396 Chapter 1 6
Common Disease, Disorder, or ConditionDisorders of The Digestive System continued(CDC)Prevention and Control Disease for Centers of Courtesy
Figure 16- 16 Oral thrush. Candida albicans.Tapeworm Infections^
Tapeworm infections are caused by ingesting the larval forms of various tapeworms in
improperly cooked pork, beef, or freshwater fish. Human tapeworms can range in size
from 3 feet (pork and beef tapeworm) to 60 feet (broad fish tapeworm). They live in the
small intestine attached by a head structure called a scolex with hooks and suckers.
Symptoms are very mild or absent. Presence of a tapeworm can be detected by
noticing the white, small, cubelike cast-off proglottid or segments of the tapeworm’s
body, which are full of eggs in the fecal material in the toilet. Tape-worm infections can
be treated with various drugs like albendazole.
Pancreatitis^
Pancreatitis (pan-cree-ah-TY-tis) is an inflammation of the pancreas caused by dam-
age to the organ due to alcohol abuse, infectious disease, or drugs. The condition can
be acute or chronic. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea with ac-
companying vomiting, and fever. Occasionally, jaundice may develop if the common bile
duct gets obstructed. A serious complication is the development of abscesses in the
pancreas. Treatment includes diet modification, vitamin supplements, certain drugs, and
analgesics for pain.
Gastritis^
Gastritis (gas-TRY-tis) is an inflammation of the stomach lining that occurs af-ter
-eating certain foods producing discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It can be caused by
food allergens, certain drugs, or bacterial or viral infections, or chemical -toxins. Chronic
gastritis is indicative of a disease condition like stomach ulcers or cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease^
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (gas-troh-eh-sof-ah-JEE-al REE-flucks dih-ZEEZ) (GERD). It
is caused by stomach contents going back into the esophagus due to a weakening