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For individuals with a development disability
- Gastrointestinal disease is the third leading cause of death
- Constipation is a common condition, if ignored, can lead to significant health problems
- The Bristol Stool Chart is the recommended standard for monitoring, recording and reporting bowel function
- A high percentage experience obesity
- Have higher rates of tooth extractions compared to the general population
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
- Dental changes
- Decreased number of taste buds
- Reduction of muscular strength for chewing
- Decreased amount of saliva production
- Decreased gastro-mucosal production (decreased acid production)
- Thickened gastric mucosa
- Decreased time in emptying esophagus and stomach contents
- Small intestine changes may affect absorption
- Large intestine changes lead to weakened muscles in the large bowel, decreased bowel motility, rectal prolapse, volvulus (a twist in the bowel leading to obstruction), irritable bowel syndrome
- Gallbladder function changes e.g. bile thickens, bile volume and flow may be reduced
- Pancreatic changes lead to decreased insulin secretion
- Liver function changes, possibly due to decreased liver size, may lead to reduced ability to detoxify
GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTIONAL CHANGES
- Any sudden or unexplained change in the individual should be investigated medically
- Loss of dentition may occur
- Chewing difficulties leading to special dietary considerations may occur
- Decreased saliva production may occur leading to swallowing difficulties
- Gum deterioration including infection associated with gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and cell degeneration may occur
- Potential nutritional compromise could include decreased appetite, decreased fluid intake, decreased hunger and weight loss
- An increased risk of vitamin depletion can occur
- Constipation may occur
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may develop
- An increased risk of gastric ulcers and Helicobacter Pylori may occur
- Pain may occur
- Hemorrhoids, Rectal Prolapse and Rectal Bleeding can develop
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