Page 18 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Gastrointestinal System

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder with symptoms that are most commonly bloating,
abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It does
not cause permanent damage to the intestines and does not lead to serious diseases such as cancer. Most
of the people affected with IBS can control their symptoms with stress management, diet, and
prescription medication. For others IBS can be debilitating, they may be unable to go to work, travel,
attend social events or leave home for even short periods of time.

About 20 percent of the adult population has some symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most
common intestinal disorders diagnosed by physicians. It is more common in men than women and in
about 50 percent of people affected it starts at about age 35.

Researchers have not found out what exactly causes IBS. One idea is that people with IBS have a
large intestine (colon) that is sensitive to certain foods and stress. The immune system may also be
involved. It has also been reported that serotonin is linked with normal GI functioning. 95 percent of
the body's serotonin is located in the GI tract (the other 5 percent is in the brain). People with IBS have
diminished receptor activity, causing abnormal levels of serotonin in the GI tract. Because of this IBS
patients experience problems with bowel movement, mobility, and sensation having more sensitive
pain receptors in their GI tract. Many IBS patients suffer from depression and anxiety which can make
symptoms worse.

There is no cure for IBS, but medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Fiber
supplements or laxatives are helpful for constipation. Anti diuretics such as Imodium can help with
diarrhea. An antispasmodic is commonly prescribed for colon muscle spasms. Antidepressants and pain
medication are also commonly prescribed. [12]

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors or GIST is an uncommon type of cancer in the GI tract
(esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon). These types of cancers begin in the connective tissue
like fat, muscles, nerves , cartilage, etc.

GIST originates in the stroma cells. Stroma cells are strung along the GI tract and are part of the
system that helps the body to know when to move food through the digestive system. Over half of
Gist's occur in the stomach. Most cases occur in people between the ages of forty and eighty, but can
also show up in a person of any age.

All GIST's of any size or location have the ability to spread. Even if a GIST is removed, it can
reappear in the same area, or may even spread outside of the GI tract.

In the early stages, GIST is hard to diagnose because in the early stages symptoms cannot be
recognized. In the later stages a person can have vague abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal bleeding
that shows up in stool or vomit, low blood counts causing anemia, and having an early feeling of being
full causing a decrease in appetite.

GIST is now recognized as an aggressive cancer that is able to spread to other parts of the body.
People who have been diagnosed with GIST should get treatment as soon as possible.

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