All about Stomach

ALL ABOUT STOMACH: by Sarah Zulfiqar



A distinctive shape structure: Stomach is a tiny organ between the digestive tube (esophagus) and convoluted tube (intestine),


most important role in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates by using its naturally produced acids like HCL.

Functions of Stomach:
Three functions are done by the stomach.

·         It stores swallowed food.

·         It mixes the food with stomach acids.

·         It sends the mixture on to the small intestine.

 When do you need to visit a physician? 

A person has to visit a doctor if he has any of the following:

·         Blood when you have a bowel movement.

·         Severe abdominal pain.

·         Heartburn when not relieved by antacids.

·         Unintended weight loss.

·         Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.

Many people suffer problems with their stomach usually because of junk food, red meat or else. Indigestion and heartburn are common problems. A person can relieve some stomach problems with medications and by changing lifestyle, such as avoiding fatty foods or eating slowly. Other problems like peptic ulcers or GERD needs medical care.

Stomach Disorders:

1. Heartburn normally involves a “burning feeling or sensation rising up from the center of the abdomen area and into the chest under the breastbone or sternum," says Michael Gold, a gastroenterologist at Med Star Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.
   Drugs:

Treatment includes drugs that reduce acid levels, such as the PPIs i.e. Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid,
H2 blockers Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. But taking medication is not without risk.
In chronic cases of GERD, surgeons can tighten a loose muscle between the esophagus and stomach to hamper the upward flow of acid.

2. When a person feels unexplained stomach pain, this is Ulcer for sure. What rank and file do, take NSAIDS or aspirin to reduce pain. These medicines worsen the condition and don't help.
If it remains untreated, ulcers can cause internal bleeding and may create a hole in the small intestine or within stomach wall, which can result in serious infection. Ulcer scar tissue can also produce obstacles in the digestive tract. And long-term H. pylori infection has been connected to an increased risk of stomach cancer. 10-14 days antibiotic treatment, often combined with acid reduction therapy, can remove H. pylori.
Surgery is an option for more severe cases. Research done in 2008 in the World Journal of Surgery proved that “laparoscopic repair should be considered for all patients with perforated ulcers.”

  Natural Remedies to treat stomach problems:

o   Drink aloe Vera juice, it soothes the burning sensation.

o   Ginger tea gives aid in digestion and reduces stress.

o   Caraway and licorice are herbs that can be used in heartburn.

o   Arabic gum can also be used to treat it.

o   Increased salivation neutralizes stomach acidity because saliva is basic in nature.

o   The patient can increase saliva by chewing gums, or sucking on lozenges.

  Dont's in Stomach Problems:

 ·         Stop drinking soft drinks.

 ·         Eat less red meat.

·         Eat less processed carbohydrates.

·         Reduce intake of black tea and coffee, instead of it take green tea.

·         Eat plain unsweetened yogurt.

·         Intake of alcohol should be less.

·         Eat fruits and vegetables.

·         Keep aspirin away.

·         Do physical exercise to burn fats and edible products

·         Get better sleep.

                                                                             Sarah Zulfiqar

                                                                          Department of Physiotherapy

                                                                          G.C University,Faisalabad.

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