06 Digestive System
06 Digestive System
Digestive
System
Every cell of the body requires nutrients so the food must be
converted to a usable form and then delivered to the cells.
· Mouth
· Pharynx
· Esophagus
· Stomach
· Small intestine
· Large intestine
· Anus
Mouth (Oral Cavity) Anatomy
The buccal cavity or oral cavity, or mouth, is the first part of
the digestive tract.
Mouth (Oral Cavity) Anatomy
· Lips (labia) – protect
the anterior opening
· Cheeks – form the
lateral walls
· Hard palate – forms
the anterior roof
· Soft palate – forms
the posterior roof
· Uvula – fleshy
projection of the
soft palate
Mouth (Oral Cavity) Anatomy
· Vestibule – space
between lips externally
and teeth and gums
internally
Mouth (Oral Cavity) Anatomy
· Teeth
There are 32 teeth in the normal adult mouth,
located in the mandible and maxillae. The teeth
can be divided into quadrants:
right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower.
In adults, each quadrant contains one central and
one lateral incisor (to cut); one canine; first and
second premolars; and first, second, and third
molars. The third molars are called wisdom teeth
because they usually appear in the late teens or
early twenties, when the person is old enough to
have acquired some degree of wisdom.
The teeth of adults are called permanent teeth, or
secondary teeth. Most of them are replacements
for the 20 primary teeth, or deciduous teeth,
also called milk or baby teeth, which are lost
during childhood.
Mouth (Oral Cavity) Anatomy
· Teeth
Each tooth consists of three regions: (1) a crown with
one or more cusps (points), (2) a neck, and (3) a root.
The crown is the visible portion of a tooth. The neck is
the small region between the crown and the root. The
root is the largest region of the tooth and anchors it in
the jawbone. Within the center of the tooth is a pulp
cavity, which is filled with blood vessels, nerves, and
connective tissue, called pulp. The pulp cavity is
surrounded by a living, cellular, calcified tissue called
Dentin. The dentin of the tooth crown is covered by an
extremely hard, acellular substance called enamel,
which protects the tooth against abrasion and acids
produced by bacteria in the mouth. The surface of the
dentin in the root is covered with cementum.
ORAL CAVITY, PHARYNX, AND ESOPHAGUS
Anatomy of Oral Cavity: Teeth
ALVEOLI (along the alveolar process of mandible x
maxillae) – where the teeth are rooted
GINGIVA – dense fibrous CT and most stratified
squamous epithelium that covers the alveolar processes
Periodontal ligaments – CT fibers that extend from the
alveolar walls that hold the teeth in place
Dental caries / Tooth decay – result of the
breakdown of enamel by acids produced by bacteria
on tooth surface
Periodontal disease – inflammation x degeneration
of the periodontal ligaments, gingiva, alveolar bone
The teeth are used for
chewing the food…
mastication. The food is
broken apart and mixed
with saliva to form a
bolus, ready to be
swallowed.
· Tonsils
· Palatine tonsils
· Lingual tonsil
Processes of the Mouth
· Mastication (chewing) of food (esp. the lips and
cheeks). Mastication begins the process of
mechanical digestion, which breaks down large
food particles into smaller ones. The lips and
cheeks move the food around within the oral cavity
and hold the food in place while the teeth crush or
tear it.
· Mixing masticated food with saliva
· Initiation of swallowing by the tongue
· Allowing for the sense of taste
Pharynx Anatomy
· Nasopharynx –
not part of the digestive system
· Oropharynx – posterior to oral
cavity
· Laryngopharynx – below the
oropharynx and connected to
the esophagus
Normally, only the oropharynx and
laryngopharynx carry food
to the esophagus. The posterior walls
of the oropharynx and
laryngopharynx are formed by the
superior, middle, and inferior
pharyngeal constrictor muscles.
Pharynx Function
· Serves as a passageway for
air and food
· Food is propelled to the
esophagus by two muscle
layers
· Longitudinal inner layer
· Circular outer layer
· Food movement is by
alternating contractions of the
muscle layers (peristalsis)
Esophagus
· Runs from pharynx to stomach
through the diaphragm
· Conducts food by wavelike
muscular contractions called
peristalsis
(slow rhythmic squeezing)
· Passageway for food only
(respiratory system branches off
after the pharynx)
· At the opening of the stomach is
the lower esophageal sphincter.
This is a muscle valve that
permits the passage of food, but
not the backup of stomach
contents under normal conditions.
Swallowing
Swallowing, or deglutition, can be divided
into
three phases:
(1) the voluntary phase,
(2) the pharyngeal phase, and
(3) the esophageal phase.
Figure 14.4a
Stomach Anatomy
· Regions of the stomach
· Cardiac region – near
the heart
· Fundus
· Body
· Pylorus – funnel-
shaped terminal end
· Food empties into the
small intestine at the
pyloric sphincter
Stomach Anatomy
· Rugae – internal folds of
the mucosa
· External regions
· Lesser curvature
· Greater curvature
Stomach Functions
· Acts as a storage tank for
food
· Site of food breakdown
· Chemical breakdown of
protein begins
· Delivers chyme (kim)
(processed food) to the
small intestine
Peritoneum
The walls of the abdominal cavity and the abdominal organs are associated with a serous membrane. This
membrane is called the peritoneum.
The serous membrane that covers the organs is the visceral peritoneum, or serosa.
The serous membrane that lines the wall of the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum.
Many of the organs of the abdominal cavity are held in place by connective tissue sheets called
mesenteries.
The mesenteries also provide a route for blood vessels and nerves from the abdominal wall to the organs.
The mesenteries consist of two layers of serous membranes with a thin layer of loose connective tissue
between them. Although “mesentery” is a general term referring to the serous membranes attached to the
abdominal organs, it is also applied specifically to the mesentery associated with the small intestine,
sometimes called the mesentery proper.
The mesentery connecting the lesser curvature of the stomach to the liver and diaphragm is called the
lesser omentum, and the mesentery connecting the greater curvature of the stomach to the transverse
colon and posterior body wall is called the greater omentum. The greater omentum is unusual in that it is
a long, double fold of mesentery that extends inferiorly from the stomach before looping back to the
transverse colon to create a cavity, or pocket, called the omental bursa. Adipose tissue accumulates in the
greater omentum, giving it the appearance of a fat-filled apron that covers the anterior surface of the
abdominal viscera.
ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
What is cholelithiasis?
Cholelithiasis is the condition of having gallstones. Many people have cholelithiasis and don’t know it.
Gallstones won’t necessarily cause any problems for you. If they don’t, you can leave them alone. But gallstones
can sometimes cause problems by creating a blockage. This will cause pain and inflammation in your organs. If
it goes untreated, it can cause serious complications.
How common are gallstones? The five Fs were a mnemonic device that healthcare
Gallstones are common in providers used in the past to memorize common risk
developed countries, affecting factors for gallbladder disease. The five Fs were: fair,
about 10% of adults and 20% of female, fat, fertile and 40.
those over the age of 65. Only
20% of people diagnosed with
gallstones will need treatment.
Why are women more at risk of developing What is the main cause of gallstones?
gallstones? As much as 75% of the gallstones healthcare
Estrogen increases cholesterol, and progesterone providers discover are made up of excess cholesterol.
slows down gallbladder contractions. Both hormones So, we could say that having excess cholesterol in
are especially high during certain periods in your your blood is the leading cause of gallstones. You
reproductive life, such as menstruation and might have extra cholesterol for a variety of reasons.
pregnancy. When hormone levels begin to drop in Some of the most common reasons include metabolic
menopause, many people use hormone therapy (HT) disorders, such as obesity and diabetes.
to replace them, which elevates them again.
High blood cholesterol leads to higher cholesterol
Women and people assigned female at birth are also content in your bile. Your liver filters cholesterol from
more likely to gain and lose body fat more frequently. your blood and deposits it in bile as a waste product
Excessive body fat can translate to extra cholesterol before sending the bile to your gallbladder. Chemicals
in your blood. Having obesity increases estrogen. On in bile (lecithin and bile salts) are supposed to
the other hand, rapid weight loss has a similar effect dissolve cholesterol. But if there’s too much of it,
to weight gain. When you lose a lot of body fat at these chemicals might not be up to the task.
once, it sends an unusually large load of cholesterol to
your liver for processing, which ends up in your bile.
How does having gallstones (cholelithiasis) affect me?
Your gallbladder is part of your biliary system. It belongs to a
network of organs that pass bile between each other. These
organs are connected by a series of pipelines called bile ducts.
Bile travels through the bile ducts from your liver to your
gallbladder, and from your gallbladder to your small intestine.
Your pancreas also uses the bile ducts to deliver its own
digestive juices.
If you have occasional episodes of biliary colic, it means that a gallstone is causing a partial blockage, but you can’t
feel it until your gallbladder contracts. The contraction forces pressure through your bile ducts and causes that
pressure to build up inside when it meets resistance. This is a warning sign. When the blockage becomes more
severe, your pain will too.
What is gallstone pain like?
Gallbladder pain most often occurs in the upper right side of your abdomen, under your ribcage, where your
gallbladder is located. But sometimes it feels more vaguely located in your abdomen. The pain can also radiate
somewhere else, most often to your right arm or shoulder blade. It starts as an ache and then steadily increases in
intensity over the first hour before receding again.
Despite the name, biliary colic is not “colicky pain,” which is sharp and comes in waves. It has a slow and steady
arc, and it’s usually dull but severe. It may bring you to the emergency room for relief. You may also notice that your
upper right abdomen is tender to the touch. Biliary colic is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It’s also
called a “gallbladder attack.”
What tests are used to diagnose cholelithiasis?
Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound is a simple and noninvasive test that requires no preparation or medication. It’s
usually all that’s needed to locate gallstones. However, it doesn’t visualize the common bile duct very well. If your
healthcare provider suspects there’s a gallstone hidden in there, they might need to use another type of imaging test to
find it.
MRCP: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of MRI that specifically visualizes the bile
ducts. It’s non-invasive and creates very clear images of your biliary system, including the common bile duct. Your
provider might use this test first to find a suspected gallstone there. But if they’re already pretty sure it’s there, they
might skip it and go straight to an ERCP.
ERCP: ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This test is a little more invasive, but it’s a
useful one for finding gallstones because it can also be used to remove them from the ducts if they are stuck there. It
uses a combination of X-rays and endoscopy, which means passing a tiny camera on the end of a long tube down your
throat and into your upper GI tract. (You’ll have medication to make this easier.)
When the camera (endoscope) reaches the top of your small intestine, your healthcare provider will slide another,
smaller tube into the first one to reach farther down into your bile ducts. They will inject a special dye through the tube
and then take video X-rays (fluoroscopy) as the dye travels through the ducts. They can insert tools through the tube to
remove the stones they find.
How are gallstones removed?
There are a few different ways to remove gallstones.
Endoscopy
Gallstones in your bile ducts are removed by endoscopy (ERCP). This doesn’t require any
incisions. The gallstones come out through the long tube that’s been passed down your throat.
Gallstones in your gallbladder are removed by removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
This can usually be done by laparoscopy, a minimally-invasive surgery technique.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses small, “keyhole incisions” in your abdomen to operate
with the aid of a small camera called a laparoscope. Your surgeon inserts the laparoscope
through one keyhole and removes your gallbladder through another. Smaller incisions make
for less post-operative pain and a faster recovery time than conventional, “open” surgery.
Open surgery
Some people may have more complicated conditions that require open surgery to manage. If
you have open surgery, you’ll have a longer hospital stay afterward and a longer recovery at
home for your larger incision. Some laparoscopic cholecystectomies may need to convert to
open surgery if your surgeon runs into complications during the procedure.
Can gallstones go away without surgery?
Gallstones in your bile ducts that aren’t stuck can successfully
pass through them and into your intestines. You can pass them
out through your poop. That's a lucky scenario, but in general,
you don’t want to risk having gallstones in your bile ducts in the
first place. If they don’t pass all the way out of you, they will
only grow bigger over time.
Limit fried and fast foods. These foods are usually fried in saturated fats, which promote LDL cholesterol (the “bad”
type). If you cook with oil, choose plant oils instead of animal fats.
Replace red meat with fish. Red meat is high in saturated fats, while fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which
promote HDL cholesterol (the “good” type). The good type helps balance the bad type.
Eat more plants. High-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains help to clear out excess cholesterol from your body.
Eating more plants can also help you keep your overall weight down.
Lose weight gradually. Dieting to lose weight can help reduce the cholesterol content in your blood. But it’s better
to lose weight at a slow, steady pace of one to two pounds a week. Rapid weight loss can encourage gallstones.
Kilocalories
The energy the body uses is stored within the chemical bonds of certain nutrients. A calorie
(cal) is the amount of energy (heat) necessary to raise the temperature of 1 gram (g) of
water 1°C. A kilocalorie (kcal) is 1000 cal and is used to express the larger amounts of
energy supplied by foods and released through metabolism.
Daily Values
Daily Values appear on food labels to help consumers
plan a healthful diet and to minimize confusion.
However, not all possible Daily Values are required to
be listed on food labels.
Daily Values are based on two other sets of reference
values—
Reference Daily Intakes and Daily Reference Values
Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) are based on the 1968
RDAs
for certain vitamins and minerals. RDIs have been set for
four categories of people: infants, toddlers, people over 4
years of age, and pregnant or lactating women. Generally,
the RDIs are set to the highest 1968 RDA value of an age
category.
For example, the highest RDA for iron in males over 4 years
of age is 10 mg/day and for females over 4 years of age is
18 mg/day. Thus, the RDI for iron is set at 18 mg/day.
∙ Daily Reference Values (DRVs) are set for total fat,
saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber,
sodium, potassium, and protein.
THREE MAJOR FOOD TYPES:
Carbohydrates - Consist primarily of starches, cellulose,
sucrose (table sugar), small amounts of fructose (fruit
sugar), and lactose (milk sugar)
Polysaccharides – large carbohydrates that consist of many sugars
linked by chemical bonds
Disaccharides – two sugars; broken down polysaccharide
Monosaccharides – single sugars; glucose, galactose, and fructose
Why? Because saturated fat tends to raise low-density One type in particular — omega-3 fatty acid — appears
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. High to boost heart health by improving cholesterol levels,
cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease and reducing blood clotting, reducing irregular heartbeats and
stroke. slightly lowering blood pressure.
Saturated fat occurs naturally in red meat and dairy There are two main types of unsaturated fat:
products. It's also found in baked goods and fried foods.
Monounsaturated fat. This is found in olive, canola,
Trans fat occurs naturally in small amounts in red meat and peanut, sunflower and safflower oils, and in avocados,
dairy products. Trans fat can also be manufactured by peanut butter and most nuts. It's also are part of most
adding hydrogen to vegetable oil. animal fats such as fats from chicken, pork and beef.
Polyunsaturated fat. This is found in sunflower, corn,
This artificial form of trans fat is known as partially soybean and cottonseed oils. It's also found in walnuts,
hydrogenated oil. It has unhealthy effects on cholesterol pine nuts, flaxseed, and sesame, sunflower and pumpkin
levels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. For seeds. Omega-3s fall into this category and are found in
this reason, partially hydrogenated oil can no longer be fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and sardines.
added to foods in the U.S.
THREE MAJOR FOOD TYPES:
LIPOPROTEINS - Lipids combined with proteins
• categorized as high- or low-density
• lipoprotein with a high lipid content has a very low
density (Bad Cholesterol) LDL
• lipoprotein with a high protein content has a
relatively high density. (GOOD Cholesterol) HDL
Electrolytes (IONS)
1. Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, PO4 −. are actively transported.
2. Chloride ions (Cl -) move passively through the wall of the duodenum and
jejunum but are actively transported from the ileum.
3. Calcium ions are actively transported, but vitamin D is required for transport,
and the transport is under hormonal control.
VITAMINS
Vitamins (life-giving chemicals) are organic molecules that exist in minute quantities in food and are essential
to normal metabolism. Essential vitamins cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet.
Because no single food item or nutrient class provides all the essential vitamins, it is necessary to maintain a
balanced diet by eating a variety of foods. The absence of an essential vitamin in the diet can result in a specific
deficiency disease. A few vitamins, such as vitamin K, are produced by intestinal bacteria, and a few others can be
formed by the body from substances called provitamins. A provitamin is a part of a vitamin that the body
can assemble or modify into a functional vitamin.
EFFECTS OF AGING ON THE
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
SYSTEMS PATHOLOGY
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is very common, happening in most
people a few times each year. When you have
diarrhea, your stool will be loose and watery. In
most cases, the cause is unknown and it goes
away on its own after a few days. Diarrhea can be
caused by bacteria. Dehydration is a dangerous
side effect of diarrhea.
What is diarrhea?
Going to the bathroom, having a bowel movement, pooping – no matter what you call it, stool is
a regular part of your life. However, sometimes this process of getting waste out of your body
changes. When you have loose or watery stool, it’s called diarrhea. This is a very common
condition and usually resolves without intervention.
Diarrhea can happen for a wide variety of reasons and it usually goes away on its own in one to
three days. When you have diarrhea, you may need to quickly run to the bathroom with urgency
and this may happen more frequently than normal. You may also feel bloated, have lower
abdominal cramping and sometimes experience nausea.
Although most cases of diarrhea are self-limited (happening for a fixed amount of time and
steady level of severity), sometimes diarrhea can lead to serious complications. Diarrhea can
cause dehydration (when your body loses large amounts of water), electrolyte imbalance (loss of
sodium, potassium and magnesium that play a key role in vital bodily functions) and kidney
failure (not enough blood/fluid is supplied to the kidneys). When you have diarrhea, you lose
water and electrolytes along with stool. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what’s lost.
Dehydration can become serious if it fails to resolve (get better), worsens and is not addressed
adequately.
What’s the difference between normal diarrhea and severe diarrhea?
There are actually several different ways to classify diarrhea. These types of diarrhea include:
Acute diarrhea: The most common, acute diarrhea is loose watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. This
type doesn’t need treatment and it usually goes away after a few days.
Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea generally persists for several weeks – two to four weeks
Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long
period of time is called chronic diarrhea.
Young children.
Older adults (the elderly).
Those with medical conditions.
For each of these people, diarrhea can cause other health problems.
Can diarrhea harm your health?
In general, diarrhea is self-limited and goes away (resolves) without intervention. If
your diarrhea fails to improve and resolve completely, you can be at risk of
complications (dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure and organ damage).
Call your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that fails to get better or go away, or
if you experience symptoms of dehydration. These symptoms can include:
Infection by bacteria.
Infections by other organisms and pre-formed toxins
Eating foods that upset the digestive system.
Allergies and intolerances to certain foods (Celiac disease or
lactose intolerance).
Medications.
Radiation therapy.
Malabsorption of food (poor absorption).
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?
Most antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycins and broad spectrum antibiotics) can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics
can change the balance of bacteria normally found in the intestines, allowing certain types of bacteria like
C. difficile to thrive. When this happens, your colon can become overrun by bad (pathologic) bacteria that
causes colitis (inflammation of your colon lining).
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can begin any time while you’re taking the antibiotic or shortly thereafter. If
you experience this side effect, call your healthcare provider to talk about the diarrhea and discuss the best
option to relieve this side effect.
More serious cases of diarrhea may require medical attention. In these situations, there are a few
diagnostic tests that your provider may order. These tests can include:
Discussing a detailed family history, as well as physical and medical conditions, your travel history,
and any sick contacts you may have.
Doing a stool test on a collected stool sample to check for blood, bacterial infections, parasite and
inflammatory markers.
Doing a breath test to check for lactose or fructose intolerance, and bacterial overgrowth.
Doing blood work to rule out medical causes of diarrhea such as a thyroid disorder, celiac sprue and
pancreatic disorders.
Doing endoscopic evaluations of your upper and lower digestive tract to rule out organic
abnormalities (ulcers, infections, neoplastic process).
How is diarrhea treated?
In most cases, you can treat mild and uncomplicated diarrhea at home. By using an over-the-counter product like bismuth subsalicylate
(Pepto-Bismol® or Kaopectate®) you’ll usually feel better very quickly.
However, over-the-counter medications aren’t always the solution. If your diarrhea is caused by an infection or parasite, you’ll need to
see a healthcare provider for treatment. A general rule is not to use over-the-counter medications for diarrhea if you also have a
fever or blood in your stool. In those cases, call your healthcare provider.
When diarrhea lasts for a long period of time (several weeks), your healthcare provider will base your treatment on the cause. This
could involve a few different treatment options, including:
Antibiotics: Your healthcare provider might prescribe an antibiotic or other medication to treat an infection or parasite that’s causing
the diarrhea.
Medication for a specific condition: Diarrhea can be a sign of several other medical conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, or bacterial overgrowth.
Once the cause of the diarrhea is identified, diarrhea can usually be controlled.
Probiotics: Groupings of good bacteria, probiotics are sometimes used to re-establish a healthy biome to combat diarrhea. Introducing
probiotics can be helpful in some cases and some healthcare providers feel that it’s worth a try. Always talk to your provider before
starting a probiotic or any kind of supplement. erceflora
It’s important to always follow the instructions on the packaging when you take an over-the-counter medication for diarrhea. The rules
for managing diarrhea in an adult are different than in children. Always call your child’s healthcare provider before giving your child
any type of medication for diarrhea.
Can I manage diarrhea without taking any medication?
When you have an acute case of diarrhea, you can often take care of it without needing any medication. Several
things you can do to care for diarrhea include:
Drinking plenty of water and other electrolyte balanced fluids (like diluted and pulp-free fruit juices, broths,
sports drinks (Gatorade®) and caffeine-free sodas). Make sure to hydrate throughout day. Your body loses water
each time you have diarrhea. By drinking plenty of extra fluids, you are protecting your body from dehydration.
Changing your diet. Instead of picking greasy, fatty or fried foods, go for the BRAT diet:
B: Bananas.
R: Rice (white rice).
A: Applesauce.
T: Toast (white bread).
Cutting back on caffeine. Foods and drinks that have caffeine can have a mild laxative effect, which can make
your diarrhea worse. Foods and drinks with caffeine include coffee, diet sodas, strong tea/green tea, and even
chocolate.
Avoiding foods and drinks that give you gas. If you experience cramping in your stomach with diarrhea, it could
help to cut back on things that cause gas. These can include beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beer and
carbonated beverages.
Sometimes, diarrhea can also make you lactose intolerant. This is usually temporary and it means that you need
to avoid items with lactose (dairy products) until your diarrhea is gone.
What do I do if my baby or young child has diarrhea?
If your child has severe diarrhea, call your healthcare provider. Young children are at a higher risk of
dehydration than adults. You also can’t treat a child’s diarrhea the same way you would an adult case. Over-the-
counter medications can be dangerous in young children and all treatments of diarrhea in children should be
guided by their healthcare provider. It’s important to keep your child hydrated. Your provider will help you
determine the best way to do this, but options often include:
Breast milk.
Formula.
Electrolyte drinks (Pedialyte®) for older children – this is not recommended for babies.
The best option to keep your child hydrated might change as the child ages. Always check with your provider
before giving your child a new liquid or treatment of any kind.
Is diarrhea fatal?
Diarrhea is extremely common, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous. In extreme cases of diarrhea, you can
become very dehydrated and this can lead to serious complications. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous
side effects of diarrhea. In the very young (infants and small children) and the very old, this can have serious
consequences. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes when you have diarrhea. This allows your
body to replace the fluid and electrolytes that are lost with the diarrhea.
In some parts of the world, diarrhea is a life-threatening condition because of dehydration and electrolyte loss.
Can diarrhea be prevented?
There are a few ways you can decrease your chances of having diarrhea, including:
Avoiding infections with good hygiene habits: Washing your hands with soap and water after using the
bathroom, as well as cooking, handling, and eating, is an important way to prevent diarrhea. Washing your
hands thoroughly can really help keep you and those around you stay healthy.
Getting your vaccinations: Rotavirus, one of the causes of diarrhea, can be prevented with the rotavirus
vaccine. This is given to infants in several stages during the first year of life.
Storing food properly: By keeping your food stored at the right temperatures, not eating things that have gone
bad, cooking food to the recommended temperature and handling all foods safely, you can prevent diarrhea.
Watching what you drink when you travel: Traveler’s diarrhea can happen when you drink water or other
drinks that haven’t been treated correctly. This is most likely to happen in developing countries. To avoid
getting diarrhea there are a few tips to follow. Watch what you drink. Don’t drink tap water, use ice cubes,
brush your teeth with tap water, or consume unpasteurized milk, milk products or unpasteurized juices. You
should also be careful when trying local foods from street vendors, eating raw or undercooked meats (and
shellfish), as well as raw fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, drink bottled water or something that’s been
boiled first (coffee or tea).
REFERENCES: