How sensitive are intestines?
The intestines are extremely sensitive, both to physical and chemical stimuli.
Physical stimuli
* Distension: The intestines can be stretched by gas, fluid, or feces. This can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.
* Contractions: The intestines contract and relax in order to move food through the digestive tract. These contractions can be uncomfortable, especially if they are strong or occur frequently.
* Trauma: The intestines can be damaged by trauma, such as a blow to the abdomen or a surgical procedure. This can cause bleeding, inflammation, and infection.
Chemical stimuli
* Acid: The stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which helps to digest food. This acid can irritate the intestines if it comes into contact with them.
* Bile: Bile is a fluid that is produced by the liver and helps to digest fats. Bile can also irritate the intestines if it comes into contact with them.
* Laxatives: Laxatives are medications that are used to treat constipation. Laxatives can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea.
* Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the intestines and cause damage to the intestinal cells.
* Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea.
Other conditions that can affect intestinal sensitivity
* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a disorder that affects the colon and rectum. IBS can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
* Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the intestines. IBD can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
* Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. Celiac disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
* Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
* Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools.