Essay On Stomach Aches

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Problem Definition
Gastrointestinal disorders affect 35% - 75% of individuals throughout their life-time, from various causes including biological, social and psychological (Suarez, 2010).
The stomach is one of the organs in the gastrointestinal tract which can be linked to various aches and pains. Many causes of stomach aches can be easily diagnosed, and do not pose long term threats or problems (Melinda Ratini, 2013). Stomach aches stem from three main causes - emotions, viruses or bacteria.
Background
The stomach is a muscular pouch located beneath the diaphragm, with the principal function of storing food before it is released into the small intestine (Thompson, 2013). Along with food storage, the stomach is also responsible for beginning the digestion of protein and triglycerides (Tortora & Derrickson, 2009). It is composed of five layers, including the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa and an extra coat of oblique muscle (Walker, 2014). Within the mucosa layer of the stomach, gastric glands are formed. These glands secrete gastrin, a significant secretion which impacts stomach functions (Walker, 2014). Gastrin stimulates parietal and chief cells, resulting in the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsinogen. Gastrin also contracts the lower esophageal sphincter, eases the pyloric sphincter and enhances motility within the stomach (Tortora & Derrickson, 2009). The oblique muscle gives the stomach the ability to contract rapidly for the purpose of digesting food (Thompson, 2013). The stomach is responsible for processing food to be further digested, while the abdominal muscles work to process food and mix it with gastric liquid, resulting in the formation of chyme (Thompson, 2013). Chyme is then secreted, conta...

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...rovider must initiate a series of tests and assessments. This will begin with a physical exam, along with discussion about the various symptoms, subjective feelings, lifestyle activities, severity and onset of pain (Melinda Ratini, 2013). Depending on the proposed diagnoses, further tests such as blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds can then be ordered (Larissa Hirsh, 2014). This will often indicate if the chief concern is a bacterial and viral infection. If the stomach ache is suspected to be resulting from emotional problems, it may be recommended to see a therapist to ease stress and therefore resolve the initial causes (Larissa Hirsh, 2014). Treatment for stomach pain varies depending on the cause, such as medications for inflammation and antibiotics for infections. In extreme cases of stomach ache, surgery may be necessary to rid the pain (Melinda Ratini, 2013).

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