Page 16 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Gastrointestinal System

Inflammatory bowel disease is the chronic inflammation of the intestines, which usually affect
older kids, teens and adults. There are two major types, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and
indeterminate colitis, which occurs in 10-15% of patients. Ulcerative colitis usually affects just the
rectum and small intestine, while Crohn's disease can affect the whole gastrointestinal tract from mouth
to anus along with some other parts of the body. Patients with these diseases also suffer from
extraintestinal symptoms including joint pain and red eye, which can signal a flare of the disease. These
diseases are treated with medications and if necessary, Intravenous or IV feeding, or in the more
serious cases, surgery to remove the damaged areas of the intestines.

Polyp

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue (tumor) projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is
attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present it
is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, urinary bladder and
uterus. They may also occur elsewhere in the body where mucous membranes exist like the cervix and
small intestine.

Disorders of the Pancreas, Liver, and Gallbladder

Disorders of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder affect the ability to produce enzymes and acids
that aid in digestion. examples of these disorders are.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, inherited illness where the production of abnormally thick mucous
blocks the duct or passageways in the pancreas and prevents the digestive fluids from entering the
intestines, making it difficult for the person with the disorder to digest protein and fats which cause
important nutrients to pass through without being digested. People with this disorder take supplements
and digestive enzymes to help manage their digestive problems.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral condition that inflames a person's liver which can cause it to lose it's ability to
function. Viral hepatitis, like hepatitis A, B, and C, is extremely contagious. Hepatitis A, which is a
mild form of hepatitis, can be treated at home, but more serious cases that involve liver damage, might
require hospitalization.

Cholecystitis

Acute or chronic inflammation if the gallbladder causes abdominal pain. 90% of cases of acute
cholecystitis are caused by the presence of gallstones. The actual inflammation is due to secondary
infection with bacteria of an obstructed gallbladder, with the obstruction caused by the gallstones.
Gallbladder conditions are very rare in kids and teenagers but can occur when the kid or teenager has
sickle cell anemia or in kids being treated with long term medications.

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is the blockage in the supply of bile into the digestive tract. It can be "intrahepatic" (the

Wikibooks | 231