The stomach is the main organ of digestion, hence the importance of getting to know it a little better and paying it due attention.

For this reason, it is important to take proper care of this organ with a healthy lifestyle, avoiding very heavy and fatty meals, as well as eating slowly and calmly. The stomach has three fundamental functions for digestion: it receives food from the mouth and esophagus, mixes the food with gastric acids, and directs the resulting mixture to the small intestine.

Many of us often suffer from stomach problems without this fact becoming a real concern for our health. But do you know which stomach upsets are most common? Here we show you all of them!

Our priority is to inform you about the main symptoms so that if at any time you manifest any of these, you can immediately identify the problem and go to your nearest doctor.

HEARTBURN

This is the stomach disorder par excellence and is that … who has not suffered at some point that feeling of heartburn or stomach heaviness for one reason or another? Heartburn appears as a burning sensation in the upper part of the stomach that can be really unpleasant. Fortunately, however, it is a minor ailment that usually subsides within a few days simply by controlling the food we eat and incorporating healthy behavioural patterns into our daily lives. So although it’s annoying, heartburn is easy to combat and without resorting to drugs!

DYSPEPSIA

Dyspepsia is a digestive condition that usually manifests itself after meals in the form of gas, stomach heaviness, nausea and swelling of the abdomen. Although there is no clear cause for this condition, it is believed that excessive intake of food or certain medications may trigger this problem. On the other hand, stressful situations or nervous disturbances can also be a risk factor.

In general and as with heartburn, dyspepsia is a mild condition that does not present major complications so that the patient can recover by following proper dietary guidelines.

GASTRITIS

Gastritis is one of those diseases that almost everyone experiences in their lifetime, but why is it so common?

Gastritis is nothing more than the inflammation of the walls of the stomach that is irritated by causes as diverse as the abusive consumption of alcohol, “aggressive” food for the stomach (spicy, condiments, sauces…) or because of certain moods – which are elements that almost all people affect us at one time or another-.

Although its symptoms are similar to those described in the two previous cases, the truth is that the severity of this condition is usually greater, although this will also depend on the type of gastritis we suffer from (acute, chronic, nervous…).

Therefore, its treatment is much more specific and in severe cases medication is required for a prolonged period of time. Either way, recovery is usually quick and effective if you eat the right foods.

GASTRIC ULCER

A gastric ulcer can be defined simply as a small perforation in the stomach that is caused by a tear in part of the stomach lining. Its origin is usually explained by the infection of the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori that usually lives inside the stomach of some people. Although a priori the symptoms may be mistaken for a mild stomach condition, in extreme cases the patient may experience severe symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting with the presence of blood and severe chest pain, among others.

Since this is a more dangerous disease, treatment includes medication in addition to a healthy diet. In extreme cases, surgery is the only solution available.

STOMACH CANCER

Along with breast cancer, stomach cancer is the most common malignant tumour in our society today and its symptoms are much more extensive than those described above, as well as being much more serious.

Among the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and weight loss. The symptoms are sometimes so mild that it is difficult to diagnose, which is why many people live with the disease for a long time without knowing that they actually have this type of cancer. Late diagnosis makes it difficult to provide adequate treatment for recovery, however in the early stages, surgery is usually performed after chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Since some of these disorders show quite similar symptomatology, you should see your doctor if you meet any of the conditions described above. Only a doctor can give you the right diagnosis and therefore the right treatment to overcome your stomach problem.