact
 Hepatitis C – contracted through contaminated blood
5a) What is cirrhosis and what lifestyle
choices can lead to development of
cirrhosis?
 Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. The main causes are
sustained excessive alcohol consumption, viral
hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease
5b) What is an early warning that cirrhosis is
developing in an individual and how can it
be detected?
Early detection of cirrhosis can occur from blood tests.
Often individuals present with a “fatty liver” (reversible
condition) before the irreversible scarring that
characterizes cirrhosis occurs.
5c) The liver is able to do something
that few other organs can. What is
that?
The liver can regenerate – it is able to repair itself
6a) What are gallstones and how
do they form?
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form
inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a
grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
They form when bile contains too much cholesterol and
not enough bile salts.
6b) What are some factors that
predispose individuals to
developing gallstones?
 Obesity
 Alcohol consumption
 Genetics
6c) What are some treatments
used in treating problems
associated with gallstones?
 Medication
 Ultrasound – to break up large stones
 Low fat diet
 Surgical removal of gallbladder
6d) Your friend has a stomach virus
and vomits violently in class. She is
concerned because she sees a
green tint in her vomit (not from
food). What do you suppose that it
is? Explain