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=Students of Class VII-A are very thankful to __Dr. Farhat Nasir__ for answering all their queries and providing them extra knowledge about some diseases related to digestive system. =

__ What are the causes of a stomach ulcer and how can it be prevented? __  A peptic ulcer is erosion in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, an area called the duodenum. If the peptic ulcer is located in the stomach it is called a gastric ulcer (stomach ulcer).  Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines are protected against the irritating acids produced in your stomach. If this protective lining stops working correctly, and the lining breaks down, it results in inflammation (gastritis) or an ulcer. Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole that goes all the way through the stomach or duodenum is called a perforation. A perforation is a medical emergency. The most common cause of such damage is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have these bacteria living in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Yet, many people who have such bacteria in their stomach do not develop an ulcer. The following also raise your risk for peptic ulcers: Many people believe that stress causes ulcers. It is not clear if this is true, at least for everyday stress at home.  Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Try acetaminophen instead. If you must take such medicines, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor may: The following lifestyle changes may help prevent peptic ulcers:
 * =**STOMACH ULCER**=
 * Drinking too much alcohol
 * Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking aspirin or NSAIDs once in awhile is safe for most people.
 * Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
 * Being very ill, such as being on a breathing machine
 * Radiation treatments
 * Test you for H. pylori first
 * Have you take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or an acid blocker
 * Have you take a drug called Misoprostol
 * Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
 * Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day.


 * =**FOOD POISONING**=

__ What is food poisoning? Tell us about its symptoms and preventions. __ Food poisoning is the result of eating organisms or toxins in contaminated food. Most cases of food poisoning are from common bacteria such as Staphylococcus or E. coli.  The symptoms from the most common types of food poisoning generally start within 2 - 6 hours of eating the food. That time may be longer (even a number of days) or shorter, depending on the cause of the food poisoning. Possible symptoms include: To prevent food poisoning, take the following steps when preparing food: Other steps to take: If other people may have eaten the food that made you sick, let them know. If you think the food was contaminated when you bought it from a store or restaurant, tell the store and your local health department. __ Why is the appendix removed in some situations? __ The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of your large intestine. It is sometimes removed because of appendicitis. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. If the inflammation and infection spread through the wall of the appendix, it can rupture. After rupture, infection can spread throughout the abdomen, which, if not treated immediately, can cause death. __ What are the causes of diarrhea? __   Diarrhea describes bowel movements (stools) that are loose and watery. It is very common and usually not serious. Many people will have diarrhea once or twice each year. It typically lasts two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Others have diarrhea often as part of   [|irritable bowel syndrome]    or other chronic diseases of the large intestine. The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the gut. The infection usually lasts for two days and is sometimes called "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu." Diarrhea may also be caused by: · Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of [|food poisoning] ) · Infections by other organisms · Eating foods that upset the digestive system · Allergies to certain foods · Medications · Radiation therapy · Diseases of the intestines (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) · Malabsorption (where the body is unable to adequately absorb certain nutrients from the diet) · Hyperthyroidism · Some cancers · Laxative abuse · Alcohol abuse · Digestive tract surgery · Diabetes · Competitive running Diarrhea may also follow constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome. __ What is the difference between diarrhea and dysentery? __  Both diarrhea and dysentery cause frequent bowel movement. However, in dysentery there is BLOOD in the stool. It is caused by certain parasites and bacteria which erode the intestinal wall resulting in abdominal cramps, fever and bloody stools. One example is Amebic dysentery, caused by a parasite called Entamoeba Histolytica.
 * Abdominal cramps
 * Diarrhea (may be bloody)
 * Fever and chills
 * Headache
 * Nausea and vomiting
 * Weakness (may be serious and lead to respiratory arrest, as in the case of botulism)
 * Prevention **
 * Carefully wash your hands and clean dishes and utensils.
 * Use a thermometer when cooking. Cook beef to at least 160°F, poultry to at least 180°F, and fish to at least 140°F.
 * DO NOT place cooked meat or fish back onto the same plate or container that held the raw meat, unless the container has been completely washed.
 * Promptly refrigerate any food you will not be eating. Keep the refrigerator set to around 40°F and your freezer at or below 0°F. DO NOT eat meat, poultry, or fish that has been refrigerated uncooked for longer than 1 to 2 days.
 * DO NOT use outdated foods, packaged food with a broken seal, or cans that are bulging or have a dent.
 * DO NOT use foods that have an unusual odor or a spoiled taste.
 * If you take care of young children, wash your hands often and dispose of diapers carefully so that bacteria can't spread to other surfaces or people.
 * If you make canned food at home, be sure to follow proper canning techniques to prevent botulism.
 * DO NOT feed honey to children under 1 year of age.
 * DO NOT eat wild mushrooms.
 * When traveling where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Drink water only if it's been boiled. DO NOT eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
 * DO NOT eat shellfish that has been exposed to red tides.
 * If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, DO NOT eat soft cheeses, especially imported from countries outside the U.S.
 * =**APPENDIX**=
 * **DIARRHEA**
 * =** DIARRHEA AND DYSENTRY  **=