Visualization of your stomach

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by MSc Duong Xuan Loc - Gastroenterologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 12 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist.
The stomach is a squeezing organ located in the left midline of the upper abdomen. When food reaches the end of the esophagus, it enters the stomach through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach secretes acids and enzymes that digest food. The stomach muscles contract periodically, stirring up food to enhance digestion. The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve that opens to allow food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine.

1. Diseases related to the stomach

Gastroesophageal reflux: Stomach acids can move back up the esophagus. This disease may have no symptoms, or it may only cause heartburn or a cough. Indigestion : Another name for stomach upset or indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by most benign or serious conditions that affect the stomach. Stomach ulcers: Erosion of the lining of the stomach, often causing pain or bleeding. Stomach ulcers are usually caused by an infection with H. pylori. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach, often causing nausea or pain. Gastritis can be caused by alcohol, certain medications, H. pylori infection, or other factors. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES): One or more tumors secrete hormones that lead to increased acid production. Severe GERD and peptic ulcer disease are caused by this rare disorder.

Stomach varices: In people with severe liver disease, veins in the stomach can swell and bulge under increased pressure. So-called varicose veins, these veins carry a high risk of bleeding, although less so than esophageal varices. Stomach bleeding: Gastritis, an ulcer, or stomach cancer can bleed. Seeing blood or black matter in vomit or stool is usually a sign of illness. Gastroparesis: Nerve damage from diabetes or other conditions can weaken stomach contractions. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.

2. Stomach tests

Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD): A flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth. Endoscopy allows examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the stomach and abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging: Using a magnetic field, the scanner creates high-resolution images of the stomach and abdomen. pH test: Using a tube through the nose into the esophagus, the acid levels in the esophagus can be monitored. This can help diagnose or change treatment for GERD.

Barium swallow: After barium is swallowed, X-ray films of the esophagus and stomach are taken. This can sometimes diagnose ulcers or other problems. Upper GI series: X-rays are taken of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The gastric emptying study: A test of how quickly food passes through the stomach. Food is labeled with chemicals and viewed on a scanner. Stomach biopsy: During an endoscopy, your doctor may take a small piece of stomach tissue for testing. This can diagnose H. pylori infection, cancer, or other problems. H. pylori testing: While most people infected with H. pylori do not develop ulcers, a simple blood or stool test may be done to check for infection in people with ulcers or to verify that an infection is present. was cleared after treatment.

3. Treatment of stomach diseases

Histamine (H2) blockers: Histamine increases gastric acid secretion; Blocking histamine can reduce acid production and GERD symptoms. Proton Inhibitors: These drugs directly inhibit the acids in the stomach. Antacids: These medications can help counteract the effects of the acid but do not kill the bacteria or stop acid production. Endoscopy: During an upper endoscopy, tools on the endoscope can sometimes stop bleeding, if present. Stomach surgery: Cases of severe stomach bleeding, ruptured ulcers, or cancer require surgery to be cured. Antibiotics: H. pylori infection can be cured with antibiotics, which are taken with other medicines to heal the stomach. As soon as the signs of gastroesophageal reflux appear, you should go to the gastroenterology medical facilities for timely examination, advice and treatment.

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Source: webmd.com