The stomach is located between the esophagus and the small intestine. It is the place where proteins are digested. The stomach has three primary functions: storing the food that one swallows, amalgamating the food with stomach acids, and transferring the mixture to the small intestine. Since the stomach serves so many essential functions, it is prone to suffer from certain disorders.

Some of the stomach conditions like heartburn and indigestion are very common among most people.

Stomach conditions and their treatment

Gastritis
Gastritis is referred to as the stomach condition where the stomach lining suffers from inflammation. While chronic gastritis occurs at a slow pace, acute gastritis attacks the stomach suddenly. According to a report published by a renowned clinic, 8 out of 1,000 people show symptoms of acute gastritis, and 2 out of 10, 000 people suffer from chronic gastritis at some point in their lives. Some common signs of gastritis are nausea, indigestion, appetite loss, bloating, and hiccups. It is largely caused because of stress, chronic vomiting, viral or bacterial infections, excessive alcohol consumption, pernicious anemia, or auto-immune diseases.

Treatment for gastritis

• If gastritis is caused due to H.pylori infection, one will be given a couple of antibiotics along with a medication that blocks the entry of acid to their stomach.
• B12 vitamin shots are recommended for gastritis. These are known to arise from pernicious anemia.

Peptic ulcer

One can get to know if they are suffering from peptic ulcer when the stomach lining breaks down. An ulcer that travels across the stomach and reaches up to its lining is referred to as a perforation. When that happens, one must consult a doctor immediately. Some of the common symptoms of peptic ulcers include the inability to consume liquid, frequent hunger pangs, fatigue, chest pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. If one has been undergoing radiation treatment for a particular disease, they will be susceptible to peptic ulcers.

Treatment for peptic ulcer

• Mild peptic ulcers heal automatically. Nevertheless, one must consult a doctor because if they do not heal completely, they may resurface later on.
• Medications like cytoprotective agents help protect the stomach lining and the small intestine so that the peptic ulcer heals completely.

Hiatal hernia

There is a space in the muscle wall which serves as a barrier between the abdomen and the chest. If the stomach reaches the portion of one’s chest, finding its way through this gap, then it is a sign that one is suffering from hiatal hernia. There is a similar kind of stomach condition called paraesophageal hernia. It is not as common as hiatal hernia, but if one is diagnosed with it, it can result in blood supply to the stomach being cut off. Some of the symptoms of hiatal hernia include bloating of stomach and feeling a sense of bitterness in the throat.

Treatment options for hiatal hernia

• Consult a doctor and seek medication for heartburn and pain in the stomach
• Try and maintain a healthy and stable weight
• Avoid the consumption of oily or spicy food items.