Overview

Stomach conditions range from mild indigestion to serious diseases like gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach cancer. The stomach plays a central role in digestion, producing acid and enzymes to break down food.

Key Facts

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid and enzymes such as pepsin to digest proteins. H. pylori infection is the most common cause of gastritis and ulcers. Stomach cancer ranks among the top five most common cancers globally.

Causes

Common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term NSAID use, excessive alcohol, smoking, poor diet (spicy/processed foods), stress, family history, autoimmune gastritis, and exposure to carcinogens like smoked foods and nitrates.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include stomach pain, burning sensation (especially between meals), bloating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, black or bloody stools, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include H. pylori infection, smoking, excessive alcohol, long-term NSAID use, obesity, low-fiber/high-salt diet, age over 50, family history of ulcers or stomach cancer, and previous stomach surgery.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve endoscopy with biopsy, blood tests for H. pylori, urea breath test, stool antigen test, upper GI series (X-ray with contrast), and imaging scans (CT/MRI) in suspected cancer cases.

Prevention

Prevention includes limiting NSAID and alcohol use, quitting smoking, treating H. pylori promptly, eating a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding very salty and smoked foods, managing stress, and maintaining healthy weight.

Celebs Affected

Actor Robert De Niro and singer George Harrison both battled stomach-related conditions, with Harrison ultimately succumbing to stomach cancer.

Specialist to Visit

Gastroenterologists handle most stomach disorders. Oncologists treat stomach cancers, while dietitians help in managing nutritional needs for chronic stomach conditions.

Treatment

• Gastritis/ulcers: Antibiotics for H. pylori, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, and avoiding triggers.
• GERD: Lifestyle modifications, PPIs, H2 blockers, sometimes surgery.
• Stomach cancer: Surgery (gastrectomy), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative care.

Home-Care

Patients should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, eat smaller frequent meals, maintain hydration, sleep with head elevated (for reflux), reduce stress, and follow a high-fiber, antioxidant-rich diet.

Complications

Untreated stomach issues can cause internal bleeding, perforation, anemia, severe dehydration, strictures, or stomach cancer. Chronic reflux may also lead to Barrett’s esophagus and increase risk of esophageal cancer.

Alternative Therapies

Supportive approaches include probiotics (yogurt, kefir), ginger, chamomile tea, licorice root (DGL), stress management (yoga, meditation), and acupuncture for pain relief. Always use alongside medical care.

Living with

Living with chronic stomach conditions requires careful diet planning, stress reduction, regular check-ups, compliance with medications, and lifestyle changes. Support groups can help in coping with long-term conditions.

FAQs