Conditions, Disorders, Diseases Of The Digestive System

The digestive system has many organs that have a role in the process of digestion including the liver, pancreas, digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines). There are many conditions, diseases and disorders that affect the functioning of the digestive system.

Conditions, such as indigestion can make a person feel uncomfortable but can usually get better with little or no treatment. There are diseases that can occur to parts of the digestive system that can have long lasting impact on the functioning of the system such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If a person has IBD, a specialist called a gastroenterologist is called upon to help the individual deal with the disease.

There are three common conditions that individual can have that affect the esophagus: Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are congenital conditions. These conditions are usually detected soon after birth and both require surgery in order for the digestive systems to work in babies with these conditions.

Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus and is a noncongenital condition. Those who have esophagitis usually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes the esophagitis. GERD can sometimes be healed with lifestyle changes such as making food selection changes but usually medication is required to bring relief to the individual. Sometimes infection or taking a certain medication can cause esophagitis.

Everyone at one time or another commonly experiences diarrhea and constipation. Other not so common stomach and intestinal disorders are: Celiac disease which is caused by an abnormal response that the immune system has to a protein called gluten found in certain foods that we eat. When individuals with Celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, damage can be done to the lining of the intestines. Symptoms that they may experience are: abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Gastritis a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes irritated or inflamed and peptic ulcers (sores or holes) form in the lining of the stomach or duodenum causing pain and/or bleeding. Medications can relieve both of these conditions.

A chronic inflammation of the intestines that affects older kids, teens, and adults is an inflammation of the intestines. There are two types of IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both types are treated with medications, and if needed surgery to remove inflamed or damaged parts of the intestine.

Most people have heard of Cystic fibrosis, a chronic, inherited disease in which production of thick mucus blocks the ducts in the pancreas. This blockage prevents digestive juices from entering into the intestines. Without these juices it is difficult to breakdown and digest proteins and fats. When these ingredients are not digested the body can't use them and they pass through the body without being used.

Liver damage is a possibility when individuals contract hepatitis, which is a viral infection of the liver.

Cholecystitis is when the gallbladder becomes inflamed and gallstones can develop. Teens can get cholecystitis especially if they have sickle cell anemia or have been treated with certain long-term medications.