Bloating, stomach pain, stomach discomfort? 6 common stomach ailments and their symptoms.

Many Hong Kong residents experience high levels of stress, often feeling tense and overworking, which can easily lead to indigestion, stomach pain, and other stomach problems. Many people believe that painkillers can solve the problem, and while painkillers do provide short-term relief, prolonged stress can worsen stomach conditions. There are many common stomach ailments, including gastritis, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Let's take a look at the symptoms of these stomach diseases and how to prevent them.

Common types of stomach diseases 1: Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa and is the most common disease of the stomach. Gastritis can be divided into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. Acute gastritis is usually caused by unclean food, drug irritation, alcohol abuse, etc., while chronic gastritis is mostly caused by repeated attacks of acute gastritis or long-term untreated gastritis.

Symptoms of gastritis:

• upper abdominal discomfort/pain
• nausea
• Vomit
• diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Common types of stomach diseases, part 2: Gastric ulcer

A gastric ulcer is a localized defect in the gastric mucosa, a type of peptic ulcer that allows stomach acid to directly contact the stomach wall, leading to ulceration. The most common cause of gastric ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection; according to data from the Hong Kong Department of Health¹, approximately 70 to 75% of gastric ulcers are related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Other causes include medication use, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and steroids; prolonged exposure to high pressure; or serious illnesses such as burns.

Symptoms of gastric ulcer:

• upper abdominal discomfort
• indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Hiccups or feeling bloated
• chest discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

Common stomach ailment type 3: Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or chyme flows back into the esophagus and even the mouth. It is often caused by factors such as relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, and stomach diseases. Certain lifestyle habits, such as eating too quickly or too much, or sleeping immediately after eating, can also lead to acid reflux.

Symptoms of acid reflux:

• Burning chest
• Acid reflux
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of something stuck in the throat
• hiccups
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain or discomfort

Common types of stomach diseases, number 4: Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is the 6th most common cancer in Hong Kong, with 1,306 new cases reported in 2021². Early symptoms of stomach cancer are often subtle. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo thorough examinations including blood tests, gastroscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and stomach X-rays.

Stomach cancer symptoms:

• stomachache
• Sudden weight loss
• Persistent indigestion
• Persistent loss of appetite
• lower abdominal swelling
• Frequent bloating after meals

Common stomach diseases, type 5: Esophageal cancer

According to data, Hong Kong sees approximately 400 new cases of esophageal cancer each year, with men having a higher risk than women³. The esophagus, located behind the throat and chest cavity, connects the pharynx and stomach, and is the passageway for food to enter the stomach for digestion. Esophageal cancer occurs due to cancerous changes in esophageal cells and is one of the most common cancers of the digestive tract.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer:

• Swallowing began to become difficult
• weight loss
• Feeling discomfort/bloating in the chest and abdomen while eating
• Food reflux into the mouth

Common stomach diseases type 6: Helicobacter pylori infection

When discussing stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori is also mentioned. Helicobacter pylori usually resides in the pylorus of the stomach (the junction between the stomach and duodenum). Long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori can easily lead to gastritis, stomach ulcers, and other conditions.

Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection:

• Abdominal pain or burning sensation
• Stomach pain is common on an empty stomach.
• Frequent hiccups
• bloating
• sudden weight loss

How to prevent stomach problems?

1. Develop good eating habits : The stomach plays a vital role in digestion, so we should pay attention to food hygiene and avoid overeating. When choosing foods, eat less spicy, stimulating, greasy, and raw/cold foods.
2. Healthy lifestyle habits : Regular sleep patterns and avoiding staying up late can better regulate physical condition and stress. At the same time, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can also protect the stomach from acute gastritis.
3. Regular physical checkups are essential: Stomach problems are common, but with proper prevention, the risk can be significantly reduced. If you experience any stomach discomfort, seek medical attention promptly. Regular gastroscopy can monitor the health of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, allowing for earlier detection and prevention of these stomach ailments.

Hong Kong Renhe Medical Examination Centre has launched a " Gastroscopy " program to promote preventative medicine. The gastroscopy confirms the normal functioning of the digestive system and effectively detects early signs of gastritis, gastric ulcers, and stomach cancer. The entire examination takes only about 2 hours. After the report is generated, a registered Western medicine doctor will explain the report, making it quick and professional.

No matter how busy you are with work, don't forget to take care of yourself. Hong Kong Renhe Medical Examination Center offers one-stop medical and health management services with multiple check-up programs, allowing you to understand your health even when you're busy, truly making prevention better than cure!

¹ Hong Kong Department of Health - Peptic Ulcer
² ^, ³ Hong Kong Cancer Centre - Top 10 Common Cancers in Hong Kong in 2021