DISEASES

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

CARIES
Is an infectious disease caused
by bacteria that live in the
mouth.
They feed on the remains of
food found there, especially the
glucids from sugary food.
CARIES
As a result, acids are
produced that weaken dental
enamel and cause small holes.
The acids erode the dentine
and reach de pulp.
 PEPTIC ULCER
A break in the lining of the stomach
or duodenum that can cause
hemorrhage or perforate the stomach
Wall.
This infection is caused by the
Helicobacter pylori bacteria and can
be made worse by alcohol, smoking,
certain drugs or stress.
GASTROENTERITIS
An inflammation or
swelling of the stomach or
the small intestine generally
produced by an infection.
The cause of this infection
can be food poisoning or
contact with people already
affected.
 GASTROENTERITIS
The main symptoms are
vomiting and diarrhea, stomach
pains, fever, headache and chills.
Dehydration is the principal
problem, so the intake liquids
must be increased.
 APPENDICITIS
A swelling of the appendix
caused by a blockage or
obstruction. It can become serious
if the appendix becomes infected
or is perforated. The consequences
can be very serious if not treated
quickly.
 CONSTIPATION
Difficult defecation often
caused by stress or diets lacking
in fiber and water.
These conditions lead to hard,
dry faeces that make defecation
difficult.
 HEPATITIS
An inflammation of the
liver caused by a virus,
toxins, poisonous substances,
certain medicines or alcohol.
THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
ASTHMA
A narrowing of the bronchial
tubes due to:
•Contraction of the bronchial wall.
•Inflammation of the mucosa.
•Excess mucus. Breathing
becomes difficult.
ALLERGIC RHINITIS
An inflammation of the nasal
mucosa because of an allergy to:
•Pollen.
•Dust mites.
•Animal dander, etc.
Congestion, sneezing and an itchy
nose or throat result.
PHARYNGITIS AND
TONSILLITIS
An inflammation of the pharynx and of the tonsils due to
microorganisms. The main symptoms are:
•Localized pain.
•Increased mucus.
•Fever (occasionally).
•Coughing.
 COLDS AND FLU
Infections of the respiratory tract due to a
virus:
•Colds and flu produce nasal obstruction,
sneezing, coughing, abundant mucus and
general discomfort.
•The flu also produces muscular pain,
chills and fever.
 PNEUMONIA
An inflammation of the lung tissue due
to bacterial or viral infection. The main
symptoms are:
•Difficulty in breathing.
•A high fever.
It is treated with antibiotics but can
cause death.
BRONCHITIS
Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa due to
bacteria microorganisms, virus or irritants.
The main symptoms are:
•Difficulty in breathing.
•A wheezing cough with yellow-green
phlegm.
•Aches and pains.
 LUNG CANCER
Tumor or unusual cell growth in the
bronchial tubes and lung tissue.
The main symptoms are:
•The lungs stop functioning correctly.
•Pain and possibly death.
Smoking is a major cause of the
disease.
 PULMONARY
EMPHYSEMA
Enlargement of the alveoli caused
by weakened, torn walls.
The main symptoms are:
•Breathing becomes progressively
limited, almost permanently.
Smoking and pollution are major
causes.
ACTIVITY 1
 What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?

ACTIVITY 2
 What is the disease produced by Helicobacter
pylori? What is it about?
ACTIVITY 3
 What are colds and flu? What are
the symptoms?

ACTIVITY 4
 Have you ever had gastroenteritis? What
happened to you?