Physiology of Human Body Systems
Crohn’s Disease and Affects
Crohn’s disease is a chronic disorder in which affects the digestive system and tract to become
inflamed. This condition can occur from the mouth organ to the anus, and all the organs in between.
This inflammation is a major swelling in the tissues of the digestive tract. In the intestines, this is
called intestinal stricture, the passage becomes narrow; making it more difficult for the digestive
material to flow and pass through with ease – as does a normal system. The inflammation of the
walls also damages the lining of the small intestines. This lining contains villi and microvilli which
enhances the absorption of nutrients from the food. Crohn’s disease can damage the villi, leading to
failures in the process of absorption to occur and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease could lead to an
appetite loss due to the discomfort from the pain associated with the condition. This can lead to
rapid weight loss in an unhealthy manner. If continued, this would affect general health, by not
getting enough nutrients or energy from food, it leaves individuals weak or more prone to feeling
nauseous and fatigue, affecting everyday life.
Medical Treatments and Interventions
Currently, no cure has been discovered for Crohn’s disease. However, certain treatments are
provided to manage the associated symptoms to enable the digestive system to operate more with
ease. The first treatment to control Crohn’s disease is steroids. These can be provided in tablet or
injection form. The purpose of steroids is to aid in reducing the swelling of organ tissues in the
digestive tract. These have some negative side effects such as indigestion, gaining of weight and
greater risks for infections to develop. These side effects come at a disadvantage as they affect
overall general health of individuals. Steroids may have little impact (depending on the individual),
this is because it is not a strong type of medication. Biological medicines may be given for a stronger
impact in treatment.
If necessary, surgical procedures are suggested to reduce the negative symptoms. This operation
utilises keyhole surgery for small incisions in the abdomen. A small section of the bowel that is
inflamed is cut off leaving the bowel with reduced inflammation – enabling the digestive tract to
function as normal. As this is a surgical procedure, there are disadvantages such as taking months for
you and the bowel to recover from the operation. In addition, an ileostomy may be needed after, to
prevent the stitching of the bowel parts to become undone. This surgery has great impact as it
removes the obstructions created by the swelling. However, this surgery is only advantageous for
certain periods of time, if a person is diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, this unfortunately develops
again, as there is no cure.
Another treatment is a change of diet to a strict, specially formulated liquid diet. This is certain
liquids given with the purpose of limiting malnutrition, they contain all the nutrients needed for a
balanced diet; acting as an energy source for the body to function. Being on the diet may include
side effects such as diarrhoea, constipation, or nausea. Despite these side effects, this is the easiest
and safest way to maintain good health instead of medication or surgery. This treatment method has
a strong impact as it replaces the need to experience pain and discomfort from flare-ups and
prevents blockages in the bowel occurring.
Nutritional Signs (measurable) Symptoms (non-measurable)
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, Deficiency
Protein Failure to grow in height Regular or long-lasting infections from the
(stunted) (For children and body's weakness unable to fight.
(Kwashiorkor
teenagers)
) – a serious Red patches/depigmentation of skin that
type of Enlarged abdomen ‘pot belly’ open/peel
malnutrition,
Oedema – excessive fluid in Tiredness or irritability
occurring
body's tissues- resulting in
more usually Rigid/cracked nails
swelling
in children
Changes in hair texture – Dry and brittle
Muscle atrophy – resulting in
weakness and reduced Hair loss could occur rapidly, hair could lose
performance its pigment.
Protein Deficiency – Signs and Symptoms
Treatments of Protein Deficiency
For protein deficiency, there are multiple interventions available to control the symptoms
experienced and fully treat the malnutrition. The first treatment is specially formulated milk liquids
for young children. This is a liquid that contains nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein
that the body is deprived of to maintain a good balance in the body again. Instead of liquids, ready-
made foods can also be utilised. These will also be milk-based, containing the vital vitamins,
minerals, and protein. As a result, this is an improved substitute instead of vitamin supplements.
Adults can relieve their symptoms by taking proteins shakes every day, along with other types of
food to balance their diet and treat the deficiency.
Another treatment of protein deficiency is by increasing food intake to a healthy amount. This is to
replenish the nutrient deprivation with use of a balanced diet. By consuming a greater amount of
food, your body can start functioning as normal and the symptoms are slowly reversed which treats
the protein deficiency. Some of the foods that should be eaten for recovery include eggs, dairy
products such as yoghurt, milk and cheese, poultry such as chicken and turkey as well as meat.
Any food or protein drink/liquid treatment works by being broken down by the protease enzymes in
the stomach and small intestine. This enables the protein to be absorbed by the small intestine’s
walls. The nutrients from the food end up in the bloodstream. Symptoms are controlled and relieved
by the protein circulating in the blood. This can go to organs, tissues, bones, and muscles for growth
and repairment, utilised for protein synthesis or as enzymes to carry out and aid in reactions and
processes in the body. With sufficient levels and supply of protein, this can gradually return the body
to function normally.
As the body is weaker, it is more prone to developing infections and struggling to fight them which
can overwhelm the individual. Hospitals can provide medication such as antibiotics to reduce the
risks. These work by attacking bacterial cells to prevent them from multiplying – making it harder for
infections to last. As bacterial infections are a symptom of protein deficiency, antibiotics can control
and ease this symptom for relief.
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