Q.Write a short note on jaundice.

Disorders connected with the digestive system fall broadly into nutritional disorders (arising from what/how much is eaten) and disorders of the digestive organs themselves.

Inadequate protein intake causes Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), which appears as two related disorders: Kwashiorkor, found in children aged one to three, with symptoms including being underweight, stunted growth, poor brain development, anaemia, a protruding belly, bulging eyes and oedema of the legs/face; and Marasmus, a more prolonged PEM found in infants under one year, combining protein deficiency with low overall calorie intake, causing loss of subcutaneous fat, prominent ribs, thin/wrinkled skin, weight loss, and — because the digestive glands themselves atrophy — a shutdown of digestion and absorption, but without oedema. Both stem largely from inadequate access to nutritious food and can be reversed with a proper diet.

Indigestion, caused by overeating, inadequate enzyme secretion, spicy food, anxiety or food poisoning, produces symptoms like loss of appetite, acid reflux, heartburn, regurgitation, dyspepsia and stomach pain, and is eased by avoiding large/spicy/oily meals, not lying down right after eating, and cutting smoking/alcohol.

Constipation is defaecation reduced to less than once a week, from causes like impaired colonic mobility, low fibre, inadequate fluids or inactivity, and is improved with roughage, fluids and exercise. Diarrhoea is loose, watery stools more than three times a day, risking dehydration, and caused by infection or conditions like colitis, intestinal inflammation or irritable bowel syndrome. …