Stomach disorders

Stomach disorders encompass a wide range of medical conditions that affect the stomach, an essential organ in the digestive system responsible for the initial digestion of food and the release of digestive enzymes. These disorders can range from mild to severe, impacting the quality of life and requiring varying levels of medical intervention.

Types of Stomach Disorders

Stomach disorders can be broadly categorized into several types, each with its own set of causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic Ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain. Peptic ulcers include: Gastric Ulcers (occur on the inside of the stomach) and Duodenal Ulcers (occur on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)).

Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. It can be caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which regulates the digestive system. Diabetes is a common cause of gastroparesis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, feeling full after eating only a small amount of food, and weight loss.

Stomach Cancer

Stomach Cancer, also known as gastric cancer, refers to cancer developing from the lining of the stomach. Early symptoms may include heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Later signs and symptoms may include weight loss, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and blood in the stool among others.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of stomach disorders typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include endoscopy, where a long, flexible tube with a camera is used to view the stomach, blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests such as CT scans.

Treatment varies widely depending on the specific disorder and its severity. It may include lifestyle changes, such as diet modification and stress management, medications to reduce or neutralize stomach acid, antibiotics to treat infections, and in severe cases, surgery.

Prevention

Preventive measures for stomach disorders include maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and avoiding the long-term use of NSAIDs without protective measures.