- The esophagus is a muscular tube through which food passes from the mouth into the stomach.
- The most common problem with the esophagus is GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
- GERD happens when a band of muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly. This allows stomach contents to leak back or reflux into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
- Over time, GERD can damage the esophagus and even lead to Esophageal Cancer.
- Other common disorders of the esophagus are swallowing abnormalities.
- The stomach has three tasks: it stores swallowed food; it mixes the food with stomach acids; it then sends the mixture on to the small intestine.
- Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may indicate underlying conditions such as Peptic Ulcer Disease and H pylori infection.
- Major leading cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal system is due to Peptic Ulcer Disease.
- Stomach Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and H pylori infection appears to be the main risk factor.
- The small intestine is about 7 meters (23 feet) long, and connects the stomach to the large intestine.
- The vast majority of digestion and absorption of food takes place in the small intestine.
- Gas, Bloating, & Diarrhea may point to small intestinal disorders.
- Major disorders of the small intestine include Celiac Disease, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, and Crohn's Disease.
- Small intestinal Cancer is rare, but eating a high-fat diet or having Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or a history of colonic polyps can increase your risk.
The colon is about 1.5 meters long & responsible for extracting water & salt. It stores waste before eliminating it from the body. Disorders include:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Colonic Polyps - Growth in the colon that can become cancerous
- Colitis - Inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum
- Diverticulitis - Inflammation / infection of pouches in the colon
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - a common condition causing abdominal cramping, alteration of bowel habits and other symptoms
- The largest organ inside the body, the liver has a wide range of functions, a few of which are detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion, including bile, a yellowish-green liquid that helps digestion.
- Bile is stored in the Gallbladder. A common abnormality of the the Gallbladder is formation of gallstones.
- Jaundice may be a manifestation of underlying liver disease caused by viruses such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
- Medications, alcohol abuse, and other poisons can lead to liver disease. Chronic liver disease can cause scarring of the liver tissue, which can lead to a condition called Cirrhosis.
- A narrow, flat organ about six inches long, with a head, middle, and tail section. The Pancreas is located below the liver, between the stomach and the spine.
- The pancreas secrets digestive enzymes and also produces insulin and glucagon.
- The primary diseases of the pancreas are pancreatitis, which may be classified as Acute Pancreatitis or Chronic Pancreatitis.
- Loss of appetite and rapid significant weight loss may indicate underlying Pancreatic Cancer.
