Stomach Diseases: An Overview

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Stomach, being part of the alimentary system, plays a great role in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients and helps get rid of waste. Although it performs this important duty, stomach diseases are prevalent due to vulnerability to many. Stomach diseases, ranging from indigestion to serious diseases like stomach cancer, require knowledge and awareness to recognize their common symptoms in order to be identified early enough.

1.Gastritis

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which is a result of infection, excess alcohol intake, some specific drugs (such as NSAIDs), and stress. Gastritis has acute and chronic forms. Acute gastritis develops suddenly and causes pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Long-term complications of chronic gastritis include ulcers and internal bleeding. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that is commonly found to cause gastritis, which has associated links to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This usually happens when the lower esophageal sphincter, which usually prevents the acid from flowing backward, becomes weak or relaxes at inappropriate times. Some common symptoms of GERD are heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in the mouth. Left untreated, GERD can cause esophageal ulcers, scarring, and in extreme cases, esophageal cancer.

3. Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are an ulceration of the lining inside the stomach, small intestine, or even the esophagus. Generally, it is caused by a failure of the balance of digestive acids and the protective lining inside the stomach. The most common cause is infection with H. pylori bacteria, but long-term usage of NSAIDs and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to the formation of an ulcer. Symptoms include a burning pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion. Severe peptic ulcers may lead to bleeding or perforation of the stomach lining, necessitating urgent medical attention.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

While IBS is mainly known to affect the intestines, it also leads to stomach discomfort. IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal disorder; this simply means that it has issues with the way the digestive system works rather than structural problems. Common symptoms include bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, although stress, diet, and changes in gut bacteria have been considered factors. IBS is known to have a quality life impact for the sufferer, but in most cases, the condition can be controlled by dietary changes, stress management, and medication.

5. Stomach Cancer

It is a malignant tumor that originates in the lining of the stomach and is referred to as gastric cancer. Stomach cancer is one of the most dangerous and the hardest stomach diseases to be diagnosed because, in most cases, the symptoms are apparent only when the cancer has already spread. Some risk factors include family history of stomach cancer, infection with H. pylori, smoking, and diet that includes salty, smoked, or pickled foods. Early signs may include indigestion, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If caught in the later stages, the prognosis is quite poor, as the treatment options 

that exist are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

6. Celiac Disease

It is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to the small intestine upon the intake of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) by triggering an immune reaction against that part of the small intestine. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss may ensue, followed by nutritional malabsorption, leading to severe malnutrition and failure of growth and development if not treated appropriately. The only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Diseases in the stomach can vary from mildly discomforting to very lethal. The management of such diseases depends on how early they are detected and treated. A healthy diet and exercise can help avoid many diseases of the stomach, whereas avoidance of alcohol and smoking also helps prevent several such diseases. In case one has a persistent pain in the stomach or has some digestion issues, then it becomes very essential to consult a physician to get the right kind of diagnosis and treatment done.