ISC 12> STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ANIMALS>DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION

DISEASES RELATED TO DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The inflammation of the intestinal tract maybe caused due to bacterial or viral infections, it can also be caused by the parasites of the intestine like tapeworm, roundworm, threadworm, hookworm, pin worm, etc. 

JAUNDICE

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of a cellular waste production called bilirubin. 

The liver makes bilirubin from dying red blood cells and other sources. It then converts bilirubin into bile, which has several purposes, among them the digestion of fatty acids and neutralization of stomach acid. If there is too much bilirubin for the liver to deal with, or if the liver's functioning is compromised, jaundice can result.

​The major categories of problems that can lead to jaundice include -
  • Conditions that results in an excessive breakdown of red blood cells;
  • hereditary disease that impair the liver's ability to convert bilirubin into bile;
  • liver damage from exposure to toxic chemicals, including alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, and others;
  • liver diseases such as hepatitis, bacterial infection, parasitic infestation, or cancer; and
  • obstructions that block the outflow of bile so that it cannot leave the liver as it is supposed to.

Newborns often develop some degree of jaundice in the days after birth, as their bodies adjust to life outside the womb, but this is not usually a serious problem.

Symptoms- ​
There is discoloration of skin, accompanied by itching, which can be intense, as well as by nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, and light-colored stools.

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea ia also called loose motions. Diarrhoea is not itself a disease, but can be a symptom of several disease. Diarrhoea means there are frequent, loose or liquid stools. 
 Diarrhea causes dehydration. Children are more likely than adults to die from diarrhoea because they become dehydrated more quickly. Diarrhoea is also a major cause of child malnutrition.
Symptoms of diarrhea
  • Frequent, loose, watery stools.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea, vomiting.
  • Stomach pains, Abdominal pain, Abdominal cramps
  • Fever.
  • Dehydration.
  • Sometimes bacterial or parasitic infections sometimes cause bloody stools.
Causes of diarrhea:  There are many causes of diarrhoea, including food poisoning, infection, malnutrition. Diarrhoea may also be caused due to a chronic problem like viral stomach flu. Diarrhoea occurs when the lining of the small or large intestine is irritated. It leads to increased water being passed in the stools.
The causes of diarrhoea are many. Out of which the main causes are : Bacterial Infections: Several types of bacteria which get into our body through contaminated food or water, are the main causes of diarrhea. Viral infections . Many viruses are also responsible for the cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis. Parasitic infections are also a cause for diarrhoea. Food Intolerance - Some people are not able to digest some component of food properly, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk - which ultimately leads to diarrhoea.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. 
causes of constipation
Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry.
​Common causes of constipation are
  • not enough fiber in the diet
  • lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
  • medications
  • milk
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
  • abuse of laxatives
  • ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
  • dehydration
  • specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
  • problems with the colon and rectum
  • problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation

INDIGESTION

Indigestion: Food not being digested properly resulting in feeling of fullness, nausea, acidity etc.
The causes of indigestion are inadequate enzyme secretion, anxiety, food poisoning, over eating, and spicy food.
Vomiting and nausea are not illnesses but common symptoms that accompany with many diseases and conditions. The problems with nausea and vomiting are related to the cause.
​Nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, seasickness, food poisoning, or cancer therapy can result in loss of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Vomiting and nausea known as morning sickness may occur during pregnancy.

Nausea is an unpleasant, queasy feeling in the throat or stomach that may result in vomiting.

Vomiting is emptying the stomach as a result of strong gagging and retching that leads to throwing up. The stomach's contents are forcefully expelled through the mouth.

Nausea and vomiting are controlled by the same parts of the brain that control involuntary bodily functions. Vomiting is actually a reflex triggered by a signal from the brain.
The signal to vomit can result from several stimuli such as smells, taste, various illnesses, emotions (such as fear), pain, injury, infection, food irritation, dizziness, motion, and other changes in the body.
The following are common causes of nausea and vomiting.
  • Side effects of anesthesia used for surgery
  • Stomach problems such as blockage 
  • Bleeding into the stomach from different causes
  • Infection, irritation, or blockage of the intestines
  • Low or high body chemicals and minerals
  • Presence of toxins in the body
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Alcohol and liquor is turned into a chemical (acetaldehyde), which results in the sensation of nausea that is felt the next morning, known as a "hangover"
  • Nausea and vomiting occur frequently in pregnancy. Morning sickness usually happens in the first few months but sometimes can last throughout the pregnancy.
PROTEIN ENERGY MALNUTRITION

​Dietary deficiencies of proteins and total food calories are widespread in many underdeveloped countries of South and South-east Asia, South America, and West and Central Africa.


Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) may affect large sections of the population during drought, famine and political turmoil.
​PEM affects infants and children to produce Marasmus and Kwashiorkar.

Marasmus is produced by a simultaneous deficiency of proteins and calories.
  • Means- waste away
  • Show degeneration of muscles
  • Symptoms-
    • Children sluggish, have low body weight
    • Body lean and thin, loose folds of skin are seen.
    • Shows retarded body growth
    • Child susceptible to diseases.
Kwashiorkar is produced by protein deficiency unaccompanied by calorie deficiency.
  • Means- rejected children
  • Seen in children who are weaned from mothers milk.
  • Symptoms-
    • Stunted growth
    • Dry cracked skin
    • Body swells – retention of water
    • Belly protrudes and have thin bony legs.
    • Liver gets damaged