Stomach is a vital organ in a human being. It is made up of muscles
and looks like a pear-shaped bag. It is elastic in nature - human
stomach changes it size and shape according to the position of the human
body and the amount of food present inside the stomach. The stomach of a
normal human being is about 12 inches long and 6 inches wide at its
widest point. The stomach plays a vital role in digesting the food we
eat. It also releases various enzymes and protects our lower intestine
from harmful organisms. It is located in the upper part of the abdomen
just below the left rib cage.
Common Stomach Disorders in Humans
- Gastritis
- Gastroparesis
- Cancers
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Dyspepsia
Causes of Common Stomach Diseases
Gastritis
- In the stomach there is a delicate balance between acid and the wall
lining which is protected by mucus. When this mucus lining is disrupted
for whatever reasons signs and symptoms of acidity result. This may
result in upper abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting and heartburn.
Gastroparesis - The stomach motility
disappears and food remains stagnant in the stomach. The most common
cause of gastroparesis is diabetes. It can also occur from a blockage at
the distal end of stomach, a cancer or a stroke. Symptoms of
gastroparesis includes abdominal pain, fullness, bloating, nausea,
vomiting after eating food, loss of appetite and feeling of fullness
after eating small amounts of food.
Cancer - Stomach cancers
usually occur due to fluctuations in acidity level. Symptoms are vague
which include abdominal fullness, weight loss and pain. The exact cause
of stomach cancer is not known but has been linked to infection with
H.pylori, pernicious anemia, Menetriere's disease and nitrogenous
preservatives in the food we consume.
Peptic Ulcer Disease - This
is commonly known as PUD. It is an ulcer on the gastrointestinal tract
which is acidic and hence very painful. Symptoms include abdominal pain,
bloating, waterbrash, nausea, loss of appetite resulting in loss of
weight etc.
Dyspepsia - Commonly known as indigestion or stomach
upset. It is a medical condition characterized by chronic or recurrent
pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full
earlier than expected when eating.
Treatments of Common Stomach Diseases
Most
stomach problems are linked to smoking and tobacco consumption; hence
the intake of tobacco (directly or through cigarettes) should be
stopped. Experts recommend a healthy diet consisting of fruits and
vegetables. One should avoid meat and diary products.
Endoscopy -
This procedure is performed as an outpatient and utilizes a small
flexible camera. The procedure does require intravenous sedation and
takes about 30-45 minutes; the endoscope is inserted via the mouth and
can visualize the entire swallowing tube, stomach and duodenum. The
procedure also allows the physician to obtain biopsy samples. In many
cases of bleeding, the surgeon can use the endoscope to treat the source
of bleeding with laser, clips or other injectable drugs.
