Page 139 - Primary Five Science

Appendicitis

This is a condition where by the appendix is inflamed or dam-

aged. This can be caused by infections or other causes.

The condition leads to swelling of the appendix

It causes too much pain in the lower right side of the abdomen.

It can be treated by cutting it off.

Indigestion

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen caused by difficulty in di-
gesting food.

Constipation

Difficulty in passing out faeces due to hard stool, normally due

to low water and fibre intake.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

This is where the intestine is easily irritated by food during di-

gestion to cause pain or discomfort in the stomach or abdo-

men. Causes for such sensitivity is not yet clear.

Acid Reflux & Heartburn

This is a feeling of a burning sensation in the chest caused by

stomach contents rising up into the oesophagus usually due to

malfunctioning of the oesophageal sphincter muscle that pre-

vents backflow of stomach contents to the oesophagus.