Your digestive system extends all the way through your body, and involves several different structures and major organs. The process of digestion is complex and detailed. Because of all of the mechanisms involved in digestion, there are several different digestion related diseases that can interfere with proper food digestion.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
When you swallow food, it travels down your esophagus through a muscular band called the lower esophageal sphincter and into your stomach. The muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter open to allow food to pass through, and then close again to prevent food and stomach contents from traveling backward. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, your lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly. As a result, food, stomach acid and digestive enzymes are allowed to travel backward into your esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throat and cough. Over time, acid can erode the lining of the esophagus causing ulcers and a formation of scar tissue.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is defined as an inability to digest the milk sugar, lactose. Normally, when a person consumes lactose, the small intestine releases an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose into smaller sugars that the body can digest. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine does not produce lactase. As a result, lactose moves through your intestines undigested. When it reaches the bacteria that live in your large intestine, they begin to feed on the lactose, creating gases as a byproduct. These gases are responsible for the uncomfortable symptoms of lactose intolerance, including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. Unlike other digestive diseases, lactose intolerance does not cause any damage to your digestive system.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic disorder characterized by an inability to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, it triggers an abnormal immune response that causes damage to the small intestine, as well as a variety of physical symptoms. Symptoms of celiac disease vary widely between individuals, but adults often experience joint pain, fatigue, irritability and anxiety. Children generally experience digestive symptoms, such as stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Celiac disease has a genetic component. Celiac disease that begins in later years may develop in response to trauma, extreme stress or infection.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome, also referred to as rapid gastric emptying, occurs when undigested food moves from the stomach to the small intestine too quickly. Dumping syndrome often occurs in people who have undergone stomach surgery, such as a gastric bypass. Dumping syndrome may also be a complication of a rare, chronic condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
If symptoms of dumping syndrome occur during or directly following a meal, it is referred to as early rapid gastric emptying. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dizziness and fatigue. Late rapid gastric emptying occurs within one to three hours following a meal and may be characterized by weakness, increased sweating, dizziness and low blood sugar.
