Digestion and the gastrointestinal tract

Yellow fever is a haemorrhagic infectious fever most commonly found in areas of Africa and South America, where it often causes epidemics and numerous deaths. The disease is virtually incurable. The only prevention is vaccination, which is compulsory when visiting these countries.

Jaundice (icterus) is a yellowish discoloration of the tissues by an increased concentration of bilirubin: the bile pigment. Small increases (subicterus) can be seen on the sclerae (whites of the eyes) and soft palate. Jaundice is not a disease in itself, jaundice is a symptom of a disease.

Salmonellosis affects the digestive tract. It is one of the most common diarrheal diseases of both children and adults.

Abdominal pain can be dull, sharp and in the form of cramps. It accompanies various abdominal diseases and other health problems. So, what does it mean?

Pain shooting below the right shoulder blade can be caused by organ diseases, but also by muscular or skeletal problems. Often it originates from the spinal area.

The streak is a common disease and occurs in newborns, children, men, women and the elderly. The problem is a weakened abdominal wall.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, also called vermiform appendix, cecal appendix, vermix, or vermiform process. Appendicitis mainly affects children. 

Pain in the lower abdomen troubles women or men for a variety of problems that are normally benign. However, behind this type of pain can also hide a serious disease.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine. A person suffering from this disease is unable to digest gluten. The problem is, gluten is a common component of food.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional and not an organic disease of the digestive tract. It is caused by a combination of various risk factors, such as stress. It is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and problematic defecation. Treatment may or may not be simple.

Histamine intolerance is hypersensitivity to histamine. It's not an allergy. Histamine is produced naturally in our body, but we also take it through food consumption. Some contain more of it, and it causes a variety of difficulties for people suffering from it.

Oesophagitis, also known as oesophagitis, is an inflammatory disease of the lining of the oesophagus. It takes place acutely or chronically. A common causative agent is oesophageal reflux disease. It also occurs as a result of chemical or thermal exposure or a nutritional error. It is manifested by pain on swallowing or heartburn.

Flatulence, bloating, or abdominal bloating are problems stemming from the bowels due to excessive production of gas. The condition often occurs due to improper diet, food, or other organic causes, and even stress.

Typhoid fever is an infectious fever. It is also referred to as intestinal fever because it affects the small intestine. The infection only attacks humans. It occurs mainly in areas with low hygiene standards, in poor countries and in areas with a high concentration of population.

Oesophageal cancer is a dangerous and malignant disease that can be asymptomatic for a long time. Once the issues start appearing, it is indicative of a disease that is in an advanced stage. This malignant tumour is the sixth most common cause of death. It occurs three times more often in men than in women, and increasingly so.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease of the terminal part of the large intestine, with possible spread to the whole colon. This autoimmune inflammation is characterised by bleeding, suppuration and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa. Its cause has not been clarified. It is characterised by alternating periods of calm and the onset of discomfort such as pain, diarrhoea and bleeding on stool.

Gastritis , gastritis  is an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. It occurs quite often. It can be acute or chronic. The acute form is caused by alcohol, stress, or poor lifestyle. The chronic form is frequent, leaving long-term changes in the gastric mucosa.

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are common diseases, especially in developed countries. At age 40, it affects approximately 10% of people, over 60 years of age, 50%, and at age 80, the incidence is almost 100 percent. It mainly affects the large intestine and its sigmoid part.

Hepatic steatosis is a relatively common metabolic disease. The term steatosis refers to an increased state of fat accumulation. The latter is very often associated with alcohol. However, the latter is not the only cause of liver steatosis. The accumulation of fat results in impaired function of this important organ.

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer and primary hepatic malignancy, is one of the most common cancers in the world. There are several known types of cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma is probably the best known. Long-term liver disease, such as cirrhosis, is a risk factor for the development of this disease.