Answers FAQTummy Trouble (Digestive Disorders) FAQsReviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD and Jay W. Marks, MD 
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Q:Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. True or False?A:False. The frequency of bowel movements among normal, healthy people varies from three a day to three a week and some perfectly healthy people fall outside these ranges. 
Q:Food digests in your stomach. True or False?A:False. Most digestion occurs in the small intestine. 
Q:How long is your small intestine?A:22 feet. The small intestine is a 22-foot-long tube that begins at the stomach and ends at the large intestine (colon). 
Q:How many times per day does the average person pass gas?A:14. People who do not suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms or disorders report they pass gas approximately 14 times in a 24-hour period. 
Q:The stomach flu is caused by influenza "flu" viruses. True or False?A:False. The "stomach flu" has nothing to do with influenza (flu) viruses. "Stomach flu" is the lay term for gastroenteritis, which refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, food allergies, antibiotics, toxins, and some medications. 
Q:The medical term "dyspepsia" is another word for?A:Indigestion. Dyspepsia means upper abdominal discomfort that may be associated with eating. Some people also refer to dyspepsia as indigestion. 
Q:The spleen is part of the human digestive system. True or False?A:False. The spleen is not part of the human digestive system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, is a major reservoir for blood, and destroys aged blood cells. 
Q:Emesis is the medical term for what?A:Vomiting. Emesis (em-uh-siss) is the medical term for vomiting. Similarly, antiemetics are drugs used to treat nausea and vomiting. 
Q:What is a common term for GERD?A:Acid reflux. Acid reflux is a common term for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD is a condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach regurgitate (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. 
Q:What function does the appendix serve?A:It is part of the immune system and produces antibodies. The appendix functions early in life as part of the immune system and produces antibodies. Other parts of the immune system take over its function later in life. This is why the appendix can be removed without causing medical problems. 
Q:The digestive system is responsible for making use of food. True or False?A:True. The digestive system is responsible for getting food into and out of the body and for making use of it. In addition, parts of other organ systems (for instance, nerves and blood) play a major role in the function of the digestive system. 
Q:Probiotics are live bacteria that when ingested benefit a person's health. True or False?A:True. Sometimes referred to as "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria," probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to those naturally found in a person's gut. Probiotics are available to consumers in the form of dietary supplements and foods. 
Q:What is the name for the sugar found in milk?A:Lactose. Lactose is the main sugar in milk. People who are lactose intolerant cannot digest this sugar component of milk and most other dairy products. 
Q:Ulcerative colitis is most closely related to what disease?A:Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two conditions that are commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 
Q:Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to what substance?A:Gluten. In celiac disease, there is an allergic reaction to proteins (gluten) that are present in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Source quiz on MedicineNet Improve your Health I.Q. on Tummy Trouble (Digestive Disorders)back to top ↑Tummy Trouble (Digestive Disorders) Related Image Collectionsback to top ↑ |
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