:: Small intestine

Click here to see animated anatomy on Small Intestine and entire Gastrointestinal system

With a slow connection, it may take about a minute to download this presentation.

Below are some of the common conditions affecting the Small Intestine.

• Duodenal ulcer (Peptic Ulcer)
  
  
• Lactose intolerance
  
  
• Coeliac disease

:: Duodenal ulcer

Duodenal ulcer is a break in the tissue lining the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The term 'peptic ulcer' refers to those that occur in either the stomach or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum. It was once commonly thought that stress, smoking and diet were the principal causes of stomach ulcers. However, the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium is now known to be responsible for most duodenal ulcers and 60 per cent of stomach ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium also prompts many symptoms of dyspepsia, or indigestion.

:: Lactose intolerance

Lactose is a carbohydrate (natural sugar) found in all kinds of milk, including human milk. It is an important source of energy for babies during their first months of life.
What is lactose intolerance?
People who cannot easily digest lactose are said to have lactose intolerance. That is because they do not have enough lactase, an enzyme in the digestive system that helps to break down the lactose in food. However, this does not mean that they can't tolerate any lactose at all.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are mild discomfort in the abdomen, a bloated feeling, wind and diarrhoea. You can't be sure you have lactose intolerance from these symptoms alone, however, since they can be caused by other conditions. Your doctor can test you to find out for sure, but that probably isn't necessary unless your symptoms are severe. Lactose intolerance generally isn't serious, and can be controlled by some simple changes in your diet.

What changes should you make in your diet?

There are no foods that you must eliminate completely from your diet. However, reducing the amount of some kinds of dairy foods should keep you from having symptoms. Most people with lactose intolerance can consume 8-10 grams of lactose a day without symptoms. That is roughly the amount in a small glass of milk (200ml, about ¾ cup). And since many dairy foods actually have little or no lactose, you can continue to enjoy them. That's important, because dairy foods are a rich source of nutrients that are essential to good health.

In addition to dairy foods, chocolate, some biscuits, cakes and flavourings you add to milk also have small amounts of lactose. If you reduce your lactose level and still have problems, it is likely that your symptoms come from something other than lactose intolerance.

Lactose content of various dairy foods

Most people with lactose intolerance can consume 8-10 grams of lactose a day without symptoms.

Source: Nutest project 1993/4,Australian Dairy Corporation
* The lactose content in yogurt decreases each day, even while it sits in the fridge, because its natural bacteria use lactose for energy.

Why shouldn't you give up dairy foods?

Dairy foods are an important source of vitamins and minerals you need for good
health. You can continue to enjoy them by making some simple changes in your diet.
As you can see from the table, many dairy foods have little or no lactose, so they
will not cause your symptoms. Here are some general principles to keep in mind
when selecting food.

Choose full cream milk instead of low fat or skim milk. Fat slows the passage of
lactose through your digestive system, giving your body more time to digest it.

Most cheeses have virtually no lactose, so you can continue to enjoy them.

In small servings of 1 tablespoon or so, butter and cream have very little lactose
and can probably be enjoyed without causing symptoms.

Yogurt actually loses lactose while it sits in your fridge. Keeping it for a while before
you eat it may reduce the chance that it could cause symptoms.

Ask your pharmacist about lactase products that may help you enjoy dairy foods without causing symptoms

In some Australian states, long-life low lactose milks are available in supermarkets.
After your symptoms have stopped for a while, you may be able to increase your lactose without further problems. Many people find that they become more
tolerant of lactose with time.

Remember...

With lactose intolerance there are limits to how much lactose you can have without causing symptoms. That usually means about 8-10 grams per day.

Dairy foods should not be completely eliminated from your diet because they are
rich in vitamins and minerals you need.

Full cream milk will be easier for you to digest than low fat or skim milk.

Most cheeses have almost no lactose, so you don't have to limit them.

Small serves of butter and cream have very little lactose and can probably be enjoyed without causing symptoms.

If you cut back on lactose and still have symptoms, it may be that your problem is something other than lactose intolerance. Check with your health-care professional.

:: Coeliac disease


Coeliac disease affects the small intestine - the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients from the diet. In a person with coeliac disease, the lining of the small intestine is sensitive to gluten, which is the protein component of grains like wheat, rye, barley and oats. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause harm. When the lining of the small intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed. Sugars, proteins and fats may be poorly absorbed too.

Malnutrition, osteoporosis, depression and infertility are just some of the problems that can develop if the disorder is left untreated. Coeliac disease is common in Australia, although firm statistics aren't available. Out of the thousands of people who have the disorder, most are of Anglo-Celtic origin. Depending on the individual, coeliac disease symptoms can be severe, moderate or mild, or the person may be asymptomatic (symptom free). Many people with coeliac disease don't know they have the condition.

There is no cure for coeliac disease; a gluten free diet is the only way to manage the condition.

A varied range of symptoms in adults

Coeliac disease is difficult to diagnose because it is not often characterised by specific complaints. Different people may experience different symptoms. The most common symptoms in adults include:

• Anaemia (iron deficiency)
• Bloating and flatulence
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Weight loss.

Symptoms in children

The most common symptoms in children include:

• Abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence
• Bulky, foul-smelling bowel motions
• Chronic anaemia
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor weight gain
• Retarded growth
• Weight loss.

Copyright © Gut Foundation all rights reserved