Felicia Bly just went off to college. Her parents were really suspicious of GMOs and processed foods containing wheat, so Felicia has never really had these foods. When she goes to college and starts eating the cafeteria food
she starts getting sick, especially after eating cereal and wheat toast for breakfast. Felicia has recently started
losing weight despite exercising and eating the same amount of calories as before.
Diagnose Felicia with the appropriate digestive disorder and explain why she is losing weight
Your options include
. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter weakens
allowing stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus. Causes irritation of the esophagus.
- Ulcers: Holes in the lining of the digestive tract caused by excessive stomach acid. Can be in found in the
esophagus, stomach, or in the small intestine.
• Celiac's Disease: Autoimmune disease that causes damage to the villi of the small intestine in response to
gluten. Gluten is found in foods containing wheat Celiac's disease reduces the ability of the small intestine to
absorb nutrients.
• Helicobacter pylori: Helicobacter pylori infections can result from unpasteurized milk or contaminated water
or food. Stomach infections are associated with stomach ulcers.
Cirrhosis: scarring of the liver causing reduced function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by infection or
alcohol abuse.