- Gastric diseases encompass a wide range of disorders that affect the stomach, impairing its ability to perform essential digestive and protective functions.
- These conditions can vary in severity, from mild inflammation to life-threatening malignancies. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in digestion.
- The underlying causes of gastric diseases can be multifactorial, involving infections, dietary habits, genetic predisposition, autoimmune reactions, and the use of certain medications.
- One of the most prevalent gastric diseases is gastritis, which refers to the inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This condition can be acute or chronic.
- Acute gastritis is often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, the use of NSAIDs, or infections such as Helicobacter pylori.
- Chronic gastritis may result from persistent infection with H. pylori, autoimmune disorders (such as autoimmune gastritis targeting parietal cells), or prolonged irritant exposure. Left untreated, chronic gastritis can lead to mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and an increased risk of gastric cancer.
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is another major form of gastric disorder, characterized by the formation of open sores in the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- It is strongly associated with H. pylori infection and the use of NSAIDs, which compromise the protective mucosal barrier and allow gastric acid to damage the underlying tissue.
- Symptoms typically include burning epigastric pain, especially when the stomach is empty.
- If complications such as bleeding, perforation, or obstruction occur, urgent medical intervention may be required.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), though primarily affecting the esophagus, also involves gastric function. It occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus due to lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. This can lead to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, and may result in esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or even esophageal cancer if chronic and untreated. In some cases, impaired gastric emptying or increased gastric pressure contributes to GERD.
- Gastric cancer is a serious and often late-diagnosed condition. The most common type, gastric adenocarcinoma, is frequently associated with chronic H. pylori infection, dietary factors (such as high salt intake and low fruit/vegetable consumption), smoking, and genetic predispositions. Gastric cancer develops through a multistep process involving chronic inflammation, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and finally carcinoma. Early detection is critical for effective treatment, but symptoms often remain vague until advanced stages.
- Other notable gastric diseases include functional dyspepsia, a condition marked by chronic upper abdominal discomfort without an identifiable structural cause; gastroparesis, where delayed gastric emptying occurs due to nerve or muscle dysfunction, often seen in diabetics; and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition involving gastrin-secreting tumors that cause excessive acid production and recurrent ulcers.
- Diagnosis of gastric diseases typically involves clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, endoscopy, and sometimes biopsy. Treatment varies depending on the underlying condition but may include acid suppression therapy (e.g., proton pump inhibitors), antibiotics (for H. pylori), dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
- In summary, gastric diseases are a diverse group of disorders that require careful clinical assessment and individualized management. Understanding their pathogenesis, risk factors, and potential complications is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
