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 acid foods.

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 Sores and inflammation in the large intestine (colon) Results in loose, bloody stools, and abdominal cramps, urgency to defecate, inability to defecate, weight loss, fatigue

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, blood and bodily fluids. Hepatitis C – contracted through contaminated blood, contaminated needles, blood transfusions

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 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? Poor diet 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 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 Green or yellow vomit is usually caused from bile in the vomit.