Digestive System Diseases and Vitamin Deficiencies

Digestive System Diseases

Oral Cavity

• Tooth Decay

  Tooth enamel is destroyed by acids produced by bacteria that break down food fragments stuck between teeth. Tooth decay causes cavities to form, and bacteria in the cavities can then destroy the teeth.

• Gingivitis

  Inflammation of the gums caused by vitamin deficiencies or poor dental hygiene.

Stomach

• Gastroenteritis

  An infection affecting the stomach or intestine, caused by bacterial toxins. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

• Gastritis

  Irritation of the gastric mucosa causing pain, acidity, and a burning sensation. Often caused by smoking, drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods, or taking medicine.

• Stomach Ulcer

  Damage to the gastric mucosa which causes the stomach cavity to come into contact with the internal stomach tissues. Acid can then attack and destroy these tissues.

Liver

• Gallstones

  Cholesterol and mineral salt deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones prevent bile from entering the intestine, causing abdominal pain and preventing the digestion of fats.

• Hepatitis

  Inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection, consumption of alcohol or drugs, or abuse of prescription medication. Causes vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

• Cirrhosis

  Destruction of liver cells (hepatocytes), which are replaced by fibrous tissue. Symptoms are similar to hepatitis, as well as frequent internal bleeding and a swollen abdomen.

Intestine

• Constipation

  Infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing feces.

• Salmonellosis

  Infection of the small and large intestine caused by drinking water or eating food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Foods with the highest risk of contamination are raw or rare meats, unpasteurized milk, and raw or undercooked eggs.

• Appendicitis

  Inflammation of the appendix due to an obstruction, which causes bacteria to reproduce rapidly. Symptoms are intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. The appendix must be removed to prevent it from perforating and causing a generalized infection of the abdomen.

• Intestinal Parasites

  The intestine becomes infected by protozoa or worms (nematodes and flatworms) that absorb nutrients in the intestinal tract. Most parasites enter the body via contaminated food or water.

Vitamin Deficiencies