Gastrointestinal Illness Category

CONSTIPATION OVERVIEW — Constipation refers to a disturbance in bowel habits, but it has varied meanings. Stools may be too hard or too small, difficult to pass, or infrequent. Infrequent may be defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week. However, the frequent need to strain and a sense that the bowels are not empty are also common.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs_ez/

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX OVERVIEW — Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the stomach contents reflux or back up into the esophagus and/or mouth. Reflux is a normal process that occurs in healthy infants, children, and adults. Most episodes are brief and do not cause bothersome symptoms or complications.

PEPTIC ULCER OVERVIEW — Peptic ulcers are sores or eroded areas that form in the lining of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract. They usually occur in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), which is the upper region of the small intestine (show figure 1). The two primary causes of peptic ulcers are infection with a specific bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) and use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications.

Diarrhea and vomiting are usually caused by a virus or bacteria that infect the intestines. The virus usually invades the tissue of the intestine, causes the area to swell, and prevents food from being absorbed. In addition the virus causes the intestine to secrete fluid thereby causing more diarrhea and sometimes leading to dehydration. Vomiting alone (without diarrhea) can be a sign of the beginning of a gastroenteritis or can be caused by food poisoning. Both viruses and bacteria which cause gastroenteritis are very contagious, and transferred from person to person via touch. Therefore meticulous hand washing is very important after diaper changes or after going to the bathroom.