Lesson 2 Care and Problems of the Digestive

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 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 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 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 is the feeling of discomfort that sometimes precedes vomiting. • Motion sickness, pathogens, some medications, and dehydration 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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. 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.

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Lesson 2 Problems of the Digestive System 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 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 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 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 • Symptoms. Appendicitis 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.

Quick Review - Answer Lesson 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.