The Human Digestive System

The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), liver, pancreas,
and gallbladder help the body digest food. Digestion is important for breaking down food
into nutrients, which your body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.

There are also diseases that can affect the digestive system. Some digestive
diseases and conditions are acute, lasting only a short time, while others are chronic, or
long-lasting.

Diseases of the Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of the swallowing tube
that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus) becomes damaged by acid reflux,
which causes the lining to thicken and become red.

Esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues
of the esophagus. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and Barrett esophagus can increase the
risk of esophageal cancer. Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer are weight loss and
painful or difficult swallowing.

Peptic Structure

Damage to the lining of the esophagus over time may cause a narrowing of the
esophagus called a peptic stricture. Patients with a stricture will notice difficulty swallowing,
with food "sticking."

Webs, Rings & Diverticula

An esophageal web is a thin bit of tissue that is similar to an "o" ring of a washer.
These may occur at any level of the esophagus and typically cause difficulty swallowing.
When these occur in the upper esophagus, they may be associated with other diseases
such as iron deficiency anemia or graft versus host disease. Some authors believe that
webs that arise in the mid to distal esophagus may be related to reflux. Rings differ from
webs primarily by being thicker and involving more of the wall of the esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that occurs when

stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, a burning
sensation in the chest, as well as other symptoms such as regurgitation, difficulty
swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth. GERD is caused by a weakened or relaxed
lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the esophagus from
the stomach. Risk factors for developing GERD include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and
certain medical conditions such as hiatal hernia.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a motor disorder characterized by the complete loss of muscle

movement within the esophagus. This is a condition known as peristalsis. The exact cause
of achalasia is unknown. Several theories exist regarding loss of nerve endings or loss or
hormones. Approximately two people per 200,000 will be diagnosed with this illness each
year. The symptoms are somewhat similar to GERD, thus patients may be treated for reflux
before the diagnosis of achalasia is made. Most patients will experience weight loss, and
some may present with complications such as inhalation of debris from their esophagus.

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum

Anal stenosis

Anal stenosis means that the anal opening is too small or does not relax or open
properly. This may be treated with surgery that enlarges the anal opening.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, the 2nd most common cancer in America, forms in the mucosa lining of
the colon. It can cause a number of bowel symptoms depending on its position.

Colonic Inertia

Colonic inertia is when the muscles or nerves in the colon operate too slowly. This
prevents feces from exiting through the rectum and can lead to constipation.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's colitis involves inflammation of the entire thickness of the wall of the colon
whereas ulcerative colitis affects only the mucosal (superficial) lining.

Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is when small sacs or pouches form on the wall of the colon.
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of these sacs due to infection.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and
intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal
pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that
you'll need to manage long term.

Diseases of the Liver

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a disorder of the structure of the liver that occurs when there is
continuing liver damage over a prolonged period of time.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is found among individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is

often spread through needle sharing.

Viral Hepatitis

There are five known viral hepatitis diseases, each one caused by a different virus.
All can lead to acute hepatitis, while some can cause chronic hepatitis.

Diseases of the Pancreas and Biliary

System
Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an illness where the pancreas rapidly inflamed. Enzymes may
enter the bloodstream in an attack causing severe complications.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts where stones from the gallbladder
become lodged, obstructing flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.

Alcohol-Related Pancreatitis

Individuals who are vulnerable to alcohol injury of the pancreas can develop
blockage the pancreatic duct and often get dilation of the duct and form stones.
Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that may be either acute or

chronic. Complaints of upper-right abdominal pain can last from minutes to days.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly and can increasingly worsen over time with the
pancreas losing its ability to make enough digestive enzymes and insulin.

Gallstone Pancreatitis

Patients with small gallstones may pass them from the gallbladder to the main bile
duct blocking off the pancreatic duct causing a severe form of pancreatitis.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when sugars build up in the blood due to the pancreas not
producing enough insulin (or not using it correctly) resulting in low energy levels.

Gallstones & Bile Duct Stones

Gallstones are created in the gallbladder forming bile substances of hard, crystal-
like particles. Bile duct stones move out of the gallbladder becoming lodged.

Hereditary Pancreatitis

Hereditary pancreatitis is rare and affects fewer than one in one million people. It is a
genetic abnormality that can be inherited or occur spontaneously.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer in U.S. Some risk factors
include: family history, smoking, obesity, diabetes and chronic pancreatitis.

IPMN – Intraductal Tumors

IPMN is a cause of pancreatitis where cells that line the pancreatic duct change into
premalignant cells that produce mucous and block off the pancreatic duct.

Pancreas Divisum

Pancreas Divisum is a birth defect where the normal drainage of pancreatic juices is
altered, possibly resulting in pancreatitis and/or elevated duct pressures.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

 If the ducts from the liver to the duodenum sustain enough damage, or experience
bouts of cholangitis, gallstones or other conditions may develop scar tissue.

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction is when the opening mechanism from the biliary tree
into the small bowel is disturbed causing pain, leakage and/or other issues.

Diseases of Small Intestine

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a diffuse multisystem disorder characterized by a deposit of protein-

based material within various tissues that affects their functioning.

Dysmotility

Dysmotility is a disorder where muscles of the digestive system become impaired

leading to changes in the speed, strength or coordination of digestive organs.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a sensitivity to gluten. This disorder show signs of malabsorption

and patients may experience weight loss, gastric distention, or diabetes.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD is a group of disorders where the intestines become inflamed. Two primary
forms of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Infections

Infections can present for many years, ranging from being acute to chronic. These
can be broken up into three main types: intestinal, protozoal, and salmonella.Intestinal
Lymphoma

Intestinal lymphoma is a complication of celiac sprue and can occur when the body's
ability to fight infectious diseases is compromised or entirely absent.

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is an abnormality of the tubular system of channels that

transports fats from the intestine to the liver and other organs.

Lactose Intolerance
 Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks enzymes to break down lactose, a
type of sugar found in dairy products. Diarrhea, bloating and gas may occur.

Small Bowel Obstruction

A small bowel obstruction, which prevents or slows down the movement of food, is a
potentially dangerous condition that can seriously impact quality of life.

Tumors of the Small Intestine

Tumors of the small bowel are rare but they either fall into the category of malignant
or benign. Usually single, but may be multiple depending on the syndrome.

Tropical Sprue

Tropical sprue is a disorder characterized by abnormalities in the lining of the small

intestine that may result in poor absorption of folic acid and salts.

Whipple's Disease

Whipple's disease is a rare condition that prevents the small bowel from properly
absorbing nutrients. It can affect the skin, joints, nervous system and heart.

Diseases of the Large Intestine &

Duodenum
Gastritis

Gastritis is when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or swollen. Many possible
causes exist for gastritis which can last from short time periods to many years.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a rare disorder where the stomach is unable to empty its contents
with no apparent signs of any blockage. In most cases, the cause is unknown.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of both the stomach and small bowel. Children, the
elderly, and people with compromised immune systems can get seriously ill.

Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia
 Non-ulcer dyspepsia occurs when patients suffer from indigestion and other
symptoms suggestive of an ulcer, yet no abnormality is found upon investigation.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are a break in the surface lining of the stomach or duodenum deep
enough to produce a crater. It can also be found in the esophagus or small bowel.

Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma), at one point the second most common cancer,
may have symptoms that include weight loss, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.