A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine). Although less common, it can occur in the lower esophagus (in the event of acid reflux) or even extend as far as the jejunum or ileum of the small intestine (in cases of a Meckel diverticulum). Duodenal ulcers are more common than stomach ulcers and in most cases there is a solitary (single) ulcer.

A peptic ulcer appears as a round to oval punched-out sore in the lining. The bases of the ulcer is smooth and underlying tissue or even blood vessels may be visible upon an upper GI endoscopy. Most peptic ulcers are small shallow ulcers measuring less than 3mm (millimeters) in diameter. Deeper ulcers tend to be large, often over 6mm in diameter.

continue reading What is a Peptic Ulcer? Symptoms and Treatment

Stomach gas bloating or gas accumulation within the bowels after eating a meal may be due to a number of factors, some of which are related to disease processes. Gas in the gut is produced as a result of air swallowing, gas intake in carbonated drinks, byproduct of chemical digestion and the action of bacteria in the gut. In most people who suffer with stomach bloating, the enlargement is visible anywhere between 20 or 30 minutes to an hour after eating. However, there are cases where eating leads to stomach bloating immediately after the meal.

continue reading Stomach Bloating After Eating, Immediately After Meals, Food

Infants, both breastfed and bottle fed, have a tendency to regurgitate milk for various reasons, many of which are not due to any disease process. This effortless regurgitation or spitting up of milk is known as possetting. With vomiting, the regurgitated contents are pushed out with force. A list of causes of vomiting in infants and toddlers is discussed under Baby Vomiting.

In cases where the vomiting is persistent or recurrent and accompanied by other problems like the inability to gain weight and thrive, listlessness, fever, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or signs of dehydration needs to be investigated and managed by a medical professional.

continue reading Babies Vomit After Feeding, with Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain

Abdominal distension (enlargement of the abdomen) is most commonly due to one of the following :

• Fat
• Fluid
• Feces
• Flatus
• Fetus

Bloating that is transient and may come on suddenly and pass just as quickly is more likely due to gas accumulation within the gut. While fluid may also cause bloating, often the term ‘bloat’ is associated with gas while abdominal swelling is attributed to fluid accumulation (ascites).

continue reading Abdominal Bloating Causes and Conditions

Normal Stomach Noises

Noises within the stomach and bowels are a normal part of gastrointestinal physiology. Most of the time these noises are inaudible to the human ear but when hungry or after eating, bowel sounds may be audible to the person or even others in the near vicinity. This is not abnormal. However loud and excessive bowel sounds (audible and hyperactive) should be investigated, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by other signs and symptoms.

Stomach noises may be described as growling, gurgling or even rumbling. All these noises are medically known as borborygmi (singular ~ borborygmus). Despite the descriptive terms attributed to the various types of stomach noises, it is difficult to isolate the exact cause behind each type of sound. In most cases, the sounds are so similar that these terms are used interchangeably.

The reasons for the various stomach and bowel noises are due to :

• movement of food and chyme through the alimentary tract as the muscle contractions of the gastrointestinal wall pushes it through the gut as well as churning and breaking it down to aid with digestion
• stomach gas and intestinal gas, which is produced by chemical digestion and bacterial action
• indigestible foods and hard substances within the gut

continue reading Stomach Noises – Causes of Loud Growling, Gurgling, Rumbling