Transcript Your Mental and Emotional Health

Lesson
2
Care and Problems of the Digestive System
How can you develop good
digestive health?
Taking care of your digestive system
begins with the choices you make
about which foods to eat and how
you eat them.
Lesson
2
Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to:
• Examine the effects of health behaviors on the
digestive system
• Identify the problems of the digestive system
Lesson
2
Health Behaviors and the Digestive System
Ways to Maintain a Healthy Digestive System
• Follow a well-balanced diet that is low in fat and high in
fiber.
• Wash your hands before preparing a meal and before
eating.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day
• Avoid using food as a way of dealing with your emotions.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Functional Problems of the Digestive System
Indigestion
Heartburn
Gas
Constipation
Nausea
Diarrhea
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Indigestion
Indigestion can be caused from eating too much food, eating
too quickly, and eating foods that are spicy or high in fat.
• This feeling of fullness can sometimes be accompanied by
gas and nausea.
• Stomach disorders and stress can contribute to indigestion.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Heartburn
Heartburn results from acid reflux, or the backflow of stomach
acid into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation.
• Heartburn can also be a symptom of a hiatal hernia.
• Frequent or prolonged heartburn can be an indication of
more serious digestive disorders.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Gas
Excessive gas can result in cramps or an uncomfortable feeling
of fullness in the abdomen.
• Most foods that contain
carbohydrates or
complex sugars
can cause gas.
• Fats and proteins
produce less gas
than carbohydrates.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which feces become dry and hard
and bowel movements are difficult.
• It can be caused by not drinking enough water or consuming
enough fiber to move wastes through the digestive system.
• Following a diet of fruits and vegetables, drinking at least eight
8-ounce glasses of water each day, and getting regular
physical activity are the best ways to avoid constipation.
• Laxative drugs may be used to treat constipation but can
cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Nausea
Nausea is the feeling of discomfort that sometimes precedes
vomiting.
• Motion sickness, pathogens, some medications, and
dehydration can cause nausea.
• Vomiting is a reflex in which the contents of the stomach are
brought back up the esophagus and out of the mouth.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the frequent passage of watery feces that results
when digested food passes too quickly through the large
intestine.
• Diarrhea may result from changes in eating style,
overeating, emotional turmoil, or nutritional deficiencies.
• To avoid dehydration during an episode of diarrhea, drink
plenty of water and other fluids.
• Medical attention should be sought if diarrhea persists for
more than 48 hours.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Structural Problems of the Digestive System
• Gallstones
• Appendicitis
• Gastritis
• Lactose intolerance
• Peptic ulcer
• Cirrhosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Colon cancer
• Colitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Tooth decay
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Gallstones
Gallstones are formed when cholesterol in bile crystallizes and
blocks the bile duct between the small intestine and the
gallbladder.
• Symptoms include pain in the upper right portion of the
abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Treatment includes taking medication that dissolves the
stones or having the stones broken down by high-intensity
ultrasound waves.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is caused if bacteria or other foreign matter block
the appendix and prevent the release of its secretions.
• Symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the lower right
portion of the abdomen, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and
vomiting, and tenderness in the area of the appendix.
• Treatment involves surgical removal of the appendix.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that
lines the stomach.
• Symptoms of gastritis include pain, indigestion, decreased
appetite, and nausea and vomiting.
• Treatment includes avoiding irritants and taking medications
or antibiotics to eliminate infection.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance involves insufficient production of lactase,
so undigested lactose remains in the small intestine.
• Bacteria in the digestive tract
ferment ingested lactose, which
leads to abdominal cramps,
bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
• People who are lactose intolerant
should choose alternate sources
of calcium, such as fortified
soymilk.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers can be caused by regular use of anti-inflammatory
drugs such as aspirin and by a bacterial infection caused by
Helicobacter pylori.
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
that worsens when the stomach is empty.
• Treatment includes medications that neutralize acid or
eliminate infection and avoiding irritants such as aspirin,
cigarette smoke, and alcohol.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Cirrhosis
Destruction of liver tissue, usually caused by prolonged and
heavy alcohol use, results in cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver
tissue.
• Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to break down fats.
• Liver tissue is destroyed and replaced with useless scar
tissue, preventing normal liver function.
• Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and may cause death
unless a liver transplant is performed.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the lining of the
digestive tract.
• Although no cause has yet been discovered, the disease
seems to be associated with problems in the immune
system.
• Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and
abdominal pain.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Colon Cancer
This cancer usually develops in the lowest part of the colon,
near the rectum.
• As the cancer grows larger, it either blocks the colon or
causes bleeding, often during elimination.
• Seeking early medical help greatly increases a person’s
chance of survival.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Colitis
Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine or colon. It may
be caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea,
which can contain blood.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum and anus that are swollen
as a result of increased pressure.
• Signs of hemorrhoids include itching, pain, and bleeding.
• Regular physical activity and a diet high in fiber can help
prevent hemorrhoids.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Tooth Decay
Teeth are very important to the digestive process. Brushing
and flossing teeth daily is the best way to prevent tooth decay
and to keep your teeth healthy.
Lesson
2
Quick Review
Choose the appropriate option.
Q. A feeling of discomfort in the
upper abdomen is a result of
____________.
1. indigestion
2. hiatal hernia
3. constipation
4. heartburn
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. 1. indigestion
A feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen is a result
of indigestion.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review
Choose the appropriate option.
Q. A condition in which part of
the stomach pushes through
an opening in the diaphragm
is called __________.
1. constipation
2. appendicitis
3. hiatal hernia
4. gastritis
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. 3. hiatal hernia
A condition in which part of the stomach pushes through
an opening in the diaphragm is called hiatal hernia.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review
Q. Which of the following health behaviors do NOT help
prevent digestive system problems?
1. Washing your hands before preparing a meal and
before eating
2. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly
3. Avoiding the use of food as a way of dealing with
your emotions
4. Eating only soft foods in order to extend the life
of your teeth
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. 4. Eating only soft foods in order to extend the life
of your teeth
Health behaviors that help prevent digestive system
problems do NOT include eating only soft foods in order to
extend the life of your teeth.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review
Choose the appropriate option.
Q. Early detection and treatment
of digestive system disorders
are less important than
treating other diseases, such
as heart ailments.
True
False
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. False. Early detection and treatment of digestive system
disorders are as important as treating other diseases,
such as heart ailments.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
End of Lesson 2
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Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Indigestion
Indigestion can be caused from eating too much food, eating
too quickly, and eating foods that are spicy or high in fat.
Indigestion
is a feeling of
• This feeling of fullness can sometimes be accompanied by
discomfort in the
gas and nausea.
upper abdomen.
• Stomach disorders and stress can contribute to indigestion.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Heartburn
Heartburn results from acid reflux, or the backflow of stomach
acid into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation.
• Heartburn
can also be
Heartburn
is aa symptom of a hiatal hernia.
burning sensation in
• Frequent or prolonged heartburn can be an indication of
the center of the chest
more serious digestive disorders.
that may rise from the
bottom, or tip, of the
breastbone up to the
throat.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Heartburn
Heartburn results from acid reflux, or the backflow of stomach
Hiatal hernia is
acid into the esophagus, which causes a burning sensation.
a condition in which
part of the stomach
• Heartburn can also be a symptom of a hiatal hernia.
pushes through an
opening
in the heartburn can be an indication of
• Frequent
or prolonged
diaphragm.
more serious
digestive disorders.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is caused if bacteria or other foreign matter block
the appendix and prevent the release of its secretions.
is include pain in the lower right
• SymptomsAppendicitis
of appendicitis
the
portion
ofinflammation
the abdomen,offever, loss of appetite, nausea and
the appendix.
vomiting,
and tenderness in the area of the appendix.
• Treatment involves surgical removal of the appendix.
Lesson
2
Problems of the Digestive System
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic
Peptic ulcers can be caused by regular use of anti-inflammatory
ulcer is a sore in
drugs such as aspirin and by a bacterial infection caused by
the lining of the
Helicobacter pylori.
digestive tract.
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
that worsens when the stomach is empty.
• Treatment includes medications that neutralize acid or
eliminate infection and avoiding irritants such as aspirin,
cigarette smoke, and alcohol.
Lesson
Quick Review - Answer
2
A. Correct! A feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen is
a result of indigestion.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. Correct! A condition in which part of the stomach pushes
through an opening in the diaphragm is called hiatal
hernia.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. Correct! Health behaviors that help prevent digestive
system problems do NOT include: eating only soft
foods in order to extend the life of your teeth.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
A. Correct! Early detection and treatment of digestive
system disorders are as important as treating other
diseases, such as heart ailments.
Click Next to attempt another question.
Lesson
2
Quick Review - Answer
You have answered the question incorrectly. Go back to try
again, or click Next to view the correct answer.