Question

Digestion, Absorption and Transport.

Digestion transforms the foods we eat into nutrients and absorption moves nutrients from the GI tract into the blood. Optimal digestion and absorption depend on the good health of the digestive tract, which is affected by such lifestyle factors as sleep, physical activity, state of mind, and the meals you eat. Give an example of 2 common digestive problems, briefly describe them and outline the strategies to prevent or alleviate these problems. 1 page writing

Answer 1

Some of the common digestive problems are

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Chron's disease

GERD

• This is the acid reflux or regurgitation into the esophagus from stomach
• The main cause are poor dietary habits,life style ,indigestion, alcohol obesity,pregnancy
• The signs and symptoms are heart burn,indigestion ,sensation of a lump in throat,unable to swallow, regurgitating the foods and fluid taken
• It is diagnosed by Barrium swallow,esophageal manometry and esophageal pH monitoring, upper endoscopy
• The complication are Barett's esophagus,esophageal ulcer,esophageal structure,esophahitis,cancer,asthma
• The treatment line focuses on dietary modifications and life style changes.If not settling down medication (antacid,PPI,H2 receptor antahonist) and surgery are required to correct the problem
• It can be prevented and symptoms can be alleviated by
  • Avoiding smoking
  • Avoiding large meals at a time
  • No foods and drinks just before going to bed
  • Avoid triggers like fatty foods,alcohol, beverages and coffee
  • A balanced diet
  • Take right quantity if liquid
  • Avoid stress

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• It affects the large intestine
• It can be caused by infection,changes in bacterial gut,microflora,muscle contractions nd inflammation in the intestine
• Family history, mental illness,stress,depression can be a risk factor
• The signs and symptoms are cramping abdominal pain,bloating,gas formation,diarrhoea or constipation ,mucus in stool.More serious symptoms like rectal bleeding, Unexplained vomiting, weight loss should be immediately reported
• It is diagnosed on the basis of Rome or Manning criteria,history collection, physical examination, flexible sigmoidoscopy,CT scan,Colonoscopy,lactose intolerance test, upper endoscopy, breath test for bacterial growth,stool test.
• The treatment is mainly based non diet and lifestyle modifications
  • Avoid triggering foods
  • Plenty of liquids
  • High fibre diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Avoid high gas forming foods and gluten products
  • Follow strict low FODMAP diet (fermentable oligo,do and monosaccharides and polyols)
  • Symptomatic treatments with medications
  • Alternative therapy  (hypnosis, acvupuncture,yoga,meditations )