Intestinal diseases are the conditions that can affect any part of the intestine (the large or the small) from the duodenum to the rectum. There are various types of diseases that can either be acute or chronic based on the individual. Some of the diseases of the intestine include coeliac disease, appendicitis, colorectal cancer, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, crohn’s disease and angiodysplasia.
Celiac disease
This is a genetic autoimmune condition that affects the small intestine after consuming food containing gluten, a protein present in food such as barley and wheat. The gluten damages the villi of the small intestine and prevents the normal absorption of other nutrients. Although the exact cause of this condition is not known, it can be triggered by various factors such as emotional stress or gastrointestinal infections. Some of the common symptoms of this condition among the infants and children include abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, failure to thrive, constipation, delayed growth, foul smelling stool, fatigue and behavioral problems such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The symptoms among the adults can include problems with menstrual periods, anemia, depression, sores within the mouth, joint pain, migraines and infertility. The only treatment for celiac disease is to ensure a gluten-free diet.
Gastroenteritis
This is the inflammation of the intestinal lining that develops as the result of bacteria, virus or other parasites. This condition occurs by the consumption of food or water that is contaminated with the microbes and with the contact of the infected person. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include fever, feeling sick, vomiting, watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, headaches and the presence of blood in the stool. Most of the affected individuals can recover on their own although medications are required if symptoms don’t improve over a period of time.
Crohn’s disease
This is the inflammation of the digestive system that particularly affects the small intestine or the colon. The symptoms of this condition vary among the affected individual and are based on the area of the digestive system that is affected. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include abdominal pain, diarrhea, feeling unwell, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. This can develop as the result of an abnormal reaction of the immune system in response to the intestinal infection. There is no cure for this disease and the treatment involves drug therapy or surgery in some cases. The drugs consist of anti-inflammatory medications, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, iron supplements and pain relievers.
Ulcerative colitis
This is the inflammation and the ulceration of the lining of the rectum and the colon. The ulcers affecting the lining can also bleed and even produce pus. Some of the symptoms associated with this include fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling unwell and the cramping of the abdomen. The treatment of this condition include drugs such as anti-inflammatory medications, immune system suppressors, pain relievers, iron supplements, anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics. The surgery involves the removal of the entire colon and the rectum.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastroenteritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx#child-help
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/treatment/con-20043763
