Digestion takes place mainly in the small intestine but also involves accessory organs, like the gallbladder and the pancreas. Digestive problems can result from diseases, viruses, an allergy or intolerance to certain dietary substances or ingestion of a toxin. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating and stools of an unusual color or consistency. Treatments can include medications, fluid replacement and special diets.
The Gallbladder
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 90 percent of gallstones produce no pain or other symptoms. In other cases they cause inflammation of the gallbladder. If the cystic duct or the common bile duct is blocked by a stone, bile and digestive enzymes, respectively, are prevented from entering the small intestine. Fat malabsorption occurs and can be observed in light-colored stools that float, due to their high fat content.
The Stomach
Dyspepsia is pain in the stomach symptomatic of an ulcer or acid reflux. It can also be caused by certain medications, and rarely it is a sign of stomach cancer. Heartburn, nausea and bloating may occur after eating. Therapies are available to treat ulcers, and medications are prescribed to resolve acid reflux disease.
The Pancreas
Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can result from a gallstone blocking the common bile duct. Pancreatic enzymes get backed up, causing severe pain as the pancreas begins to digest itself. Surgical intervention is sometimes required.
In children with cystic fibrosis, a thick and sticky mucous clogs the pancreatic duct, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the GI tract. The treatment is oral supplementation of digestive enzymes to restore normal digestion of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the lining of the intestine. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America explains that Crohn’s disease generally affects the small intestine while ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine. Both conditions cause crampy abdominal pain and diarrhea. In Crohn’s disease, malabsorption of specific vitamins and minerals results from damaged tissue. Ulcerative colitis affects fluid reabsorption in the colon, and preventive measures must be taken to prevent dehydration.
Celiac Disease
The Celiac Disease Foundation describes this disease as an autoimmune disorder affecting one in 133 people in the United States. When a person with the disease eats food containing gluten--a protein present in many grains--the lining of the small intestine is damaged, leaving it unable to absorb nutrients. Malabsorption of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals may occur. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss or gain and vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases, such as anemia. Treatment is a gluten-free diet for life.
Foodborne Illnesses
Digestive problems occur in healthy people who ingest food contaminated with parasites or bacteria. Food that is not cooked thoroughly, not stored properly or prepared with contaminated hands can harbor bacteria such as shigella, salmonella or E. coli. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Illness lasting more than three days or accompanied by high fever or dehydration should prompt a visit to the doctor.
