Understanding Stomach Disorders

Stomach problems are an all too common facet of modern day living. Most of us at some time during our lifetime experience the discomfort of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, that are associated with a wide range of common stomach disorders. Stomach problems range from mild stomach upset and indigestion to more troublesome conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, not to mention the odd bout of debilitating gastroenteritis. With irregular eating schedules, travel, work stresses and the escalation of food disorders, it's no surprise that our stomachs pay the price.
Now, fascinating research has shown that some people are more susceptible than others to stomach problems; that our driven contemporary lifestyles may aggravate existing problems and, in some cases, may even trigger the onset of certain stomach disorders. We overeat, we eat too quickly, we consume too much alcohol, we smoke, we become over-stressed, and our stomachs begin to rebel!
Other studies have identified a link between the side effects of taking medication for the treatment of other conditions and the occurrence of gastrointestinal disease. Gastric surgery is a common culprit shown in studies to be an underlying cause of delayed gastric emptying.
The good news is that most of the symptoms of common stomach problems are treatableif such research continues to reap benefits. Participation in current clinical trials, therefore, offers real hope through research.

Digestion: How a Healthy Stomach Works

Digestion begins when you chew your food. Chewing releases saliva, which helps the food move smoothly from the esophagus to the stomach and begins the digestion of carbohydrates. Even at this early stage of the digestion process, if you don't chew your food slowly, problems can begin when the undigested food reaches your stomach.
When the food reaches your stomach, it is broken down by a combination of muscular contractions, called peristalsis, and a cocktail of chemicals. A healthy stomach produces sufficient levels of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, including pepsin, that ensure that the food is properly digested.
Stomach problems can arise, however, if the protective mucus lining becomes damaged, or if the stomach produces too much acid.
From the stomach, the partially digested food passes into the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine. Food that has been thoroughly digested should have a thin liquid consistency when it leaves the stomach.
This section is divided into multiple articles, covering topics such as peptic ulcer and upset stomach.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r
Keep reading

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c
Keep reading