Explain the Process of Digestion. Choose one digestive disorder and explain the disorder, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment of your chosen disease. Try to pick one that has not been done; we want to learn about many issues. Please put the name of the disease you select in the Title Line instead of Discussion 2.1.

Question

Bonus Question (not required): Why would you think that the widespread extended use of Antacid-Type Drugs (H2 Blockers or PPIs) might cause a whole bunch of other issues in the body and affect a person's health?

Answer 1

Gastroparesis

The Process of Digestion

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller components that the body can absorb and utilize for energy, growth, and cellular repair. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes occurring in various organs of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

1. Ingestion: The process begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates.

2. Transit through the Esophagus: The chewed food, now called bolus, is swallowed and transported through the esophagus to the stomach via peristaltic movements.

3. Stomach Digestion: In the stomach, the food is mixed with gastric juices, which include hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes (mainly pepsin for protein breakdown). This transforms the food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.

4. Small Intestine Digestion and Absorption: Chyme then enters the small intestine, where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs. Pancreatic enzymes and bile (produced by the liver) aid in digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The walls of the small intestine are lined with villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for absorption.

5. Large Intestine: Unabsorbed nutrients and waste products enter the large intestine, where water and electrolytes are reabsorbed, forming solid waste (feces).

6. Excretion: Finally, the waste is expelled from the body through the rectum and anus.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, meaning that the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. In this condition, the muscles in the stomach do not function properly, leading to issues with motility.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Early satiety (feeling full after consuming only a small amount of food)
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in blood glucose levels (especially in diabetic patients)

Causes

The exact cause of gastroparesis can vary but may include:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles.
• Surgery: Certain surgeries that involve the stomach can lead to nerve damage.
• Medications: Certain medications, particularly those that slow gastric emptying (e.g., narcotics), can contribute to the disorder.
• Idiopathic: In many cases, no identifiable cause is found.

Treatment

The management of gastroparesis often involves a combination of dietary changes, medications, and, in severe cases, procedures or surgery. Options include:

• Dietary modifications: Eating smaller, more frequent meals, focusing on easily digestible foods (low in fiber and fat), and avoiding foods that can worsen symptoms.
• Medications: Prokinetic agents (like metoclopramide) can stimulate stomach motility, while antiemetics may help control nausea.
• Gastric Electrical Stimulation: In some cases, a device can be implanted to send electrical impulses to the stomach, improving motility.
• Surgery: In very severe cases, surgical interventions, such as gastric bypass or a feeding tube placement, may be necessary.

Bonus Question

The widespread extended use of antacid-type drugs (H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, PPIs) might cause a range of additional health issues due to their effects on gastric acidity and digestion.

1. Nutrient Absorption: Stomach acid is crucial for absorbing several nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Long-term suppression of stomach acid production could lead to deficiencies in these nutrients.

2. Gut Microbiome Alteration: Reduced acidity can alter the gut microbiome, leading to overgrowth of certain bacteria. This imbalance may contribute to digestive disorders, infections, or inflammatory conditions such as Clostridium difficile infection.

3. Increased Risk of Infections: Stomach acid acts as a barrier to pathogens. Decreased acidity may increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections.

4. Rebound Acid Hypersecretion: When these medications are discontinued after long-term use, the stomach may produce even more acid than before, potentially leading to symptoms that prompted their use initially being exacerbated.

These complex interactions highlight that while antacid medications can provide relief from symptoms, they must be used judiciously and generally under medical guidance to minimize potential complications.