Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases affect the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. There are two types of GI diseases: functional and structural. Some common gastrointestinal tract diseases includes:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when stomach contents leak backward into the oesophagus. It’s caused by frequent acid reflux or reflux of nonacidic content from the stomach. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, nausea, burping and bloating.
- Constipation: Constipation is when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. This is caused due eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products, and eggs, sweets, or processed foods, not taking enough fluids and lack of physical activity.
- Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu or infectious diarrhea, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. It is caused by viral or bacterial infections and symptoms includes diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without any structural damage. It causes pain in the stomach, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and change in the appearance of stool.
- Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is a disease that develops when tumorous growths form in the large intestine. It starts as benign polyps and often leads to symptoms like blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. It can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Haemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Constipation, straining during bowel movements, and sitting on the toilet too long can increase your risk of hemorrhoids.
Also Read: Disorders Of Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract – Diagram, Anatomy, & Disorders
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a long, twisting tube made up of hollow organs that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. It comprises organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Food taken in through the mouth undergoes the process of digestion in the stomach, absorption of nutrients and energy in the small intestine, and the waste stored in the large intestine is expelled at the anus as feces.
In this article, we will study in detail the definition of the gastrointestinal tract, its anatomy, digestive mechanism, functions of the GI tract, infection, and disorders that occur in the GI tract.
Table of Content
- Gastrointestinal Tract Definition
- What is the Gastrointestinal Tract?
- Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy
- Digestive Process
- Gastrointestinal Tract Functions
- Gastrointestinal Tract Infection
- Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases