Diseases of the Digestive System

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to illustrate how diseases of the digestive system are
detected, prevented, or treated.

The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to transform the food you eat into energy
needed by the body. It includes organs such as esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large
intestine.

Learn about it!

There are several digestive system disorders that are common to many people. They include
constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux.

Constipation

Constipation means having firm stools that are hard to pass. A person with constipation has fewer
than three bowel movements a week. Common causes of constipation include certain medicines, not
having enough fiber in diet, and not drinking enough water.

If you are experiencing constipation, it is best to visit a health care provider. Your doctor may prescribe
laxative, which can increase water in the stool making it easier to pass.

To prevent constipation, it is best if you will drink plenty of water; eat foods rich in fiber; and exercise
daily.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea means having more than two loose bowel movements in a day. A person experiencing
diarrhea may also have stomach cramps.

Diarrhea may be caused by drinking water or eating foods that contain harmful bacteria or viruses.
Dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, and yogurt, can also cause diarrhea if you are lactose
intolerant. Some antibiotics can also cause diarrhea.

If you are experiencing diarrhea, you must drink plenty of fluids. It is also best if you drink fluids that
contain salt, such as sports drink. Avoid drinking soda, juices, and dairy products which can make
your condition worse. Over-the-counter medications for diarrhea may also be helpful. In case you have
high fever or bloody diarrhea, consult a health care provider.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when a certain muscle in the esophagus is not working properly. That muscle is
responsible for opening and closing when you swallow food. The food and liquids that you swallow
move back up into the esophagus.

When you have an acid reflux, you have a burning feeling in your chest and throat. You can control or
prevent acid reflux by eating small, but more frequent meals. When you are sleeping, you must elevate
your head by few inches. Some foods, such as coffee, onion, garlic, tea, and even milk, may trigger
acid reflux. It is best if you avoid consuming such foods if you are experiencing reflux.

If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, you may need to consult a health care provider.

Online reference: https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/5468be702294ee08bc0001f3/curriculum#curriculum

 Diseases of the Digestive System

Keypoints
 Constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux are the most common diseases of the digestive system.
 Constipation means having firm stools that are hard to pass.
 Diarrhea means having more than two loose bowel movements in a day.
 Acid reflux means that the esophagus is not working properly, and the food and liquids that
you swallow move back up into the esophagus.
 There are food that you can eat and steps that you can take to prevent or manage common
digestive disorders.

Assessment
Instruction: Answer the following questions and write your answers in your quiz notebook.
Question 1 (Single answer)
Which of the following organs is not a part of the digestive system?
A. stomach
B. esophagus
C. small Intestine
D. nasal passages
Question 2 (Single answer)
Which of the following is a function of the digestive system?
A. convert food into energy
B. take in oxygen from the air
C. distribute blood throughout the body
D. release substances needed for growth and development
Question 3 (Single answer)
Which of the following medications do doctors often prescribe to patients experiencing
constipation?
A. Laxative
B. antibiotic
C. loperamide
D. antihistamine
Question 4 (Single answer)
Grace has less than three bowel movements in a week. Her stools are firm and hard to pass.
Which of the following digestive system disorder is Grace experiencing?
A. diarrhea
B. acid reflux
C. constipation
D. stomach cramps
Question 5 (Single answer)
Mars has more than three bowel movements in a day. Her stomach is also in pain. Which of the
following conditions is Mars experiencing?
A. diarrhea
B. acid reflux
C. dehydration
D. constipation

Online reference: https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/5468be702294ee08bc0001f3/curriculum#curriculum

 Diseases of the Digestive System

Question 6 (Multiple answers)

Ben is lactose intolerant. Every time he consumes dairy products, he experience diarrhea. Which
of the following food should Ben avoid to prevent diarrhea?
A. milk
B. cheese
C. vegetables
D. citrus fruits
Question 7 (Single answer)
Noel is having diarrhea for days. Now, he has high fever and bloody stools. Which of the following
should Noel do?
A. Drink soda and fruit juices
B. Consult a doctor for his condition.
C. Take in over-the-counter medications.
D. Consume dairy products like milk and yogurt.
Question 8 (Single answer)
Denise has a burning feeling in her chest and throat when she consumes caffeinated drinks, such
as coffee or tea. Which of the following conditions is Denise experiencing?
A. diarrhea
B. acid reflux
C. constipation
D. dehydration
Question 9
Philip was diagnosed with acid reflux. Which of the following should Philip do to control or prevent
acid reflux?
A. Drink sodas.
B. Lie flat on bed when sleeping.
C. Eat small, but more frequent meals.
D. Drink coffee or tea to relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
Question 10 (Multiple answers)
Velle oftentimes experience constipation. Which of the following should Velle do to prevent having
constipation?
A. Exercise daily.
B. Eat junk foods.
C. Eat foods rich in fiber.
D. Drink plenty of water every day.

Online reference: https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/5468be702294ee08bc0001f3/curriculum#curriculum