Stomach Disease
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Stomach is an organ between your esophagus and small intestine. It is where digestion of protein begins. The stomach has three tasks. It stores swallowed food. It mixes the food with stomach acids. Then it sends the mixture on to the small intestine. How long this process takes depends on the foods you eat and how well your stomach muscles function. Certain foods, like carbohydrates, pass through quickly, while proteins remain longer. Fats take the most time to process.
Symptoms that may occur along with stomach problems
Stomach problems may accompany other symptoms affecting the digestive system including:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
- Belching
- Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
- Changes in bowel movements
- Constipation
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Gas
What causes stomach problems?
Stomach problems often originate in the digestive tract, although they can be due to disorders of the circulatory system, urinary tract, reproductive system, respiratory system, nervous system, or body wall.
Stomach problems may be caused by conditions of the digestive tract including:
- Bacterial, parasitic or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage)
- Diverticulitis (inflammation of an abnormal pocket in the colon)
- Food intolerance such as lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products)
- Gallbladder disease or stones
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
When to See a Doctor?
If you ever have sudden and severe stomach pain, seek immediate medical treatment. Other symptoms that warrant getting medical attention right away include:
- Chest pain
- Vomiting up blood or dark-colored flecks
- Having black, maroon, or bloody stools
- Severe and/or persistent constipation
- New-onset pain or swelling around an abdominal hernia site