V. Supplement

Text I

1. Read the information about one of the most frequent pathological con­ditions in the digestive system.

2. Make a plan of the text.

3. Abridge the text by writing out only topical sentences.

ULCERS (DIGESTIVE)

A digestive ulcer is any sore¹ that develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (sores in the lower esophagus occur less frequently). Because these sores form in areas where gastric juice is present, they are generally referred to as peptic ulcers (pepsin is an enzyme in gastric juice). Peptic ulcers found in the stomach are more specifically called gastric ul­cers. Those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. Of the two, duodenal ulcers are the most common type, accounting for about 80 percent of all digestive ulcers. They tend to be smaller than gastric ulcers and heal² more quickly. Any ulcer that heals leaves a scar.

The symptoms for gastric ulcers include feelings of heartburn³, nausea, weight loss, and stomach pain. That pain is described as gnawing, dull, aching, or resem­bling hunger pangs. About one-third of those individuals suffering from gastric ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

The symptoms for duodenal ulcers differ slightly. They include heartburn, stomach pain that is relieved by eating or antacids, and a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Pain is most often felt two to four hours after a meal. Citrus juices, coffee, and aspirin bring on pain more quickly. About 50 percent of individuals suffering from duodenal ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

Before the 1980s, physicians believed ulcers were caused by several fac­tors — including stress and a poor diet — that resulted in excess stomach acid. Medical research has since shown that a certain bacterium that can live undetected in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is the culprit⁴. This bacterium (called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)) irritates and weakens the lining, making it more susceptible to damage by gastric juice. About 95 % of duodenal ulcers and 70 per­cent of gastric ulcers are caused by this bacterium.

Treatment for peptic ulcers includes antibiotics to eliminate the bacterium and other drugs to reduce the amount of gastric juice secreted in the stomach. Very few ulcers fail to respond to the medications that are currently used to treat them. Also you should remember some points to prevent ulcers: Don't smoke.

Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (or have them only in small amounts and on a full stomach).

Avoid spicy foods if they cause heartburn. Reduce stresses and modify your lifestyle.

Notes:

¹ sore — виразка, рана, запалення

² to heal — лікувати, загоювати

³ heartburn — печія

⁴ culprit — винуватець

4. Answer the following questions.

1. What is digestive ulcer?

2. How do we call peptic ulcers found in the stomach?

3. Ulcer found in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, aren't they?

4. What is the most common type of ulcer?

5. Is there any differences between the symptoms for gastric ulcer and duodenal one?

6. What is the cause of ulcers?

7. What is the treatment for peptic ulcer?

8. How can we prevent ulcers?

5. Fill in the table. Compare your answers with your partner's.

6. Make a dialogue between a doctor and a patient, who has ulcer symp­toms. Act it out.

Text 2

1. Read and translate the information which will help you to keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Define the main idea of the text.

3. Divide the text into sense groups. Entitle them.

4. Write a short summary of the text.

TAKING CARE:

KEEPING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM HEALTHY

The body is wholly dependent on the digestive system to provide it with nu­trients — fluids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals — it needs to continue functioning. If the digestive system fails to do this because of malfunc­tioning, the entire body suffers.

A healthy lifestyle will keep the digestive system sound. This includes the fol­lowing: a proper diet, regular exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, no smoking, moderate drinking, and reducing stress.

To help your digestive system you have to follow a proper diet. In general, foods should be low-fat (this especially concerns saturated fats), low cholesterol, and high fiber. Fiber is especially important in maintaining the work of the intes­tines. Fat should make not more than 30 % of a person's total daily calorie intake. Breads, cereals¹, pastas, fruits, and vegetables should form the bulk of a person's diet; meat, fish, nuts, and cheese and other dairy products should make a lesser por­tion. Drinking fluids, especially water, helps to move material through the digestive system.

Tapeworms² are parasites (organisms that live in or on other kinds of orga­nisms) that live in the intestinal tracts of some animals. There are three major species of tapeworms that can infect humans. They are typically acquired from eating raw or imdercooked beef, pork, or fish. The tapeworm eggs develop into larvae³ in the infected animals and fish. When humans eat the meat from those animals and fish without properly cooking it, they become infected. The tapeworm travels to the intestine, attaching itself to the inner lining by hooks on its head. If not treated, the tapeworm may stay in the intestine for years, absorbing nutrients through its outer covering. It may grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in length.

Most individuals infected with a tapeworm have no symptoms. Some, how­ever, may experience pain in the upper abdomen, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and weakness. A tapeworm's eggs or worm body parts that appear in an indi­vidual's feces are often the only sign of an infection.

Tapeworms are easily treated with medication. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding raw or undercooked meat or fish are important steps in preventing a tape­worm infection.

Long-term ingestion of cigarette fumes⁴, excessive alcohol, and spicy foods can cause serious damage to the digestive system. Toxins that are taken into the body by way of the mouth are absorbed by the digestive tract and transported to the liver, which can suffer permanent damage. Many medications can injure the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Medicines in pill or capsule form should always be taken with plenty of water.

Teeth are an important, yet often overlooked, part of the digestive system. They begin the entire process of digestion. Oral hygiene is, therefore, a primary concern. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush the teeth at least twice a day, preferably after every meal and snack. The teeth should also be flossed daily to help prevent gum disease. Minor irritations of the digestive system are common. Occasional diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gas is to be expected. Often, they are treated with nonprescription drugs. However, if these or any digestive problems persist, they should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought.

Notes:

¹ cereal — зернові

² tapeworm — солітер; стрічковий черв'як

³ larva (pi. larvae) — личинка

⁴ fume — дим

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