Gastrointestinal disorders of spaceflight

Overview

• Although all of the common conditions related to abdominal pain can occur in space some of the more common conditions include the list below.

• Due to microgravity, there is elevation of the diaphragm, an increase in hepatic, splenic, and renal volumes. Traditional diseases palpated by anatomic location will differ due to elevation of anatomic structures such as the appendix.

Common Conditions

• Gastritis
• Esophagitis
• Constipation
• Gastroenteritis