MEDICAL BIOLOGY, ANATOMY, HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedonyuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 7. THE NUTRITIONAL PROCESS AND ITS PATHOLOGY

PATHOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

MAIN CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISORDERS

Heartburn (pyrosis) is an unpleasant burning sensation in the epigastric region and behind the Sternum caused by the reflux of acidic gastric contents into the Esophagus. Heartburn is triggered by the Impairment of the gastroesophageal junction function (the lower esophageal sphincter).

Belching (eructatio) is the expulsion of air or gases from The Stomach into the Oral Cavity, produced As a result of food Fermentation or putrefaction (CO₂, hydrogen sulfide, methane, etc.).

Nausea (nausea) is the sensation of the backward movement of gastric contents due to antiperistalsis.

Vomiting (vomitus) is the forceful backward expulsion of gastric or esophageal contents outward, caused by irritation of the Pharynx, digestive tract, biliary tract, Peritoneum, or neural centers. It is frequently accompanied by nausea, pain, and a range of autonomic symptoms (hypersalivation, bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness). Vomiting may occur at various intervals after food intake or independently of it.

Brain disorders are accompanied by cerebral vomiting, which is unaccompanied by nausea; such vomiting is often combined with a headache and is independent of food intake.

There are numerous other causes of vomiting, including stress situations such as repulsive sights, hysterical reactions, Pregnancy, The Use of certain medications, and alcohol intake. Hematemesis (bloody vomiting) requires special attention, as it is observed in PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE, gastric and esophageal Cancer, erosive gastritis, and Liver cirrhosis.

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements per day (more than 3), the average stool mass (more than 250 g), and the fluid content in the stool (exceeding 80%).

The onset of diarrhea is caused by stool hyperhydration and accelerated intestinal transit. An increase in fecal fluid content is observed in cases of excessive fluid secretion during inflammatory processes in the intestines and increased production of digestive Enzymes.

Acute and chronic diarrhea are distinguished. Acute diarrhea typically lasts up to 4 days, less frequently up to 2 weeks; chronic diarrhea may persist for months or even years.