IV. Speaking

Make a dialogue between a gastroenterologist and a patient. Here is vo­cabulary for you to speak about digestive tract problems.

QUESTIONS Do you have any pain in your abdomen? Have you lost your appetite? Do you have any difficulties in swallowing? Did you feel sick recently? Have you lost/put on weight? Do you have regular bowel movements? How often do you go to the toilet? Have you noticed any blood in your stools?

INSTRUCTIONS Please lie down on your back and rest both arms alongside your body. Now I want to tap on your belly. When I push here and let loose suddenly, does it hurt? Please relax and try to let your belly go soft.

V. Supplement

Text 1

1. Read the information about one of the most frequent pathological con- ditions in the digestive system.

2. Make a plan of the text.

2. Abridge the text by writing out only topical sentences.

ULCERS (DIGESTIVE)

A digestive ulcer is any sore¹ that develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (sores in the lower esophagus occur less frequently). Because these sores form in areas where gastric juice is present, they are generally referred to as peptic ulcers (pepsin is an enzyme in gastric juice). Peptic ulcers found in the stomach are more specifically called gastric ul­cers. Those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. Of the two, duodenal ulcers are the most common type, accounting for about 80 percent of all digestive ulcers. They tend to be smaller than gastric ulcers and heal² more quickly. Any ulcer that heals leaves a scar.

The symptoms for gastric ulcers include feelings of heartburn³, nausea, weight loss, and stomach pain. That pain is described as gnawing, dull, aching, or resem­bling hunger pangs. About one-third of those individuals suffering from gastric ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

The symptoms for duodenal ulcers differ slightly. They include heartburn, stomach pain that is relieved by eating or antacids, and a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Pain is most often felt two to four hours after a meal. Citrus juices, coffee, and aspirin bring on pain more quickly. About 50 percent of individuals suffering from duodenal ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

Before the 1980s, physicians believed ulcers were caused by several fac­tors — including stress and a poor diet — that resulted in excess stomach acid. Medical research has since shown that a certain bacterium that can live undetected in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is the culprit⁴. This bacterium (called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)) irritates and weakens the lining, making it more susceptible to damage by gastric juice. About 95 % of duodenal ulcers and 70 per­cent of gastric ulcers are caused by this bacterium.

Treatment for peptic ulcers includes antibiotics to eliminate the bacterium and other drugs to reduce the amount of gastric juice secreted in the stomach. Very few ulcers fail to respond to the medications that are currently used to treat them. Also you should remember some points to prevent ulcers: Don't smoke.

Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. *" Avoid caffeine and alcohol (or have them only in small amounts and on a full stomach).

Avoid spicy foods if they cause heartburn. ®° Reduce stresses and modify your lifestyle.

Notes:

¹sore — виразка, рана, запалення

²to heal — лікувати, загоювати

³heartburn — печія

⁴culprit — винуватець