Stomach diseases are a problem that affects people of all ages. It is worth knowing a few details about their symptoms and the structure and function of the organ itself.
The stomach is part of the digestive system that connects the esophagus with the duodenum. It acts as a reservoir for the ingested food and is responsible for the digestion of some of its ingredients. Pepsin, secreted by the cells of the gastric mucosa, breaks down proteins into shorter chains of amino acids. Produced hydrochloric acid lowers the pH of gastric juice, acting antibacterial. Most of the stomach is made of muscle tissue. The contractions of individual layers of these muscles break down the food and mix it with active substances.
The most common stomach diseases are peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pain and burning behind the breastbone, a sour taste in the mouth indicate reflux, while pain in the left hypochondrium and dark colored stools suggest ulcers. In the case of stomach ailments, you must always remember about the possibility of cancer development, so it is always worth consulting a doctor about any disturbing symptoms.
In the past, the treatment of peptic ulcer disease was partial or complete gastrectomy. Today, so many mutilating gastric surgeries are not performed anymore, but it is still of interest to surgeons. With the development of civilization, the number of obese people for whom gastric reduction surgery is sometimes the last resort and a chance to return to normal life has increased dramatically.
bow. med. Aleksandra Czachowska
The best gastroenterologist