Read the passage about rotavirus that usually causes gastroenteritis. Using the information from the passage, ask 7-8 questions that a patient might ask about rotavirus.

Rotavirus is spread through airborne liquid droplets. It can survive for weeks in water and for up to four hours on human skin. It can also survive on surfaces, toys and clothing. The virus passes into the body through the mouth and nose when liquid droplets are breathed in or when fingers contaminated with the virus enter the mouth. Rotavirus is highly contagious and most children have had the infection by the time they reach five years old. The number of rotavirus infections peaks during winter and spring. Immunity develops after the initial infection, so future infections tend to be less severe. Immunity lasts a long time, so adults aren’t usually affected so badly.

Read the passage and answer the questions: Is viral gastroenteritis a serious illness? Who is at risk? Why?

People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely without any long-term problems. Gastroenteritis is a serious illness, however, for persons who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhea. Infants, young children, and persons who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from loss of fluids. Immune compromised persons are at risk for dehydration because they may get a more serious illness, with greater vomiting or diarrhea. They may need to be hospitalized for treatment to correct or prevent dehydration.

UNIT 9. HEARTBURN.

Read the article and do the tasks below.

While reading, find the words and expressions that mean the following:

1) изжога; 2) беременность; 3) наклоняться; 4) носить тесную одежду; 5) талия; 6) в отличие от; 7) подвергаться воздействию; 8) играть значительную роль; 9) нарушение пищеварения.

Genetic link to heartburn

Scientists have examined the condition which causes heartburn, known as acid reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Traditionally, the condition is linked to unhealthy living and a poor diet. The risk factors of heartburn are pregnancy, smoking, eating large meals, being overweight, bending a lot, wearing tight clothing around the waist. According to statistics, up to 20% of the population have symptoms of the condition every week.

The condition is caused by small amounts of acid from the stomach rising up into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, it does not have a protective lining. So when it is exposed to the acid, it can become inflamed and painful - leading to the sensation we call heartburn. But although heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, it is not the only problem. Regular sufferers are at increased risk of having cancer of the esophagus.

The researchers have found that our genes also play a significant role in determining the risk of developing the condition - one of the most common digestive disorders in the developed world. Dr Trudgill, one of the research team, stresses that environmental factors, such as bad diet, are still important. "People who have symptoms of acid reflux in their family should be even more careful about what they eat, or they may ultimately pay the price and end up with cancer." "There is no question that the symptoms are much worse if you put yourself in a horizontal position with a stomach full of food and fluid so the best way to treat it is not to go to bed right after meals."

Decide if the statement are true (T) or false (F). Correct the false ones.

1) Both the stomach and the esophagus are protected from the acid.

2) Heavy people are at higher risk of having heartburn.

3) Heartburn and acid reflux are synonyms.

4) One fifth of population has heartburn quite often.

5) Environmental factors play the most important role in determining the risk of having heartburn.

 

Answer the questions.

1) What is heartburn? Is it a common condition?

2) Why is it necessary to study heartburn?

3) What was the aim of the study the article tells about?

4) What did the study reveal?