The stomach is an important organ that plays a vital role in digestion. Sometimes, the stomach may become paralyzed and not digest well. In some instances, parts of the stomach can enlarge. Also, stomach cells can also grow rapidly and cause further havoc on the digestive system. Usually, disorders of the stomach can be treated.
Gastroparesis
The American College of Gastroenterology says that gastroparesis is "gastric paralysis." Here, the stomach muscles do not move and food cannot move from the stomach to the intestines.
Specific symptoms of gastroparesis include stomach distention, nausea, unintentional weight loss and vomiting. Sometimes, people with gastroparesis get full easily.
Gastroparesis can be due to diabetes, endocrine disorders, infections, autoimmune conditions and radiation treatment. Sometimes, surgeries and certain medications such as narcotics, antidepressants and calcium channel blockers can lead to gastroparesis.
Treating gastroparesis involves taking such medications as metoclopramide, domperidone, erythromycin and cisapride can be taken to manage this condition. Surgery and electric stimulation of the stomach can be used can be used to treat gastroparesis.
Menetrier Disease
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that Menetrier disease is a condition in which the stomach folds (rugae) get larger. The large rugae actually secrete more mucus which allows more protein to enter the stomach. Because of this, decreased amounts of protein exist in the blood (hypoproteinemia). Also, decreased levels of stomach acid are produced.
Symptoms of Menetrier disease include frequent vomiting, nausea, excruciating pain in the middle of the stomach, diarrhea and anemia. Other symptoms of this disease include a poor appetite and swelling of the stomach, feet, limbs and face.
The specific cause of Menetrier disease is unknown.
Medications can be used to manage nausea and pain. Sometimes, the anticancer medication cetuximab may be used to manage Menetrier disease.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer refers to a type of cancer that begins in the stomach. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of gastric cancer include stomach pain, dark stools, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue. Other symptoms of gastric cancer include trouble swallowing, unintentional weight loss, stomach fullness and vomiting blood.
Risk factors for developing gastric cancer include a history of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, smoking and a gastric polyp.
Treating gastric cancer involves surgically removing part of the stomach. Other treatments of gastric cancer involve radiation and chemotherapy.
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