Stomach: Overview
The stomach is a J-shaped organ which plays an important part in the human digestive system. Food passed from the mouth is stored in the stomach for digestion. The stomach basically serves as a melting bowl where food is broken down into its components by enzymes and stomach acids. These are then passed to the small and large intestines for absorption. Contrary to popular belief, absorption of nutrients is not done in the stomach but in the small and large intestines.
Major Functions of the Stomach:
- Storage
- Mixing
- Physical breakdown
- Chemical Breakdown
The stomach has a capacity of about a liter but can easily store up to one and a half liters of food. It takes around 4 to 6 seconds for the food in your mouth to enter the stomach. Here the food stays for another 2 to 4 hours before it is passed to the small intestines for absorption.
What is Gastritis?
The word Gastritis comes from two words, “gastro” referring to the stomach and “itis” a suffix usually used in medical conditions meaning inflammation. Simply put, gastritis is a medical condition wherein the stomach is inflamed. The areas affected by this medical condition are the linings of the stomach. Gastritis can be classified into chronic or long term, and acute or sudden in onset.
Below are some of the common causes of Gastritis:
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
Gastric symptoms depend on how long it has been present. Gastritis is often asymptomatic or does not show any symptoms. Symptoms associated with acute gastritis are pain felt in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Chronic gastritis symptoms include dull pain, loss of appetite and a feeling of fullness after light meals.
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Belching
- Feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Stomach cramping
- Indigestion
Treating and Managing Gastritis
The main goal for treating gastritis is to eliminate the underlying causes of the disease. It is recommended for patients suffering from acute gastritis to refrain from alcohol and eating until symptoms subside. For patients suffering from chronic or long term gastritis; diet modification, rest, stress reduction and drug therapy are the major means of treatment.
Maintaining a proper diet is very important for patients suffering from gastritis. The stomach is a very important organ in the human digestive system. The body needs energy and nutrients in order to function properly.
Prognosis for patients suffering from gastritis is good. Gastritis is often asymptomatic and cases of acute gastritis are common and disappear with simple management. Chronic gastritis, however, when left untreated leads to life-threatening complications and medical attention should be consulted immediately.
Written by Ronald Uy, RN
© 2009 Hemorrhoid Infotmation Center
Sources:
Gastritis. Retrieved Sept 25, 2009 from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC): http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
Gastritis. Retrieved Sept 25, 2009 from eMedicineHealth: http://www.emedicinehealth.com
Gastritis. Retrieved Sept 25, 2009 from Jackson/ Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: http://www.gicare.com
Gastritis. Retrieved Sept 25, 2009 from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com
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