Disorders of the digestive system

When the gut goes wrong

Diarrhoea means frequent, loose or watery stools. It can cause dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. Common causes are infections, food allergies, stress and some medicines such as antibiotics.

Constipation means faeces are not passed at regular intervals: fewer than 3 times a week, with hard, dry stools. Lack of fibre, too little water and too little exercise are common causes.

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the wall of the canal, usually the stomach (gastric ulcer), but also the duodenum or oesophagus. The main causes are Helicobacter pylori bacteria and long-term use of painkillers called NSAIDs.

Each disorder has signs, causes, treatment and prevention. Learn them in that order, and see a doctor when signs are severe.

Key terms

Dehydration

Shown by thirst, dry mouth and dark urine.

ORS

A drink used to replace fluid lost in diarrhoea.

Dietary fibre

Plant material that keeps stools soft and regular.

Helicobacter pylori

A main cause of peptic ulcers, treated with antibiotics.

Short questions with model answers

1. Q1. What are the causes and symptoms of ulcers? (Short Answer 6)

   • Causes.
   • Symptoms.

   Mainly H. pylori and NSAIDs; burning stomach pain is the key symptom.

2. Q2. A student eats white bread and little fruit, drinks little water and rarely exercises. Which disorder is likely, and what should change?

   • Match the causes.
   • Reverse them.

   Constipation; add fibre and water, and exercise regularly.

Common mistakes

• ✗ Stress is the direct cause of ulcers.

  ✓ Your book: stress is not a direct cause, but it can make symptoms worse. H. pylori and NSAIDs are main causes.

• ✗ In diarrhoea, drink less so you pass less.

  ✓ Drink plenty of fluids and ORS to prevent dehydration.

• ✗ Ulcers only form in the stomach.

  ✓ They can also form in the duodenum or oesophagus.

MCQs

1. 1. Which is a sign of dehydration?

   1. (a) Pale urine
   2. (b) Weight gain
   3. (c) Dark urine
   4. (d) Hunger
   Show answer

   (c) p. 9: thirst, dry mouth, dark urine.

2. 2. A main cause of constipation is:

   1. (a) Lack of fibre in the diet
   2. (b) H. pylori
   3. (c) Too much water
   4. (d) Washing hands
   Show answer

   (a) p. 9.

3. 3. Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori are treated with:

   1. (a) ORS only
   2. (b) More painkillers
   3. (c) Iron supplements
   4. (d) Antibiotics
   Show answer

   (d) p. 10, with antacids and proton pump inhibitors.

4. 4. An ulcer in the duodenum is called:

   1. (a) Gastric ulcer
   2. (b) Duodenal ulcer
   3. (c) Oesophageal ulcer
   4. (d) Constipation
   Show answer

   (b) p. 9.

5. 5. Which best prevents diarrhoea?

   1. (a) Washing hands and avoiding contaminated food or water
   2. (b) Taking painkillers daily
   3. (c) Eating less fibre
   4. (d) Drinking less water
   Show answer

   (a) p. 9.

Quick revision

• Diarrhoea: loose, frequent stools; risk is dehydration; treat with fluids and ORS; prevent with hygiene.
• Constipation: infrequent, hard stools; fixed with fibre, water and exercise.
• Peptic ulcers: sores mainly from H. pylori and NSAIDs; treated with antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines.