Stomach Disorders - Overview

The stomach takes in food, mixes it with liquid and acid, and passes it along to the small intestine, where absorption takes place. While stomach aches may be common, many digestive problems are complex, with subtle symptoms that can make a diagnosis difficult.
 

The stomach lining proves quite durable as we toss spicy food and alcohol into it. However, too much of these treats, plus other factors like smoking, infections, and disease, can cause the lining to become irritated and inflamed. Such problems with the stomach lining may lead to symptoms or complications.
 

Sometimes, the miseries of childhood accompany us into adulthood. Cyclic vomiting is an under diagnosed syndrome impacting the young and middle-aged primarily. This disabling disorder brings severe vomiting in waves with periods of normal digestion in between.
 

A bacterium, called Helicobacter pylori, is a frequent cause of stomach ulcers. It is believed that the shape and movement of the bacteria enables it to dig into the mucus lining of the stomach. With the lining damaged, acid is no longer neutralized by the mucus, making the lining vulnerable. Acid can then cause a sore, or ulcer. A dull, gnawing pain when the stomach is empty could signify an ulcer. Antibiotics and other medications help to control and heal the condition.

H. pylori can also be a factor in stomach cancer. While the UAB Division of Gastroenterology can diagnose this condition, surgery can be necessary and other treatments such as chemotherapy may be needed from Oncologists. With this difficult to cure cancer, early diagnosis is critical.

Diseases and Conditions We Treat:

•  Stomach disorders
•  Bloating
•  Cyclic vomiting syndrome
•  Dyspepsia
•  Feeding disorders
•  Gas
•  Gastritis
•  Gastric varices
•  Gastroparesis
•  Helicobacter pylori
•  Malnutrition
•  Upper abdominal pain
•  Ulcers
•  Tumors of the GI tract
•  Carcinoid tumors
•  Desmoid tumors
•  Duodenal cancer
•  Esophagel tumors-benign and malignant
•  Gastric (stomach) cancer
•  GIST
•  Lymphoma of the GI tract
•  Neuroendocrine tumors
•  Polyps
•  Gastric (stomach) cancer

Treatments

•  Lifestyle changes
•  Medications
•  Surgery