Gastric Diseases

Gastroduodenum (stomach and beginning of small intestine) is part of upper digestive tract which allows initial churning of food, mixing with acid / bile / pancreatic juices, forming chyme, absorbing water and micronutrients like iron, calcium and some vitamins. This part can be affected by variety of problems.

What are Gastroduodenal diseases?

Group of diseases ranging from inflammation to cancer and perforation to bleeding can affect the initial part of digestive tract. Most common are gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Cancer is uncommon but very serious issue.

What are the types of gastroduodenal diseases?

Gastritis:

is an inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This lining protects the stomach from the digestive juices that break down food. When the lining becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori):

is a type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. It is a common infection, and most people who have it do not have any symptoms. However, H. pylori can irritate the stomach lining and lead to gastritis and ulcers.

Ulcer:

is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Ulcers are often caused by H. pylori infection or by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Peptic perforation:

is a hole that forms in the stomach or duodenum. It is a serious medical condition that can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms of peptic perforation include sudden and severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

A peptic stricture :

is a narrowing of the stomach or duodenum. It can be caused by ulcers, scar tissue, or inflammation. Symptoms of peptic stricture include nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

Cancer:

is a disease that causes cells to grow uncontrollably. Stomach cancer is a cancer that starts in the stomach. The risk of stomach cancer increases with age and with a history of gastritis or ulcers. Symptoms of stomach cancer include nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, and weight loss.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs):

are a rare type of cancer that can form in the stomach or intestines.

Lymphomas:

are cancers that start in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma can affect the stomach, although this is not common.

Gastric outlet obstruction :

is a blockage that prevents food from leaving the stomach. It can be caused by ulcers, scar tissue, or tumors. Symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction include nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

Hemorrhage :

is bleeding. Gastric hemorrhage is bleeding from the stomach. It can be caused by ulcers, gastritis, or cancer. Symptoms of gastric hemorrhage include vomiting blood or blood in the stool.

Gastroparesis :

is weakness of stomach muscles to pump the food forward causing stagnation of food and gastric juices.