Digestive System

The Nutrient Factory
  • Components: Mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas.
  • Function: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Chronic acid reflux causing heartburn and oesophageal irritation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, causing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.

Celiac Disease

Autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon.

Gallstones

Solid particles that form in the gallbladder, which can block bile ducts.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (A, B, C, etc.).

Liver Cirrhosis

Scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term damage.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.

Constipation

Infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools.

Diarrhoea

Frequent loose or watery stools, which can be acute or chronic.

Haemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, causing discomfort and bleeding.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the oesophagus, often caused by acid reflux.

Food Intolerance

Difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., lactose intolerance).

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by infection.

Crohn’s Disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

A type of inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the colon.

Achalasia

A condition where the oesophagus has difficulty moving food into the stomach.

Rectal Prolapse

The rectum protruding through the anus due to weakened muscles.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Intestinal Obstruction

Blockage preventing the passage of contents through the intestines.

Cancers of the Digestive System

Oropharyngeal Cancer – Cancer of mouth. Oesophageal Cancer - Malignant tumours in the oesophagus. Gastric (Stomach) Cancer - Cancer that develops in the stomach lining. Colon Cancer - Cancer of the large intestine. Rectal Cancer - Cancer occurring in the rectum. Liver Cancer - Includes hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type. Pancreatic Cancer - Aggressive cancer that begins in the pancreas. Gallbladder Cancer - Rare cancer that forms in the gallbladder. Small Intestine Cancer - Malignancies that occur in the small intestine.