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OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lessons the students are expected to:
a. Identify common diseases of the digestive system, including
their causes, symptoms, and effects on the body;
b. Determine possible digestive system disorders and suggest
preventive measures; and
c. Appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive
system by adopting proper nutrition and hygiene habits.
ACTIVITY TIME!
DISEASES OF THE
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD)
A chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently
flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining.
Causes: Weak lower esophageal sphincter, obesity,
pregnancy, certain foods (spicy, fatty), smoking, alcohol.
Signs:
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Chronic cough or sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or voice changes
Symptoms:
• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Chest pain (especially after eating or lying down)
Treatment: Lifestyle changes, antacids, proton pump inhibitors
(PPIs), H2 blockers, surgery in severe cases.
 Gallstones
Hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that
form in the gallbladder.
Causes: Excess cholesterol in bile, obesity, poor
gallbladder emptying
Signs:
• Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Fever and chills (if infection occurs)
• Visible swelling in the upper right abdomen
Symptoms:
• Severe upper-right abdominal pain (especially after
eating fatty foods)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating and indigestion
Treatment: Cholecystectomy (surgical removal), pain
 Peptic Ulcers
Open sores on the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
Causes:
H. pylori infection, excessive NSAID use, smoking, alcohol
Signs:
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
• Black or tarry stools
• Weight loss
Symptoms:
• Burning stomach pain (worsens on an empty stomach)
• Bloating and frequent burping
• Nausea and loss of appetite
Treatment:
Antibiotics (for H. pylori), PPIs, lifestyle changes
Mode of Transmission: H. pylori spreads through contaminated food,
water, or close contact
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.
Acute Pancreatitis
marked by an abrupt onset of swelling.
It can be caused by your gall bladder stones, drinking too much alcohol,
some drugs, sickness or trauma.
Signs :
• Fever
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swollen or tender abdomen
• Low blood pressure (in severe cases)
Symptoms :
• Sudden and severe upper abdominal pain (may radiate to the back)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
Chronic Pancreatitis
 is a long-term condition marked by ongoing
inflammation that damages the pancreas.
This form of pancreatitis often develops gradually and
is linked to long-term alcohol abuse, cystic fibrosis,
certain genetic factors, or repeated episodes of acute
pancreatitis.
Signs :
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (in some cases)
• Greasy, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
• Malnutrition due to poor digestion
Symptoms :
• Persistent, dull abdominal pain (worsens after eating)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue and weakness
Treatment:
• Fasting– Resting the pancreas by avoiding food and drink.
• IV Fluids – Prevents dehydration and supports organ function.
• Pain Management – Strong pain relievers
• Oxygen Therapy – If breathing is affected.
• Antibiotics – Only if an infection is present.
Treating Underlying Causes:
• Gallstone Removal – If gallstones caused the pancreatitis, they may be
removed via ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) or
surgery.
• Alcohol Avoidance – Essential if alcohol triggered the condition.
• Pancreatic Drainage – If there are fluid collections or abscesses.
 Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral
infection.
Five Types:
Hepatitis A - typically spread through
consuming contaminated food or water. It is
frequently associated with poor hygiene and
sanitation habits.
Hepatitis B - transmitted through contact with
infectious bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or
vaginal fluids.
Hepatitis C - primarily spread through direct
blood-to-blood contact. It is frequently linked to
practices like sharing needles or receiving
contaminated blood products.
Hepatitis D - depends on the presence of
Causes: Viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E), excessive alcohol,
autoimmune disorders
Signs:
• Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Enlarged liver
Symptoms:
• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side)
• Loss of appetite and nausea
Treatment: Antiviral medications (for Hepatitis B & C), supportive
care, vaccination (for A & B)
Mode of Transmission:
• Hepatitis A & E: Contaminated food/water (fecal-oral route)
• Hepatitis B, C, D: Blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child
 Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, usually due to
blockage.
Causes:
Blockage in the appendix, bacterial infection
Signs:
• Low-grade fever
• Swelling and tenderness in the lower right abdomen
Symptoms:
• Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen (worsens with
movement)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
Causes: Blockage in the appendix, bacterial infection
Treatment: Surgery (appendectomy), antibiotics
 Colon Cancer
A type of cancer affecting the large intestine
or rectum.
Causes: Genetic factors, diet (low fiber, high red meat),
smoking, obesity
Signs:
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia (due to blood loss)
Symptoms:
• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Fatigue and weakness
Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
 Constipation
Difficulty passing stools or infrequent
bowel movements.
Causes: Low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of exercise
Signs:
• Hard, dry stools
• Swollen abdomen
Symptoms:
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Straining during bowel movements
• Bloating and discomfort
Treatment: Increased fiber intake, hydration, laxatives
(if necessary)
 Hemorrhoids
Swollen blood vessels in the rectal or anal
area.
Causes: Straining, chronic constipation, pregnancy,
obesity
Signs:
Bright red blood during bowel movements
Swelling or lumps near the anus
Mucus discharge
Symptoms:
Itching and irritation around the anus
Pain and discomfort, especially while sitting
Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
Treatment: High-fiber diet, sitz baths, topical creams,
surgery (severe cases)
 Crohn's Disease
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease
affecting the digestive tract.
Signs:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Delayed growth (in children)
• Mouth sores
Symptoms:
• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
Causes: Autoimmune response, genetic predisposition,
environmental factors
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs,
immunosuppressants, surgery (severe cases)
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
 Under-nutrition
Not enough nutrients
Signs:
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Weak muscles
• Poor growth
Causes:
• Not eating enough
• Poor food choices
• Disease
Over-nutrition
Too many calories/nutrients
Problems it causes:
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Tired feeling
• Stomach problems
Prevention:
• Balanced meals
• Portion control
EATING DISORDERS
Anorexia Nervosa
Severe food restriction
Warning signs:
• Major weight loss
• Always feeling fat
• Skipping meals
• Excessive exercise
Health dangers:
• Heart problems
• Weak bones
• Growth issues
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge eating then purging
Warning signs:
• Eating large amounts
• Bathroom visits after meals
• Weight goes up and down
Health dangers:
• Tooth damage
• Dehydration
• Stomach problems
Staying Healthy: Prevention
Tips
• Simple steps for good health:
• Eat regular meals
• Choose healthy foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly
• Practice good hygiene
• Talk to adults if worried about eating or weight
Remember: Tell a trusted adult if you or someone you know shows
signs of these conditions.
 Digestive Health Guide
Each group will create a health guide that includes:
✅ A brief explanation of the digestive system.
✅ A list of at least three digestive diseases we discussed.
✅ Their causes, symptoms, and prevention tips.
Criteria Excellent (5 pts) Good (3 pts) Needs Improvement (1 pts)
Information is complete, accurate, and
Mostly accurate, with minor missing Some information is unclear or
well-explained. Includes causes,
Content Accuracy details or slight errors. Covers three inaccurate. Covers fewer than three
symptoms, and prevention for three
diseases but lacks some explanations. diseases.
diseases.
The guide is well-structured, easy to
Some sections are clear, but a few Lacks organization, making it difficult to
Organization & Clarity read, and logically organized. Headings
ideas are not well-structured. follow. Ideas are scattered.
and sections are clear.
All members actively contribute to the Most members contribute, but some Unequal effort among team members.
Teamwork & Participation
task, and teamwork is evident. participate more than others. Some do little work.
The guide is informative, persuasive,
The guide provides useful information The guide lacks impact or does not
Effectiveness & Impact and encourages healthy digestive
but could be more engaging. strongly promote digestive health.
habits.
Total Score: ____ / 20