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However, because of a general
lack of fundamental knowledge,
these disorders remained difficult
to diagnose and localise. And
they continued to puzzle the
research community.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
(GORD), characterised by heartburn
and regurgitation, is a condition
in which the stomach contents
flow back into the oesophagus.
As the stomach contents are
acid, this can result in inflammation
of the oesophagus. GORD or heartburn
is very common, occurring at
least once each month in up
to 44% of the population.
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Another very common disorder is functional
dyspepsia, whose symptoms range from
epigastric discomfort, postprandial
fullness, epigastric distension/bloating
(or a bloated feeling), early satiety
(and/or inability to finish a normal
sized meal) to nausea after a meal.
Another major healthcare problem
are ulcers, an irritation or open
sore in the stomach lining. Ulcers
that occur in the gastrointestinal
lining are called peptic ulcers. Ulcers
can also be located in the stomach
(gastric ulcers) or in the upper part
of the small intestine where the stomach
empties (duodenal ulcers).
Lower
gastrointestinal tract
The most common motility problem
of the lower gastrointestinal tract
is diarrhoea. Although irritating,
it is rarely serious or chronic, with
most of the common types clearing
up in a day or two. There are numerous
causes of diarrhoea, including infection
or inflammation of the intestines,
stress and irritable bowel syndrome.
Diarrhoea causes many lost working
days, with huge economic consequences.
More importantly, it can be life-threatening
if it results in dehydration. It is
estimated that about one-third of
all child mortalities in developing
countries are associated with diarrhoea.
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