DENTITION, FEEDING AND DIGESTION IN MAMMALS- DISEASES AND DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF HUMANS: PART 5

Constipation 

This is caused by not going to the toilet regularly. Faeces overstay in the rectum and more water is absorbed from them. This hardens and dries it making it difficult to pass out. Constipation is also caused by adequate chewing of food.

Prevention of constipation 

Constipation can be prevented by including roughage in the diet, chewing food properly and visiting the toilet regularly. 

Indigestion 

Indigestion is caused by eating too quickly. This causes the gastric juice to produce excess acid. The acid climbs up the oesophagus, when a person belches. This gives a burning sensation in the heart (heartburns). 

Prevention of indigestion 

Slowing down the rate and speed of eating can prevent indigestion. 

Diarrhoea 

This occurs when faeces move through the colon too quickly before water can be absorbed from them. This causes the faeces to come out in a more liquid form. It is caused by bacteria in the gut.

Prevention of diarrhoea 

Staying away from food for a short period will cause the bacteria to be driven away with the faeces. A lot of water should be drunk to prevent dehydration. 

Stomach ulcer 

This is caused by an attack on the stomach wall by excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach; this makes is sore. 

Prevention of stomach ulcer 

Eating at normal intervals can prevent stomach ulcer. 

Jaundice 

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, the conjunctival membranes over the sclerae (whites of the eyes), and other mucous membranes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. 

Treatment 

Infected persons must seek medical attention immediately. 

Cirrhosis 

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, partially blocking the flow of blood through the liver. Scarring also impairs the liver‘s ability to: 

 control infections 

 remove bacteria and toxins from the blood 

 process nutrients, hormones, and drugs 

 make proteins that regulate blood clotting 

 produce bile to help absorb fats— including cholesterol—and fat-soluble vitamins A healthy liver is able to regenerate most of its own cells when they become damaged. With end-stage cirrhosis, the liver can no longer effectively replace damaged cells. A healthy liver is necessary for survival. 

Cirrhosis is caused by heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, hepatitis B, C and D, drug and toxins Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms at the early stages of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, a person may experience the following symptoms: 

1. weakness 2. fatigue 3. loss of appetite 4. nausea 5. vomiting 6. weight loss 7. abdominal pain and bloating when fluid accumulates in the abdomen 8. itching 9. spiderlike blood vessels on the skin.

Treatment and prevention 

 Medical attention is necessary if infected with cirrhosis. It is also advisable not to drink or engage in drugs. Nutritious food must be eaten always. 

Hepatitis 

Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies inflammation of the liver characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide, but it can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol, certain medications and plants), other infections and autoimmune diseases.

Treatment and prevention 

Reducing the intake of alcohol, eating nutritious food and not doing drug may help prevent hepatitis. If infected by hepatitis, it is advisable to seek medical attention.