The Gastrointestinal Tract
The Gastrointestinal Tract
The gastrointestinal tract includes the organs through which food passes, together with associated exocrine glands. Its main structures are: Mouth Oesophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum Jejunum Ileum Large intestine: Caecum Colon Rectum Anus
The associated glands and organs include the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Conditions treated with gastrointestinal agents
Conditions treated with gastrointestinal agents
Gastrointestinal medicines are used in the treatment of:
Gastric acidity and hyperacidity
Gastritis Peptic ulcers
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GERD Bowel-motility disorders
Gastroparesis, which is delayed gastric emptying caused by partial paralysis of the stomach muscles Constipation
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
A patient with reflux may experience the movement of gastric juice from the stomach into the oesophagus. Symptoms may be reduced by avoiding lying down immediately after meals and by using a reclined or elevated bed position.
Peptic-ulcer occurrence may be associated with emotional disposition and stress. Management can include dietary control, antacids, anticholinergic therapy, bed rest, surgery in severe cases, and reducing stressful situations.