________________
mucosal lining promotes peristalsis, sweeping the intestinal contents out of the body faster and helping to get rid of the infection. But this protection mechanism, if prolonged, may cause harm by producing dehydration and decreasing the absorption of needed nutrients. The other form of diarrhea is commonly experienced in times of stress such as in a student during an examination.
Many people neglect a simple but valuable means of monitoring their health; observation of the appearance of the stools. Many disorders of the digestive tract show up in the changes in the consistency and general appearance of the stools. A disorder of the liver and biliary system may be reflected in clay-coloured stools, for the normal colour is imparted to feces by the bile pigments. Bleeding from the upper part of the tract results in black tarry-looking stools. Red streaks are an indicaticn of fresh blood which may come from haemorrhoids or from cancer of the rectum. In parasitic infections eggs, segments or whole worms may be present in the stools.
Dental Caries, Pyorrhea
Tooth-decay is a gradual disintegration of the enamel and dentin caused by acid producing bacteria. An inflammatory infection or degeneration of the gums and cementum may lead to loosening and loss of teeth. Cause include poor oral hygiene, local irritants such as cigarette smoke, allergies and vitamin deficiencies. Proper washing of the mouth and teeth after each meal and at bed time would go a long way to prevent the disease.
Hiatus Hernia, Heartburn, Esophagitis
The opening in the diaphragm, through which the esophagus enters the abodominal cavity and joins up with stomach, is called hiatus. This enlargement of this opening is hiatus hernia. A portion of the stomach may then protrude upward alongside the esophagus through the enlarged opening. Highly acidic stomach contents may regurgitate into the
56
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org