Diseases of the Stomach
There are multiple diseases of the stomach and esophagus that will lead a patient to seek emergent care, including peptic ulcer disease (PUD), esophagitis, dysphagia, esophageal foreign bodies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hemorrhage and perforation are major emergencies in peptic ulcer disease and esophageal disease requiring early recognition with immediate resuscitative efforts to stabilize. This review covers the risk factors, pathophysiology, assessment and stabilization, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for patients with diseases of the stomach and esophagus. Figures show illustrations of esophageal anatomy, an algorithm for the evaluation of dysphagia, the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers, and radiographs demonstrating an esophageal button battery and pneumoperitoneum caused by a perforated ulcer. Tables list some common causes of esophageal stricture and pill-induced esophagitis, differential diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease and commonly used regimens to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection. Key Words: Peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, dysphagia, esophageal foreign body, GERD, H. Pylori, button battery