GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

LIVER CIRRHOSIS

• The replacement of normal, soft liver tissue with non-living scar tissue
• Involves loss of liver function and permanent scarring caused by liver disease, liver cancer and alcoholism
• Symptoms: weakness, loss of appetite, easy bruising, jaundice, itching and fatigue
• Treatment: control; liver transplant if extreme
• www.medicinenet.com/cirrhosis/article.htm

DIVERTICULITIS

• Inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the wall of the descending colon
• Symptoms: severe stomach pain, nausea and change in bowel habits
• Causes: unsure; possibly low-fiber diet; when feces build up in diverticula
• Treatment: rest, antibiotics, surgery if severe
• www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/diverticulitis/basics/definition/con-...

DYSENTERY

• Intestinal inflammation, especially in the colon, that causes extreme diarrhea with mucus and blood in stool
• Caused by: bacteria- Shigella, most common; amoeba- Entamoeba histolytica
• Kills 1.1 million people a year
• Biggest danger: dehydration
• Treatment: antibiotics, fluids (intravenous)
• www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171193.php