Types of Digestive Tract Disorders

The University of Maryland Medical Center describes digestion as the system in the body in which food is broken down into various nutrients and absorbed into the blood stream. Blood distributes these nutrients to the body's cells to be used as energy sources for the body. In order for this process to take place adequately, the digestive tract has to function properly. However, different types of digestive tract disorders negative affects the way the body absorbs these nutrients.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder in which stool is runny, or people experience frequent bowel movements. In some cases, the two conditions combine, creating unpleasant physical conditions, such as dehydration, in sufferers. Acute diarrhea is a temporary condition that usually results from viral or bacterial infections. Chronic diarrhea signifies a functional or intestinal disorder.

Diverticular Disease

• The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that diverticular diseases occur because of inflammation and infection in the diverticula pouches of the colon. Two types of digestive tract disorders designated as diverticular disease are diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Doctors believe that both conditions occur because of a low-fiber diet. Diverticulosis sufferers may have no symptoms or have cramps and discomfort in the lower abdominal region, bloating, and constipations. Symptoms of diverticulitis, on the other hand, produce tenderness in the lower abdominal region due to infections. The infection leads to fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, and constipation.

Ulcerative Colitis

• Children's Hospital Boston says that ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, means that inflammation of the large intestine has occurred. This type of digestive tract disorder causes diarrhea because open sores develop in the colon. The open sores, or ulcers, cause pus, mucus and blood in stool that passes through the body.

Familial Adenomatous Polyosis (FAP)

• Children's Hospital Boston states that FAP is an inherited form of digestive tract disorder in which polyps develop on the colon and rectum. These noncancerous polyps often start growing in a child's teen years. Doctors need to remove affected areas of the colon, or people develop colorectal cancer from this condition.

Lactose Intolerance

• Lactose intolerance is a type of digestive tract disorder in which people lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, or milk sugar. This condition causes intestinal discomfort, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. People who are lactose intolerant often avoid dairy products or foods containing milk or take medications for lactose intolerance.