Abdominal diseases related to the gastrointestinal system, such as the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, etc. These organs are important, and if abnormalities occur, they can cause problems in the digestive or excretory systems. If you notice symptoms of these diseases, you should see a doctor immediately.
Gallstones
Many people may think that gallstones are a distant disease, but if we do not take care of ourselves, gallstones can easily occur. Gallstones form in the gallbladder from cholesterol and bilirubin (a pigment in bile) crystallizing into lumps the size of sand grains or larger, blocking the bile ducts. People with gallstones experience severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back. Symptoms include bloating and fullness like indigestion, often after eating fatty foods. Some may experience nausea, vomiting, jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, and fever due to gallbladder inflammation. The most effective treatment is surgery to remove the gallstones from the gallbladder.
Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes from its normal position. You can observe hernia symptoms as a bulging lump under the skin in the lower abdomen or groin area. However, hernias can also occur in other areas such as the navel, diaphragm, above the navel, below the groin, abdominal muscles, or pelvic cavity. Hernias become more noticeable when coughing, sneezing, straining during bowel movements, or lifting heavy objects. Some hernias may become incarcerated, meaning they cannot be pushed back to their original position and remain stuck in one area for a long time, causing constant bulging of the skin. This can lead to intestinal obstruction, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting. If left untreated, the intestine may lose blood supply and become necrotic. Therefore, if you notice these symptoms and suspect a hernia, you should see a doctor promptly for treatment.
Appendicitis
The appendix is part of the large intestine and functions to produce microorganisms that aid digestion and stimulate the digestive system to work more efficiently. However, when the appendix becomes infected or blocked by hard stool or foreign objects such as tumors, it can become inflamed. Appendicitis causes abdominal pain that is initially hard to localize, lasting more than 6 hours. The pain then shifts to the lower right abdomen, becoming constant and cramping. Symptoms include low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes pain severe enough to prevent walking or cause bending over. If left untreated, the appendix may become infected, necrotic, and rupture, which can be fatal.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers occur from ingesting bacteria from unclean food, drinking water contaminated with bacteria, and other causes such as side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, celecoxib, etc., as well as stress that causes the stomach to produce excessive acid leading to ulcers. Smoking and alcohol also contribute. When you have a stomach ulcer, you will feel pain in the upper abdomen or under the sternum, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Although stomach ulcers can be treated with antacids and antibiotics if bacterial infection is present, if the ulcer is very large, unresponsive to medication, or if the stomach perforates, surgery is necessary.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer symptoms in the early stages may not clearly indicate cancer, but after some time, symptoms will appear related to bowel movements. If you notice blood mixed with stool, alternating diarrhea and constipation, or mucus with blood in the stool, you should see a doctor to investigate the cause. Early detection helps in faster treatment before the cancer spreads to other parts. Treatment for colon cancer includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove the cancer and any tissues suspected of cancer spread.
