The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen. The stomach receives food from the esophagus. The stomach also secretes acid and enzymes that digest food. The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve that opens to allow food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine.

Gastritis: Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach that may have a variety of causes. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, and gas.

Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition that reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its contents, but there is no obstruction. The cause of gastroparesis is unknown, but it may be caused by a disruption of nerve signals to the stomach. The condition is a common complication of diabetes and can be a complication of some surgeries. Symptoms include: abdominal distension, hypoglycemia (in people with diabetes), nausea, premature abdominal fullness after meals, weight loss, and vomiting. EGD is a common test used to diagnose gastroparesis.

Helicobacter pylori infection: H. pylori infection occurs when a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects your stomach, usually during childhood. H. pylori bacteria can be passed through direct contact with saliva, vomit or fecal matter. H. pylori can also be spread through contaminated food or water. A common cause of peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection is present in about half the people in the world.

Most people with H. pylori infection will never have any signs or symptoms. When signs or symptoms do occur with H. pylori infection, they may include: an ache or burning pain in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, frequent burping, bloating, and weight loss. More severe symptoms include: severe or persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, bloody or black tarry stools, bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Complications associated with H. pylori infection include: A) Ulcers: H. pylori can damage the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine. This can allow stomach acid to create an ulcer. B) Inflammation of the stomach lining: H. pylori infection can irritate your stomach, causing gastritis. C) Stomach cancer: H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.

Common tools for detection of H. pylori are blood and stool tests. In addition, your gastroenterologist may perform an upper endoscopy to view any irregularities in your upper digestive tract and remove tissue samples via biopsy. These samples are analyzed for H. pylori infection.

Ulcer: Ulcer is a condition in which an open sore is present in some portion of the GI tract. Ulcers are frequently found in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the upper small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Some ulcers heal by themselves while others require treatment. Several factors are believed to contribute to ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, including a germ called Helicobacter pylori and use of aspirin or aspirin-like medications, such as ibuprofen. Diagnosis may require lab tests, x-rays or procedures such as an EGD.