The digestive system consists of various organs that are essential for the conversion of food into nutrients that are absorbed by the body for energy, growth and cell repair. The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and the rectum. The three organs essential for the digestion are the liver, gallbladder and the pancreas. Abnormalities of the digestive system can trigger various symptoms such as diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Some of the common types of problems of the digestive system include diarrhea, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, gallstones, lactose intolerance, indigestion, appendicitis and gastritis.
Diarrhea
This is generally caused by the bacterial or viral infections as the result of consuming contaminated food and water. It can also develop as the result of food intolerance, side-effects of medications and abdominal surgery. The loose stool can cause dehydration from the body lacking sufficient amount of fluid and electrolyte. Signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine, excessive thirst, fatigue and not urinating. In most cases, diarrhea is treated by replacing the lost fluids. The acute form of diarrhea can resolve itself within a few days but the chronic form is considered a symptom of chronic disease when it persists for 4 weeks or longer.
Acid reflux
This occurs when the content of the stomach comes up into the esophagus. When the stomach acid contacts the esophagus, it can also cause heartburn. This condition can particularly affect individuals who may be overweight, when taking certain medications, with pregnancy and among smokers. Some of the common symptoms include regular heartburn, pain in the chest, vomiting, nausea and problems with swallowing and pain in the upper part of the abdomen. The reflux can be controlled by not consuming food such as spices, not overeating, losing weight and avoiding food few hours before bedtime.
Appendicitis
This is the inflammation of the appendix and is one of the common reasons for abdominal pain requiring surgery. The symptoms of appendicitis are the abdomen pain that can deteriorate within hours. Additional symptoms can include loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, abdominal swelling and constipation or diarrhea. The inflammation can develop as the result of several causes which can include obstruction of the opening inside the appendix, inflammatory bowel disease, trauma to the abdomen, blockage of the appendiceal lumen and swollen tissue in the wall of the appendix. The treatment usually involves the surgical removal of the appendix.
Gastritis
This develops when the stomach lining becomes swollen or inflamed. This can occur as the result of an infection that causes stomach ulcers, use of certain medications and excess alcohol consumption. Symptoms of gastritis include vomiting, nausea, feeling of fullness, indigestion or burning pain in the upper abdomen. The acute form of gastritis can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and the chronic condition is treated with antibiotics. Medications are also used to control the acid production of the stomach and to promote the healing.
Lactose intolerance
This occurs by consuming milk products that contain lactose. The common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. This develops when the small intestine is not able to break down lactose and is sent to the colon where naturally habituating bacteria metabolize the lactose causing gas and the resulting symptoms. Some of the cause include the insufficient amount of an enzyme known as lactase essential in the breakdown of lactose and the infection of the small intestine.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/basics/treatment/con-20021032
