Stomach Health Article

Peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcers can occur in the stomach, although they are more likely to develop in the small intestine. Small lesions develop in the mucosal membrane, causing bleeding. Other symptoms include heartburn and indigestion. Researchers think that a bacterium (Helicobacter pylori) or heavy consumption of aspirin can cause this type of ulcer. Although peptic ulcer disease can occur in children, it usually affects people 20–50 years of age.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a malfunctioning sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, resulting in a release of chyme back into the esophagus. The esophagus cannot tolerate the acidic nature of the chyme. Consequently, the acid causes a burning sensation called "heartburn." Generally, taking antacids after meals or medications to reduce acid secretion can relieve GERD. Severe cases may require surgery.

Cancer of the stomach

Cancer of the stomach affects about 24,000 people in the United States each year. It occurs most often in adults over 55; it is more common in men than in women, and more common in African Americans than in Caucasians. Stomach cancer may develop in any part of the stomach and metastasize (spread) to other parts of the digestive tract or to such distant organs as the ovaries or lungs. The early symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and nonspecific, which means that they can be caused by a range of other health problems. A definite diagnosis of stomach cancer requires a series of laboratory tests and a biopsy of a tissue sample obtained by an instrument called a gastroscope.

The most common treatment for stomach cancer is surgical removal of part or all of the stomach. This procedure is called a gastrectomy. Patients with stomach cancer may also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.

KEY TERMS

Antrum—The lower portion of the stomach near the pyloric sphincter.

Chyme—The mass of semiliquid, partially digested food found in the stomach.

Fundus—The upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus.

Gastrin—A hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.

Gastritis—Inflammation of the stomach.

Gastroenteritis—Inflammation of the stomach and the intestines.

Lumen—The hollow inside a tubular organ such as the digestive tract.

Pepsin—An enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins in the presence of hydrochloric acid.

Peristalsis—Muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Retropulsion—A process in which muscular contractions push food that has entered the duodenum backward into the stomach. Retropulsion helps to mix the chyme with gastric juices, and to break large lumps of food into smaller pieces.

Rugae—Ridges or folds in the mucosal and submucosal layers of tissue in the wall of the stomach.

Sphincter—A circular band of muscle that encircles an orifice of the body or one of its hollow organs, such as the digestive tract.

BOOKS

Brandt, Lawrence, J. Clinical Practice of Gastroenterology, vol. 1. Philadelphia: Current Medicine, Inc. 1999.

Cahill, Matthew. Professional Guide to Diseases, 6th ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 1998.

"Gastrointestinal Disorders." Section 3 in The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Smolin, Lori A., PhD. Nutrition Science and Applications, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders College Publishing, 2000.

Vander, Arthur. Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function, 7th ed. New York: WBC McGraw-Hill, 1998.

ORGANIZATIONS

American College of Gastroenterology. 4900 B South 31st Street, Arlington, VA 22206-1656. (703) 820-7400. Fax:(703) 931-4520. <http://www.acg.gi.org>.

American Gastroenterological Association. 7910 Woodmont Avenue, 7th Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 654-2055. Fax: (301) 652-3890. <http://www.gastro.org>.

National Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Communications. 31 Center Drive, MSC 2580, Bethesda, MD 20892-2580. (800) 4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). TTY: (800) 332-8615. <http://www.nci.nih.gov>.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892. (301) 654-3810 or (800) 891-5389.

OTHER

National Institutes of Health Publication No. 94-1554. What You Need to Know About Stomach Cancer. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, 2000. Can be downloaded from <http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov>.

Sally C. McFarlane-Parrott