In order to maintain all the processes of life, a person needs energy. You can get it from food. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary processing, digestion of food and utilization of its remains. The process of digestion is extremely complex, it involves many organs that produce the necessary enzymes and hormones. And the actions of all organs are controlled by the brain, endocrine and immune systems. The supply of other organs and systems with necessary nutrients depends on the correctness and efficiency of digestion processes. Each stage is important and necessary, so any violation can affect the state of the body as a whole.
CONSIDER THE MOST COMMON DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
- Esophagitis- occurs when the mucous membrane of the esophagus becomes inflamed. It can be caused by alcohol consumption, too rough, poorly chewed food, burns. Such diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as esophagitis are manifested by quite severe pain, discomfort. There may be a burning sensation, vomiting, sometimes even with blood.
- Chronic gastritis- is the most common gastrointestinal disease. It used to be believed that gastritis is a disease of students and people with a crazy rhythm of life, who eat irregularly and incorrectly. Today it is known for sure that the vast majority of gastritis is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter infection is one of the most common in the world. Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. In fact, it is a disease that can have very serious consequences. First, the absorption of various nutrients, such as vitamin B12, is disturbed. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to the development of anemia. If left untreated, gastritis can develop an atrophic form, which is considered a precancerous condition.
- Chronic duodenitis and chronic colitis- are inflammation of the mucous membranes of the duodenum and colon, respectively.
- Cholecystitis or acute cholecystitis - is inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located under the liver. It stores bile produced in the liver and sends it to the duodenum at the right time. Bile helps in the digestion of fats. Cholecystitis is a serious disease that requires immediate treatment, sometimes even surgery.
- Chronic pancreatitis- is an inflammation of the pancreas, which, if left untreated, leads to irreversible damage to the organ. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, it produces chemicals called enzymes necessary for digestion of food. It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. When inflamed, the pancreas is damaged and is no longer able to produce the right amount of these biologically active substances, and therefore the body cannot digest food. Damage to the areas of the pancreas that produce insulin can lead to diabetes. There can be many factors that influence the development of chronic pancreatitis. The most important of them are heredity and alcoholism. A timely visit to a doctor will help you avoid serious consequences.
- Ulcer sickness most often occurs in the lining of the stomach or in the part of the small intestine called the duodenum. There is no specific primary source that causes peptic ulcer disease. However, it is clear that peptic ulcer disease is the result of an imbalance between the lining of the duodenum or stomach and the digestive juices that aggressively attack it. The leading role in the occurrence of the disease is played by the microorganism Helicobacter pylori. Do not expect that the ulcer will heal by itself. If left untreated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including bleeding, perforation (a hole through the stomach wall).