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Home » Stomach » Diseases

Stomach Diseases

The Stomach is an important organ in the Human Digestive System . The alimentary canal or the human digestive tract starts at the mouth and ends in the rectum. Food taken in by the mouth undergoes several stages of digestion in the alimentary canal. The stomach lies between the esophagus and the pancreas. The second stage in digestion takes place here. The food in broken into smaller components in the stomach so they can now be absorbed by the intestines. Howere, the stomach is prone to a number of diseases. These are :


Gasteroesphageal reflux disease also known as GERD is one of the Stomach Diseases which people are often seen to be complaining about. This is one of the Stomach Diseases in which the lower esophageal sphincter gradually starts losing its elasticity. This has a fatal result on the constitution of a person.

The valves of the stomach which help in enclosing the food within the stomach lose their capacity to hold back the food any more. The food from the stomach starts leaking back into the esophagus. The channel which helps in transporting the food into the stomach so that the next stage of digestion can take place. However, the food leaks back into the esophagus. Therefore, a reflux takes place into the esophagus. This is one of the diseases which takes place in the stomach.

The Lower Esophageal Sphincter is tiny muscle shaped like a ring found deep down in the tube. It acts like a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus carries out the important function of carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. The stomach plays an important role in the digestion of food. Thus stomach related diseases need instant attention.

Heartburns are an important symptom of this disorder. There is a characteristic burning sensation in the chest. It effects the muscles of the esophagus. This results in swallowing becoming a strain for the patient. The patient suffers from recurrent chest pain. It also effects the functioning of the voice box located near the esophagus. Consequently the voice starts sounding strained and hoarse. The patient complains of a constant pain in the ears too.

However, the problem needs to nipped in the bud. Otherwise it can take serious proportions. Other complications can start setting in. This can result in a stricture formation, Barrets esophagus, esophageal ulcers or it can even lead up to cancer plain and simple.

However, the good news is there is treatment available. It is best achieved by certain modifications brought about in lifestyle. Physicians suggest non- pharmaceutical treatment. They suggest some some necessary steps which a patient is expected to take to curtail the growing symptoms of the disease.

These are avoiding the intake of any food for at least a period of two hours. The patient is advised not to lie down soon after the consumption of a meal. They are also administered the necessary pills and treatment. Keeping the bed elevated is highly suggested.

A functional disorder can set into the stomach leading up to cancer. Cancer can strike the stomach and we can take the necessary precautions against it. It is estimated that there have been times when stomach cancer has claimed up to a one million lives in a year. When cancer strikes the stomach it gradually engulfs the entire organ. It can gradually spread to the neighboring organs like the esophagus and the small intestine. This is one of the most fatal of the all the Stomach Diseases .

Once diagnosed the doctor prescribes treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation, multi- modality therapy and even surgery. Therefore always be vigilant with the stomach and see that you do not interfere in its smooth functioning. If signs of any stomach related disorders start showing up immediately take a physicians help.