The gastrointestinal tract (hereinafter referred to as the gastrointestinal tract) is the main organ system that ensures the normal functioning of the human body. Without food and water, no living creature can live more than a day. The gastrointestinal tract is the basis that processes food, transforming it into vital energy.

Gastrointestinal tract treatment and disorders in children

The main functions of the digestive tract are:

• digestion of food;
• extracting useful elements from it;
• resorption of nutrients into the blood;
• removal of unnecessary and undigested elements.

The gastrointestinal tract consists of several departments. In turn, the departments consist of many auxiliary organs and glands. Their work is closely interconnected, ensuring the continuous movement of food through the body.

The work of the digestive tract is due to external and internal factors. The external ones include the feeling of hunger, smell, salivation, visualization of food. So the brain sends signals to the central nervous system about the need to “throw fuel”. Internal factors begin with food entering the mouth. The process of processing, splitting food into “necessary” and “extra” elements starts, a signal about satiety enters the brain.

The main organs of the gastrointestinal tract

1. Oral cavity
2. Pharynx
3. Esophagus
4. Pancreas
5. Directly stomach
6. Liver
7. gallbladder
8. Intestines (consists of the large and small intestines)
9. Anal opening.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

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Treatment of the gastrointestinal tract

Today there is a certain list of drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in newborns and older children. Depending on the diagnosis, they can be combined or used separately. After surgery, supportive enzyme preparations, painkillers and symptomatic agents are prescribed. An important role is played by the age of the child and his diet. The younger the child, the milder and safer the effect of the drug should be.

Drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children

1. Antidiarrheals:

• with astringent effect;
• with adsorbing action;
• improving gastrointestinal motility;
• herbal preparations;
• intestinal antiseptics.

1. Antiemetics.
2. Means for the normalization of intestinal microflora:

• prebiotics;
• probiotics;
• symbiotics.

1. Drugs to reduce flatulence:

• simethicone;
• combined funds;
• phytopreparations.

1. enzyme preparations.
2. Laxatives:

• to soften feces;
• stimulating intestinal peristalsis.

Violation of the digestive tract in newborns

In the absence of pathologies in the development of the organs of the digestive system, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract occurs due to an improperly organized process of eating, or due to an improperly selected diet.

The main symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder:

• vomit;
• regurgitation;
• irregular stool.

The main factors provoking the violation are:

• overfeeding;
• underfeeding;
• improperly selected food;
• excessive amount of swallowed air during feeding.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract do not appear from scratch. Any disorder and pathology has its cause. So, do not forget about the genetic factor. If close relatives of a child have chronic diseases of the digestive system, then such a child is at risk. With special care, you need to control the diet of such a baby, do not overload his gastrointestinal tract, introduce complementary foods on time. If you have any suspicious symptoms, be it vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact a pediatric gastroenterologist. The doctor will diagnose and prescribe treatment. Timely detection of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract will allow

The human gastrointestinal tract is an amazing and fragile organ system. , which are closely related to each other. The failure of one organ will certainly cause the failure of another, and then the disruption of the entire system.

The digestive tract can be compared to a food processing plant. If you take care of each machine, the plant will work properly. It is the same with digestion - supporting each organ and the body as a whole, an uninterrupted and efficient process of processing food into useful substances is ensured.

For the proper development of your child's digestive system, you need to follow these simple guidelines:

1. Introduce complementary foods on time - you should not "stuff" the child with everything from birth. Until six months, he needs only breast milk or a high-quality formula. From 6 months, fruits, vegetables, light cereals are carefully introduced, starting with one teaspoon per day.
2. If a child has abnormalities in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. Do not self-medicate, do not increase the dosage of drugs, get diagnosed on time. If a child (or nursing mother) is prescribed a diet, strictly follow it. Most diseases are successfully cured in childhood.
3. Don't overfeed your baby. Better not to eat than to overeat. Do not overload the children's gastrointestinal tract - an extra load on the internal organs will not add to their health. If the child does not eat well, it means that he spends little energy. An active baby always has a good appetite.
4. Prioritize quality food. Don't buy fake products. Sour cream should be sour cream, not "sour cream", juice should be natural, not "drink with added juice". Yes, such food is 2 times cheaper, but such a product will not harm at best. There is no benefit from "imitated" food.
5. Forget about chips, carbonated sugary drinks, fast food, and forbid your child to eat such food. The above products are a direct path to gastritis. Today, every third student has problems with the gastrointestinal tract due to daily consumption of such delicious, but terribly unhealthy, addictive food.
6. Limit your sugar intake. 50 grams per day is the top of the norm for an adult. Keep in mind that sugar is found in almost every purchased product today - yogurt, mayonnaise, sauce, pastries.

The gastrointestinal tract is the basis of the life of the body. A healthy body will always have a supply of energy and material for building healthy cells.

Medical statistics notes that in recent decades, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract have taken a leading place in the list of diseases. Experts confirm that the majority of city dwellers suffer from eating disorders in one way or another.

The modern rhythm of life, full of constant stress, poor ecology, improper and irrational nutrition lead to the fact that by the age of 30 every fourth person has one of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in his anamnesis. Which of them are the most common, what is the cause of pathological conditions and how to deal with diseases of the digestive tract?

Everyone knows that a person cannot live without food, with it he receives the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and microelements necessary for the life of the body. They are a source of energy and the main building material for new cells. And it helps to get this energy from the incoming products of the human gastrointestinal tract.

The digestive system itself consists of the following main sections: oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach. This is followed by the lower sections: small and large intestines, rectum. Each of these departments performs a specific function in the processing and assimilation of incoming food.

Under the influence of adverse factors, malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract occur, leading to various diseases. What are the most common triggers for disease?

Causes of intestinal diseases

Diseases of the digestive system can provoke the following factors:

The list of adverse factors is quite extensive and the risk of developing a pathology of the digestive system is high for each person. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the slightest signs of trouble in order to avoid the development of serious and dangerous diseases. What symptoms should you look out for?

Symptoms of intestinal diseases

The main symptoms of intestinal diseases are known to many. But the nature of the manifestations in each case is individual, and the severity of the symptoms depends on the affected organ and the stage of the disease.

In addition to these main symptoms, there are a number of characteristic signs that indicate damage to the digestive system:

Most of these symptoms do not pose a great danger, but significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and affect his performance. If symptoms are ignored and medical help is sought late, diseases of the digestive system become chronic, and their exacerbation can have serious consequences for the patient.

All diseases of the digestive tract by nature of origin are divided into two large groups:

1. infectious
2. non-infectious

According to the localization of the pathological process, diseases of the following organs are distinguished:

• stomach
• Esophagus
• Intestine (small and large)
• biliary tract
• Liver

In addition, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are acquired and hereditary, acute and chronic.

Acute intestinal diseases mainly have a bacterial-infectious nature and develop against the background of poisoning, allergic reactions, or some pathological conditions (viral hepatitis, esophagitis).

Chronic inflammatory processes, such as gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, develop against the background of a long-term violation of the diet, the use of low-quality and harmful products. Moreover, such chronic diseases rarely occur in isolation, in most cases the entire digestive tract is involved in the inflammatory process. Let us consider in more detail the most common pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

A short list of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

The list of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is quite extensive and the above ailments are only a small part of them. The treatment of intestinal diseases requires a competent approach, correct and timely diagnosis and timely access to a doctor when unfavorable symptoms appear.

Diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

For the diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system, methods of physical and instrumental examination are used.

Physical examination

To begin with, the doctor will interview the patient, collect an anamnesis, ask about complaints, well-being, diet, heredity, and the presence of chronic diseases. Then he will proceed to examine the patient using diagnostic methods such as palpation, auscultation and percussion.

1. involves probing the internal organs through the abdominal cavity. The method is based on tactile sensations and allows you to examine the position of organs, their shape, consistency, mobility and pain with your fingers.
2. Auscultation- this is listening to the internal organs with a phonendoscope or stethoscope.
3. Percussion- a method that allows, by tapping on various parts of the body, to determine the physical condition and topography of internal organs.

Instrumental examination

The basis of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is a violation of the secretion and motor activity of various parts of the digestive tract. Therefore, methods for studying the acidity of gastric juice, such as intragastric, daily and endoscopic pH-metry, are in the first place.

To study the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, methods of manometry and gastrography are used. In order to visually inspect the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, endoscopic methods are used.

If it is necessary to examine the internal organ as a whole in order to identify pathological defects, methods of fluoroscopy, laparoscopy, MRI are used. ( magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and ultrasound (ultrasound). In some cases, diagnostics are carried out using radioactive substances (scintigraphy).

In addition, laboratory diagnostic methods are used, histological examination of tissue samples taken by biopsy is carried out, cytological and microbiological studies are carried out.

Treatment of intestinal diseases

Therapy of intestinal diseases begins after a thorough examination and clarification of the diagnosis. The course of treatment will depend on the specific disease, the stage of its development, the general condition and well-being of the patient. In most cases, methods of conservative drug therapy are used. In some acute cases, there is a need for surgical intervention.

Therapist or gastroenterologist is engaged in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If any adverse symptoms associated with the digestive organs occur, it is important to promptly seek medical help and establish a diagnosis. It is unacceptable to self-medicate and postpone a visit to the doctor, this can result in serious complications or conditions that threaten the patient's life.

The tactics of treatment in each case will be selected individually, based on the results of the examination. In combination with drug therapy, many people use folk remedies: decoctions and infusions of medicinal plants. They give a good therapeutic effect, but they can be used only after consultation with the attending physician and under his supervision.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of diseases of the digestive system in children. Many factors contribute to this:

1. bad ecology,
2. unbalanced diet,
3. heredity.

Sweets and confectionery products with a high content of preservatives and artificial colors, fast food, carbonated drinks, so beloved by many, cause great harm to the child's body. The role of allergic reactions, neuropsychic factors, and neuroses is growing. Doctors note that intestinal diseases in children have two age peaks: at 5-6 years and at 9-11 years. The main pathological conditions are:

• , diarrhea
• Chronic and acute gastritis and gastroenteritis
• Chronic enterocolitis
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
• Chronic cholecystitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diseases of the biliary tract
• Chronic and acute hepatitis

Of great importance in the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal diseases is the insufficient ability of the child's body to resist infections, since the child's immunity is still weak. The formation of immunity is greatly influenced by proper feeding in the first months of life.

The best option is breast milk, with which protective bodies are passed from mother to child, increasing the ability to resist various infections. Formula-fed babies are more susceptible to various diseases and have a weakened immune system. The cause of violations in the digestive system can be irregular feeding or overfeeding of the child, early introduction of complementary foods, non-compliance with hygiene standards.

A separate group consists of acute intestinal diseases in children (dysentery, salmonellosis). Their main clinical manifestations are dyspeptic disorders, dehydration (dehydration) of the body and symptoms of intoxication. Such manifestations are very dangerous and require immediate hospitalization of a sick child.

Intestinal infections are especially often diagnosed in childhood, this is due to the imperfection of protective mechanisms, the physiological characteristics of the digestive organs and the lack of sanitary and hygienic skills in children. Especially negative acute intestinal infections affect young children and can lead to a significant decrease in immunity, delayed physical development, and complications.

Their onset is accompanied by characteristic signs: a sharp increase in temperature, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite. The child becomes restless, or, on the contrary, lethargic and inhibited. The clinical picture largely depends on which parts of the intestine are affected. In any case, the child needs emergency medical care and antibiotic therapy.

The treatment of diseases of the digestive system in babies is handled by a pediatric gastroenterologist, it is he who should be contacted when unfavorable symptoms appear.

Diet and eating habits in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are so different that it is impossible to give any specific recommendations that are suitable for all patients without exception. Adjustment of the diet in each case is made by the doctor individually, taking into account all the characteristics of the patient and his diagnosis. We can only consider the principles of a healthy diet, which must be observed by all patients suffering from pathologies of the digestive system.

Diet for intestinal diseases involves fractional nutrition, in small portions, this allows you not to overload the stomach and prevent overeating. You need to eat 5-6 times a day, preferably at the same time. Be sure to observe the drinking regimen. On the day the patient should drink 1.5-2 liters of liquid and in the form of water, juices, compotes, weak tea (preferably herbal or green). Carbonated drinks are excluded.

Food should be as sparing as possible, not irritating the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. It is preferable to use:

• porridge cooked in water
• low-fat meat and fish broths,
• omelets,
• puree,
• souffle.

It is better to cook meat in the form of cutlets, meatballs, dumplings. All products are best boiled, baked or steamed; fried foods should be discarded. Observe the temperature regime when serving ready meals. Do not eat too hot or cold food. Meals should be served warm.

Vegetables are best cooked or mashed, fruits can be grated or baked (baked apples). Vegetables with coarse fiber, which cause fermentation processes in the stomach and excessive gas formation, are not recommended. These are cabbage, all kinds of legumes, radishes, corn, radishes, turnips.

It is necessary to limit or minimize the use of flour and confectionery products, sweets, strong coffee, tea, and avoid fast food. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, fatty, fried, salty, spicy, pickled foods. It is better to exclude from the diet:

• condiments,
• sauces,
• semi-finished products,
• canned food and all other products containing artificial colors and preservatives.

Food should be fresh, easy to digest and contribute to the normalization of the digestive tract. The less refined food in the diet, and more foods containing fiber and dietary fiber, the better the digestive system will work.

Prevention

Prevention of intestinal diseases primarily includes measures to ensure a balanced and healthy diet. Observe personal hygiene and sanitary requirements when preparing meals. This way you protect yourself from foodborne infections.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, choose the right methods of thermal processing of food (boiling, stewing). Eat fractionally, do not overeat, give up snacks on the go and fast food. Nutrition should be balanced and varied, with the right ratio of nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins).

Try to move more, lead an active lifestyle, go in for sports, walk more, do feasible physical exercises, run, swim.

Fight stress and psychological tension, for this you can take natural sedatives (motherwort, valerian).

If you experience any adverse symptoms associated with the work of the digestive tract, seek medical help in a timely manner, do not self-medicate. This is the only way to avoid the transition of the disease to the chronic stage and achieve recovery.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) contains organs responsible for the mechanical and chemical processing of food. The unique structure of the gastrointestinal tract and the coordinated functioning of all its departments allow the body to extract useful components from food, absorb the necessary substances into the lymph and blood, and remove the remains through the anus.

How is the digestive system

It has a complex structure. Each organ in a healthy body functions in a certain sequence, without any failures, which guarantees high-quality food processing and a person's well-being. This is due to the characteristic structure of the elements and the functions performed.

The digestive system is represented by the following organs:

• salivary glands;
• liver;
• gallbladder;
• pancreas;
• stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

The salivary glands are located in the oral cavity. Their structure allows you to produce a certain amount of secretion necessary for the normal formation of the food bolus and its further movement. The liver is a kind of filter, it helps to release useful substances and eliminate toxins from the body. The gallbladder produces bile, which is directly involved in the process of digestion. The stomach is responsible for processing the incoming food and its further movement to the intestines. The pancreas secretes special enzymes involved in the process of splitting.

Each of the presented elements of the digestive structure performs its specific work and is responsible for the normal movement, splitting and processing of incoming products. Without the normal functioning of the digestive system, it is difficult to imagine human life.

General functions of the gastrointestinal tract and its departments

The role of each section of the gastrointestinal structure is important. Violation in the performance of one of the organs affects the entire process of digestion. Its failures, in turn, worsen the general well-being of a person.

Functions of the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract is divided into eight main parts with a unique structure. The passage of food is carried out in the following departments.

1. Oral cavity.
2. Throat.
3. Esophagus.
4. Stomach.
5. Small intestine.
6. Large intestine.
7. Rectum.
8. Anal opening.

All organs of the gastrointestinal tract are hollow. Consistently connecting with each other, they form a single digestive canal.

Functions of the ZhTK organs

Oral cavity and pharynx

Consider the organs of the gastrointestinal tract in detail. The highest and starting point of the gastrointestinal tract is the mouth. Its structure is represented by lips, hard and soft palate, tongue and cheeks. The oral cavity is responsible for the production of the required amount of saliva, which will allow food to be mixed mechanically and move it freely to the pharynx and esophagus. The oral cavity, due to its structure, is in close contact with the pharynx through the isthmus of the pharynx. Its inner part is covered with a mucous membrane, the surface of which is dotted with multiple ducts of the salivary glands. The soft palate is distinguished by the muscles involved in the process of swallowing.

The tongue is a mobile organ based on muscle tissue. Its leading tasks are chewing food, the process of swallowing and sucking. The tongue is characterized by the following sections: body, apex, root and back. Its upper part is represented by a mucous membrane dotted with nerve endings. Collectively, these receptors are responsible for recognizing the taste of food. The tip of the tongue determines the sweet taste, the root - bitter, the middle and lateral parts - sour. The upper part of the tongue adjoins the gum through a special bridle. Salivary glands are located on its surface.

The pharynx is represented by a 15 cm long tube that connects the oral cavity with the esophagus. It consists of three main sections: nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx. Due to its structure, it is responsible for the process of swallowing and the further movement of food.

Esophagus and stomach

This section is the main transport route of food from the mouth to the stomach. This is a soft elastic tube, the length of which is 25 cm. A distinctive feature of the esophagus is the ability to stretch and adapt to the size of the passing food bolus. The organ then contracts and returns to its original position.

Thanks to careful chewing and a sufficient amount of saliva, the food bolus quickly moves from the esophagus to the stomach. The time of movement of food does not exceed 7 seconds. The structure of the lower end of the organ is represented by a sphincter, or constrictor. It "closes" after swallowing food, thereby preventing the acidic contents of the stomach from refluxing back into the esophagus.

The stomach is located in the upper part of the peritoneum. Its volume is 500 ml. Under the influence of excessive food intake, the stomach is able to stretch. In the normal state, the volume increases to one liter. This is an important organ of the gastrointestinal tract, which takes all the food coming from the pharynx. The special structure of the stomach allows it to produce gastric juice and additional components that are actively involved in the processing of products.

It is noteworthy that all food comes in a weak alkaline environment, and after a short period of time it adapts to an acidic one. This is due to the acidic environment of the stomach itself and its unique structure. The organ contains many enzymes, including gelatinase, amylase, and lipase. They are responsible for the breakdown of collagen, gelatin and oil tributarins.

It takes about two hours for food to break down in the stomach.

Small and large intestine

The absorption of nutrients is carried out exclusively here, in this part of the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine is responsible for the main process of digestion. It is represented by several departments: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. All parts are in sequence. The special structure allows you to freely move the remnants of food further along the digestive tract.

Sections of the intestine

The anatomy of the large gastrointestinal tract is complex. It contains: cecum, colon, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. They are responsible for the absorption of liquid and useful components. The main function is the formation of fecal masses from the remnants of incoming food, which is provided for by the structure of the organ.

Rectum and anus

The length of this intestine is 18 cm. It is a complex closing apparatus. Its structure: the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm and the sphincter of the anus. Above this part of the gastrointestinal tract is an ampoule, it contains feces, under the weight of which the walls of the department expand. This process gives the urge to void. In the absence of pathologies and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the ampoule should be empty. Under the influence of provoking factors, namely unhealthy diet, it is constantly clogged, which provokes poisoning with poisons and toxins. With proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, feces are regularly excreted from the body through the anus.

Violations in the work of the human gastrointestinal tract lead to improper processing of food and poisoning with toxins. A moderate rhythm of life and proper nutrition will help normalize the functioning of all departments.

Symptoms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and diseases leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. On this page, brief information, for more complete information on a specific symptom, go to the rubric or use the search on the site.

Heartburn

Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation along the esophagus, starting from the xiphoid process, spreading upward. It is associated with the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. The appearance of heartburn contributes to the increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, increased activity of the cardiac section of the stomach, as well as spasm of the pylorus - the section connecting the stomach and duodenum 12.

More often, heartburn appears against the background of increased acidity of gastric juice, but it can also be with hypochlorhydria (lack of hydrochloric acid). Heartburn necessarily accompanies reflux esophagitis, often with stomach ulcers. Sometimes heartburn occurs with cholecystitis, against the background of pregnancy. Intolerance to certain foods can also be manifested by heartburn.

Flatulence

Flatulence - bloating of the intestines, accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. It appears when gases accumulate in the lumen of the small or large intestine.

Normally, gases from the intestines are absorbed through the intestinal wall and then excreted through the lungs, some of the gases are excreted through the rectum. With inflammation of the intestinal wall and venous stasis, an accumulation of gases occurs. Therefore, flatulence is an early manifestation of portal hypertension syndrome.

With insufficient activity of enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fermentation processes in the intestine are intensified. Flatulence after drinking milk is characteristic of lactase deficiency. Bloating after eating vegetables (potatoes, cabbage) is a sign of indigestion in the initial section of the large intestine.

Intestinal stenosis (for example, a tumor) is manifested by flatulence in a certain area, which disappears after rumbling in the intestines. Bloating in the left side of the abdomen is characteristic of megacolon. That symptom is usually pronounced in irritable bowel syndrome.

Sometimes flatulence is psychogenic in nature or is associated with excessive swallowing of air (aerophagy).

Nausea

Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the epigastric region, chest, oral cavity, accompanied by salivation, often weakness and a decrease in blood pressure. Nausea is associated with the excitation of the vomiting center. Nausea in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is a reflex and is associated with irritation of receptors in the walls of the stomach, bile ducts.

Nausea can have a variety of causes. In particular, it is a symptom of diseases of the digestive system, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach cancer, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis.

Vomit

Vomiting is a complex reflex process that leads to the removal of gastric contents through the mouth. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting has the same causes as nausea. Nausea and vomiting are non-specific symptoms that occur with many other diseases. Vomiting is dangerous with the possibility of developing gastric bleeding. In addition, with frequent vomiting, dehydration of the body and electrolyte imbalance and acid-base balance occur. As a result, the activity of internal organs is disrupted.

Belching

Belching is the passage of gases from the stomach and esophagus through the mouth. It occurs when the diaphragm contracts. Belching with air happens with aerophagia - swallowing air. It can appear in healthy individuals when overeating or after drinking carbonated drinks.

Frequent belching can be a symptom of insufficiency of the cardia - the upper part of the stomach. It appears with a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, inflection of the stomach, pyloric stenosis.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a violation of swallowing at the level of the oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus, accompanied by a feeling of stopping the food bolus, sometimes accompanied by pain. Most often, dysphagia is a sign of diseases of the esophagus. It can be a manifestation of organic lesions (ulcers, tumors, consequences of a burn of the esophagus, zzophagitis, achalasia of the cardia, foreign bodies of the esophagus). In other cases, dysphagia is associated with external compression of the esophagus with tumors of the mediastinum, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and aortic aneurysm.

Bitterness in the mouth

Bitterness in the mouth is one of the signs of hepatic dyspepsia. Its appearance is associated with a violation of the movement (motor) of the gallbladder, biliary tract, duodenum, stomach, esophagus. Most often, bitterness in the mouth is a symptom of cholecystitis, pancreatitis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone. It is also found in gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

Smell from the mouth

Bad breath can be the result of oral pathology (halitosis).

It can be a symptom of indigestion in diseases of the stomach, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, diverticulum of the esophagus or stomach. The smell may be sour or resemble hydrogen sulfide.

The smell of bitterness occurs with diseases of the gallbladder. The smell of feces from the mouth usually indicates a serious pathology, for example, intestinal obstruction.

Pathological impurities in the feces

Pathological impurities in the feces are substances that are normally found in it in small quantities or are absent at all. This is blood, mucus, the remains of undigested food.

The remains of undigested food in the feces are usually the result of inflammatory diseases of the small intestine (enteritis). They are accompanied by an increase in the amount of feces, its liquefaction, and an increase in defecation.

The admixture of blood and mucus is characteristic of diseases of the colon and rectum, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis. Also, an admixture of blood and mucus can be a symptom of a tumor of the large intestine. Bright unchanged blood appears with anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

Pain in the abdomen

Pain in the abdomen can accompany any disease of the digestive system. If the source of pain is hollow organs (stomach, intestines), it may be due to spasm of smooth muscles or stretching of the walls of the organ in violation of blood flow and inflammatory diseases. With damage to a non-hollow organ (liver, pancreas), pain is associated primarily with stretching of the capsule of this organ with an increase in its size.

The main diseases of the digestive system, in which there is pain in the abdomen:

• diseases of the stomach (gastritis, pyloric stenosis, peptic ulcer, tumor);
• diseases of the duodenum (peptic ulcer, tumor, megaduodenum);
• intestinal diseases (appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, enteritis, colitis, tumors, diverticula);
• diseases of the liver and pancreas (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, tumors of these organs).

Constipation

Constipation is a rare difficult bowel movement, often accompanied by excessive stool hardness, pain, and flatulence. You can talk about constipation with bowel movements less than 3 times a week. Constipation is associated with a violation of the motility of the colon with a disorder of the regulation of the activity of the intestine. Another mechanism of constipation is a violation of the act of defecation in the pathology of the rectum.

Constipation types:

• alimentary (associated with the use of predominantly protein foods, individual foods);
• neurogenic (with organic diseases of the nervous system);
• hypodynamic;
• inflammatory (with colitis);
• proctogenic (for diseases of the rectum);
• mechanical (intestinal tumors, anomalies in the development of the intestine);
• toxic;
• medication;
• endocrine.

Constipation in children is organic and functional. Organic is associated with anatomical disorders in the structure of the intestine and manifests itself from birth. Organic constipation may occur as a result of bowel operations.

Functional constipation is quite common. Its criteria are not well defined. It is believed that a child's stool may not be daily, but at the same time it should not be accompanied by discomfort during defecation, impurities in the feces, a change in its shape, and developmental disorders of the child. Physiological constipation can occur when the nutrition of a nursing mother changes, there is a lack of water in the child's diet, or improper introduction of complementary foods. It can be the result of diseases such as rickets, hypothyroidism, food allergies, anemia, and helminthic invasion. In older children, constipation may occur when the child deliberately suppresses the act of defecation, for example, during a stay in kindergarten.

Rumbling in the stomach

Rumbling in the abdomen can occur in a healthy hungry person, as well as after overeating or drinking carbonated drinks.

This phenomenon can be a symptom of diseases associated with impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, as well as with excessive gas formation in the intestinal lumen. Rumbling appears with gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. It may indicate an overgrowth of pathogenic intestinal flora in dysbacteriosis or be a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea (diarrhea) - frequent bowel movements, accompanied by an increase in the volume of feces and their liquefaction. Its occurrence is associated with an accelerated passage of feces through the intestines and a slowdown in the absorption of fluid from it. The most common cause of diarrhea is intestinal inflammation of a viral or bacterial nature (enteritis, colitis).

Diarrhea can occur with digestive disorders (pancreatitis, cholestasis). Sometimes diarrhea is a consequence of taking certain medications. It may be associated with a disorder in the neurohumoral regulation of intestinal activity.

Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of almost all bowel diseases.

Diarrhea in children is most often the result of an intestinal infection of a viral or bacterial nature. It can also be a symptom of lactase deficiency or a food allergy. In some cases, diarrhea appears with biliary dyskinesia in a child, as well as against the background of stressful situations (for example, teething).

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva and sclera of the eyes and other tissues. It can be a sign of many diseases. In many cases, jaundice occurs with liver disease, accompanied by a violation of its function (hepatitis, cirrhosis). Other causes of jaundice may be violations of the outflow of bile through the biliary tract with cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, tumors of the hepatobiliary zone.

Often jaundice is accompanied by severe itching, weakness, dysfunction of the central nervous system. Some forms of jaundice are accompanied by discoloration of the stool and darkening of the urine. Hemolytic jaundice is also distinguished, associated with blood pathology, and not with damage to the digestive organs.

Skin itching

Itchy skin can be a symptom of various blood, kidney, liver, endocrine diseases, and many other conditions. Generalized pruritus often accompanies liver disease, in particular, primary biliary cirrhosis. It is a symptom of liver failure. Skin itching appears with cancer of the head of the pancreas and other conditions that cause obstructive jaundice (cholelithiasis, cholangitis).

hiccup

The appearance of hiccups is associated with irritation of the diaphragm and its sharp reflex contraction. Hiccups are most often not a symptom of diseases of the digestive system. It occurs with pericarditis, pleurisy, ascites, peritonitis. Hiccups can be one of the symptoms of diaphragmatic hernia and intestinal obstruction.

Language changes

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by neurotrophic disorders or leading to the development of intoxication, a plaque appears on the tongue. Usually it is white or grayish, rarely yellow. Plaque on the tongue occurs with gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach tumors, enterocolitis and many other diseases.

Swelling of the tongue is more common in intestinal diseases with impaired water-salt metabolism, primarily in enteritis and colitis.

In some diseases, the appearance of the tongue changes due to changes in the papillary apparatus. So, with gastritis, peptic ulcer, accompanied by high acidity, hyperplastic glossitis is formed with an increase and growth of the papillae of the tongue. With gastritis and peptic ulcer, as well as with diseases of the small intestine and biliary tract, atrophic glossitis can form, in which atrophy of the papillae occurs, and the tongue acquires a “varnished” appearance.

In diseases of the digestive system, ulcerative and desquamative lesions of the tongue and oral cavity, changes in taste sensitivity, paresthesia (burning, tingling in the tongue) may appear.

Increase in body temperature

Fever accompanies infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially intestinal infections. It can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. An increase in body temperature is noted in acute surgical pathology (appendicitis, peritonitis). It can accompany acute inflammatory processes in other departments (acute cholecystitis).

Tenesmus

Tenesmus - painful urge to defecate, which is accompanied by the release of a minimum amount of feces. They appear with infectious colitis (for example, with dysentery), ulcerative colitis, sigmoiditis, proctitis, tumors of the sigmoid and rectum. Tenesmus occurs with hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In children, they can be a symptom of trichuriasis.

Tenesmus is often accompanied by erosions, fissures, itching in the anus, and prolapse of the rectal mucosa.

Salivation disorders

Increased salivation is most often not a symptom of damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it can accompany stomatitis or helminthic invasion.

Mental disorders

With a long, severe course of diseases of the digestive system, mental disorders may appear in patients. Most often they are manifested by increased fatigue, tearfulness, emotional lability. Sometimes there are vegetative-vascular disorders in the form of hypertensive crises, fainting. Prolonged headaches and radicular pains, polyneuritis phenomena are not uncommon.

Such disorders may appear in patients with peptic ulcer, achalasia of the cardia, hypochlorhydria, colitis and gastritis.

Allocate forms of mental disorders, manifested by a change in eating behavior - anorexia and bulimia. At the same time, malnutrition is a consequence of mental illness.

Weight loss

Weight loss appears with swallowing disorders, for example, with a narrowing or swelling of the esophagus.

Indigestion is also accompanied by weight loss. It may be due to a violation of digestion in gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, indigestion can be caused by a decrease in the absorption of nutrients in celiac disease, enteritis and colitis of various etiologies.

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract cause metabolic disorders and intoxication, which also leads to weight loss.

Weight loss occurs with a mental disorder such as anorexia nervosa. Worm infestations lead to a decrease in body weight.

Itching of the anus

Itching of the anus is a symptom of many diseases of the rectum, such as proctosigmoiditis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, anorectal fistulas. The occurrence of itching in children is most often due to helminthic invasions, in particular, pinworms, roundworms or Giardia.

Itching in the anus can appear in any condition accompanied by diarrhea and a violation of the normal intestinal microflora.

Itching in the anus can be a symptom of many other diseases that are not related to the digestive system.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are a widespread group of diseases. It includes the pathology of the digestive apparatus from the oral cavity, pharynx and esophagus to the anal sphincter. The increase in the incidence in this group is provoked by errors in nutrition, the use of food containing preservatives and flavorings. The ubiquity of such disorders brought diseases of the gastrointestinal tract to a leading position. After 30 years, ¼ of the population suffers from one or more diseases of the digestive tract.

Symptoms

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract differ in causes, localization, methods of treatment and other signs. There are many organs that make up the digestive system, and there are just as many manifestations of their diseases. Pathology of the digestive system can be suspected if the following signs are detected:

• Stomach ache. This symptom can occur in any part of the abdomen, radiate to the groin, chest, etc. Most often, pain is localized in the projection of the organ in which the pathological process has developed. Pain may be mild or intense. The nature of the pain varies from dull, pulling to cramping, spastic. Pain can be caused by food (for gastric ulcer) or its absence (duodenal ulcer).
• Belching. The release of gases from the stomach into the oral cavity can accompany not only gastrointestinal disease (gastritis, GERD, etc.), but also neurological changes (aerophagia).
• Heartburn. Heat, burning and burning behind the sternum occur when the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus. In this case, GERD occurs - gastro-esophageal reflux disease, which is caused by acid-dependent diseases.
• Nausea and vomiting. Occur both in the presence of an infectious component in the development of the disease, and in chronic diseases (gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.). If blood or blood clots appear in the vomit, this is a sign of bleeding.
• Flatulence. Increased gas formation or insufficient evacuation of gas from the intestines leads to bloating, a feeling of fullness. This symptom can occur with dysbacteriosis, pancreatitis, enterocolitis and many other diseases. It can be provoked by eating foods high in fiber, legumes, soda and coffee.
• Diarrhea. Rapid loose stools are observed when there is a violation of the production of enzymes, with insufficient digestion of food, when it moves too quickly through the intestines, when a large amount of mucus is released, etc. Diarrhea can be caused by pancreatitis, enteritis, colitis, dysbacteriosis, etc.
• Constipation. Irregular bowel movements can occur with colitis, colorectal cancer, and may be the result of surgical treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Melena. Black stools with a semi-liquid consistency are a sign of bleeding. It can occur both in peptic ulcer disease and in oncological diseases.
• Unusual taste in the mouth. A bitter or sour taste can indicate biliary dyskinesia, gastritis, GERD, etc.
• Bad breath. It can be observed both in diseases of the liver and stomach.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Weakness, dizziness, pallor of the skin.
• Cough in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is quite rare. It is unproductive, dry, and is not relieved by conventional respiratory preparations. Cough occurs reflexively, with irritation of the reflexogenic zones of the gastrointestinal tract.

These symptoms occur alone or in combination with each other. The diagnostic search begins with the analysis of their manifestation.

Disease prevention

It is possible to prevent the development of a disease of the digestive system or its exacerbation. For this you need:

Due to the fact that the list of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract includes different pathologies, they are treated with different, sometimes opposite means.

• The diet for most diseases consists of a balanced diet, including chemically, thermally and physically sparing food. Soups, cereals, steam cutlets, boiled, grilled, stewed, chopped and boiled are the basis of the menu for patients with gastrointestinal pathology. In acute pancreatitis, a starvation diet is recommended. With diarrhea, the menu is dominated by rice, jelly and chokeberry. With constipation, the proportion of vegetables, fruits and vegetable oil increases. Alcoholic drinks, coffee, fatty, fried, spicy, spicy, seasonings, sauces, fast food, canned food, sausages and semi-finished products are excluded from the diet.
• Plants used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, there are more than a hundred items. They are prescribed by a doctor in accordance with the diagnosis.
• Mineral water.
• Medications.
• Physiotherapy treatment.
• Surgery.