The digestive system converts food we eat into their simplest forms (i.e. sugars, protein/amino acids and fats), which are then absorbed into the bloodstream, providing energy to cells within the body. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It is over 10 meters in length and incorporates the stomach, small/large intestines, pancreas, liver and bowel.
Symptoms and characteristics
Inflammation, infection, cirrhosis (scaring), ulcers, cancer and gallstones are all associated with conditions of the digestive system.
Digestive conditions are often characterised by abdominal pain, nausea and discomfort.
Statistics
Digestive diseases resulted in 359 507 hospitalisations in Australia during 2003 to 2004 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006, Australia's Health 2006, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra, viewed 7 May 2007, <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/aus/ah06/ah06-x01.pdf>.
Better Health Channel 2006, Digestive system, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Digestive_system?open>.
Links to specific types of digestive conditions