Sensation of emptiness in the stomach: causes to consider

The stomach It stands out precisely because it is the main organ of digestion, thus becoming the largest part of our digestive system. Presents the form of a kind of elastic bag, which has the ability to increase or decrease in size depending on the amount of food it contains. In regard to its shape, appearance and structure, it has two openings: one of them communicates with the esophagus and it is precisely where the food we eat enters (cordias); while another of these openings conducts these foods to the intestines once they have been digested (pylorus).

Its main function is to digest the food we consume. In fact, it mixes, dissolves and stores the food we eat after staying in the stomach for the necessary time, forming a kind of porridge known as cinchona that will eventually pass into the small intestine little by little. In turn, the stomach has a very hard mucous lining that fulfills a basic function: to protect it from gastric juices, an important use since otherwise it would digest itself.

But sometimes this coating wears out and the digestive juices tend to irritate the stomach lining. In turn, certain Conditions and disorders of the stomach which, among many other symptoms, can result in the appearance of having the feeling that we have an empty stomach. Knowing what causes can cause this symptom is very useful, especially for those who suffer habitually and do not know why it arises.

What are the causes that cause the feeling of having an empty stomach?

Although it tends to relate the feeling of having an empty stomach to only when we are hungry and have not eaten for a few hours (for example, being at work or school or following a diet that leads us to eat less quantities of food and space them throughout the day), the truth is that in reality we are faced with a common symptom in certain conditions, disorders and diseases that affect the stomach.

Peptic ulcer

When there is a peptic ulcer in the stomach usually the feeling of having an empty stomach usually arises, sign that is felt especially between 1 to 3 hours after meals. This ulcer is formed when the lining that protects the stomach or small intestine against strong gastric acid in the stomach ruptures, causing erosion.

Actually have the feeling of empty stomach is not the only symptom, being common that other signs also occur as the following: feeling of fullness especially when drinking liquid, abdominal pain that can get to wake up at night while we sleep, weight loss , fatigue, discomfort that is located both in the upper part and in the central part of the abdomen, mild nausea and black and sticky or bloody stools.

On the other hand, there are a number of factors that can influence the formation of peptic ulcers: the most common is due to infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. They also appear as a result of having regularly taken certain medications (acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or naproxen), abusive consumption of caffeine and / or alcohol, stress and anxiety or follow a diet low in fiber.

Gastritis

The gastritis It is also a common cause to have the feeling of always being on an empty stomach. Basically consists of irritation and inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is the layer that lines the stomach inside and protects it precisely from the tremendous acidity of the different gastric juices.

Its causes are equally varied, and as with peptic ulcer, it is also influenced by Helicobacter pylori infection or nervous and emotional stresses that cause excessive stress and anxiety (this is what is traditionally known as gastritis nervosa). In turn, there are other causes: regular consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, abusive alcohol consumption ...

In addition to having the feeling of an empty stomach, other symptoms also appear, such as burning in the mouth of the stomach (at the beginning), pain and discomfort, gas in the form of belching, nausea, vomiting and the presence of blood in the stool. or in the vomit. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesGastrointestinal disorders

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