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Digestive System

Lesson 1: Digestive System

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Lesson 1– Digestive System

The digestive system consists of the organs that make up the alimentary canal.

The digestive system performs these functions:

Physically breaks down food into smaller pieces
Chemically breaks down food into fat, carbohydrates, and protein
Absorbs nutrients into the blood for use in the body
Helps maintain the proper amount of water, electrolytes, and other nutrients in the body
Eliminates waste products

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Lesson 1– Mouth

Food enters the alimentary canal, and the digestive system

Mastication

Bolus

Mouth

Food enters the alimentary canal, and the digestive system, through the mouth. The mouth is also known as the oral cavity.

The teeth begin the physical breakdown of the food by chewing and grinding it. The chewing process is known as mastication.

At this time, three pairs of salivary glands secrete saliva to mix with the food. After the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, it is known as a bolus. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the chemical breakdown of food. All enzymes increase the rate of chemical reactions. Salivary amylase is an enzyme in saliva that begins to break down starch into sugar. Saliva also moistens food to make swallowing, called deglutition, easier.

Besides tasting, the tongue also aids in chewing and swallowing.

The hard palate and the soft palate form the roof of the mouth. A small piece of tissue called the uvula hangs from the back of the soft palate. It keeps food from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing.

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Lesson 1– Pharynx

Pharynx

The pharynx can carry both air and food.

Epiglottis

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Lesson 1– Esophagus

Esophagus

Peristalsis

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Lesson 1– Stomach

Saclike, muscular organ that receives the bolus from the esophagus

Cardiac sphincter

Chyme

Pyloric sphincter

Stomach

The stomach is a saclike, muscular organ that receives the bolus from the esophagus. The cardiac sphincter is a valve that controls the entrance to the stomach and prevents backflow to the esophagus. The stomach environment is highly acidic, so a layer of mucus along the inner walls of the stomach is vital to protect its lining.

In the stomach, the process of maceration occurs when the bolus mixes with gastric juices to form chyme. This is called digestion. The gastric juices contain hydrochloric acid and the enzymes gastrin and pepsin, which begins to break down protein. Sugars and amino acids pass through microvilli in the capillaries into the blood. Fatty acids and glycerol go into the lacteals and into the lymphatic system.

The stomach also churns and squeezes food to continue its physical breakdown. After about one to four hours, the chyme is released to the small intestine by the pyloric sphincter.

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Lesson 1– Small Intestine

Most of the digestive products pass into the bloodstream in the small intestine.

Digestion is completed in the small intestine.

Next the chyme passes into the large intestine.

Small Intestine

In addition to chyme from the stomach, the small intestine receives bile from the liver and pancreatic juices from the pancreas. The small intestine is divided into three sections.

The duodenum is the first 10 to 12 inches of the small intestine.
The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine and is approximately eight feet in length.
The ileum is the last 12 feet of the small intestine and connects to the large intestine.

Most of the digestive products pass into the bloodstream in the small intestine. Its walls are lined with tiny, thread-like projections called villi that increase the area for nutrients to be absorbed. Sugars and amino acids pass through microvilli in the capillaries into the blood. Fatty acids and glycerol go into the lacteals and into the lymphatic system.

The process of digestion is completed in the small intestine, with carbohydrates, protein, and fats all being broken down for use by the body cells. Next the chyme passes through the ileocecal valve at the bottom of the small intestine into the large intestine.

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Lesson 1– Large Intestine and Anus

Most of the water from ingested food that is indigestible is absorbed back into the bloodstream in the large intestine.

Escherichia coli (E-coli)

Rectum
Anus
Defecation

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Lesson 1– Accessory Organs of the Digestive System

Three accessory organs carry digestive juices to the digestive tract:

pancreas
liver
gallbladder

Accessory Organs of the Digestive System

Three accessory organs carry digestive juices to the digestive tract.

The pancreas secretes pancreatic juices to the small intestine. The pancreatic juices include these enzymes:

Protease to break down proteins
Amylase to break down starches
Lipase to break down fats

The liver is the largest gland in the body. It secretes bile to help digest fat. Bile breaks down fat and dissolves it in water so that it can be absorbed by the body. The liver also stores sugar in the form of glycogen and the fat-soluble vitamins. It breaks down many of the toxins taken into the body, including alcohol. And it removes old red blood cells, recycles the iron content, and makes blood proteins.

The gallbladder is next to the liver and receives bile from it. The gallbladder stores the bile until it is needed in the small intestine.

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Digestive System

Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders

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Lesson 2– Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

Ulcer

Constipation

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Eating Disorders
Diarrhea

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

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Lesson 2– Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

Ulcer -An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.
The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.
Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.
Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

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Lesson 2– Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

Constipation -Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.
This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.
Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.
Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

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Lesson 2– Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.

Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.
The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.
Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.
Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

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Eating Disorders - Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.
A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.
Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

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Lesson 2– Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

Diarrhea - is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.

Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System

An ulcer is an open sore on the lining of the digestive tract.

The main cause is stress or bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), either of which increases the amount of stomach acid being produced. As a result, damage to the lining of the digestive tract occurs.

Symptoms include burning pain and indigestion.

Treatment involves antacids, reducing stress, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If the ulcer is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may also be used.

Constipation is when defecation is delayed. The colon absorbs too much water from the feces, which become dry and hard and difficult to eliminate.

This condition may be caused by low fluid intake, lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, or stress.

Symptoms include pain and pressure in the abdomen.

Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, increasing exercise, and reducing stress. Laxatives may also be used, but overuse may be habit-forming and lead to chronic constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitus.

Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and affects every layer of tissue.
Ulcerative colitus typically occurs in the colon and rectum and affects only the innermost layer of tissue.

The cause of IBD is not known, but emotions and stress can trigger symptoms.

Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, diet changes, and reducing stress. In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove sections of diseased bowel.

Eating disorders involve a distortion in the relationship between food and body weight. Underlying psychological problems often contribute to these disorders. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat because of an unrealistic fear of weight gain. The fear does not lessen even when weight loss occurs. Anorexia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. The starvation linked with this disorder can result in permanent tissue damage and even death.

A person with bulimia nervosa also fears weight gain. This disorder involves binging on large amounts of food followed by purging it through self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia occurs most often in female adolescents and young adults. It can result in imbalances that lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage and even death.

Obesity is often caused by overeating, although heredity can also be a factor. Obesity plays a role in a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. BMI or Body Mass Index can help health care professionals and patients determine their level of obesity.

There are three levels of obesity.

Overweight: A person is over ideal body weight by less than 20%.
Obese: A person is over ideal body weight by more than 20%.
Morbidly obese: A person is over ideal body weight by 100 pounds or more, which is a severe threat to health and life.

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that are possibly more frequent than normal. It is very common and usually not serious. Diarrhea can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication. However, patients suffering from diarrhea must make sure to drink enough fluids. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.