What are some common stomach diseases?


Quick Answer

Some common stomach diseases are gastritis and hiatal hernia, according to Mayo Clinic and WebMD. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes through a hole in the diaphragm where the esophagus joins the stomach. Many people have hiatal hernias and are not aware of it.

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What are some common stomach diseases?
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Full Answer

Small hiatal hernias usually don't require treatment, according to Mayo Clinic. Large ones, however, might need to be repaired through surgery.

Gastritis is irritation, erosion, inflammation or infection of the stomach, according to WebMD. Gastritis can be chronic or acute. Its causes include persistent vomiting, the overuse of aspirin and other NSAIDs, heavy alcohol use, and stress. The Helicobacter pylori bacteria has also been cited as a cause of gastritis, as has pernicious anemia. This is a type of anemia that arises when the patient is deficient in vitamin B-12. Bile reflux and bacterial and viral infections can also lead to gastritis. Left untreated, gastritis puts a person at higher risk for stomach cancer and dangerous blood loss.

The symptoms of gastritis include hiccups, gnawing abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain and cramps, according to WebMD. The patient also experiences nausea and vomiting, with the vomit being bloody or resembling coffee grounds. The person can also pass stools that are black or tarry from digested blood.

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