Stomach complaints

What are stomach complaints?

Stomach complaints are problems in the upper abdomen due to irritation or inflammation in the stomach lining or reflux symptoms (heartburn). Heartburn (reflux) is discussed as a separate condition below.


Irritation of the lining of the stomach may have various causes, including excessive eating, or food that is too greasy or very spicy. Large amounts of coffee or alcohol stimulate the production of stomach acid that irritates the lining of the stomach. Some medicines, and painkillers (NSAIDs) in particular, can damage the lining of the stomach. Smoking can also have the same effect. Stress can play a role in stomach complaints. 278


An inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) is usually caused by a type of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. It may cause the inflammation of the lining of the stomach, although it does not always do so.


A stomach ulcer (ulcer ventriculi) or a duodenal ulcer (ulcus duoudeni) is almost always caused by Helicobacter pylori, which is probably transmitted from human to human by mouth or by hands infected with faeces. Poor sanitary conditions therefore exacerbate the risk.

 

What are the associated complaints?

Many people suffer occasionally from their stomach. This feeling may be unpleasant but it is not necessarily harmful and it usually resolves spontaneously. Not everyone with Helicobacter pylori in their stomach will develop symptoms. However, severe irritation, the inflammation of the stomach lining or a stomach ulcer will be accompanied by stomach ache, flatulence, a bloated feeling and nausea. The symptoms will often manifest themselves at the same time.


People with intellectual disabilities sometimes find it impossible to communicate pain, a bloated feeling or nausea. The people around them may then notice only a change in behaviour.

 

How common are stomach complaints in the general population?

Stomach complaints are common in general practice. Stomach-ache is seen in 1.9% of people in general practice annually. 278

 

The following diagnoses are made in people with stomach complaints who are referred for gastroscopy: 278

 

  • 20 to 25% have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or oesophagitis (stomach acid that rises and burns in the oesophagus or inflammation of the oesophagus);
  • 5% have an ulcer; in the last 20 years, the number of new cases of stomach and duodenal ulcers has fallen sharply;
  • functional stomach complaints (in other words, complaints but no abnormalities) are seen in 60 to 70%;
  • carcinomas (malignant tumours) of the stomach and oesophagus are rare (less than 1% of the referred patients).

 

The presence of the Helicobacter pylori in the stomach increases with age. The prevalence rate in adults and young adults is 16%, rising to 48% in older people. 279

 

How common are stomach complaints in people with intellectual disabilities?

It is not known how often stomach complaints occur in people with intellectual disabilities.

 

Helicobacter pylori is very common. A prevalence rate of 50% has already been found in children with intellectual disabilities who do not live in an institution. 549


The prevalence rate was found to be 82.8% in Dutch adults living in an institution. 280


Predictive factors for Helicobacter pylori were: living in an institution for a longer period of time, an IQ of less than 50, regurgitation and upper abdominal complaints. 280


In addition, people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to see Helicobacter pylori return a number of years after being treated.

Older studies found a prevalence rate of 5.4% for ulcers in the lining of the stomach and/or duodenum. 551 The prevalence rate has probably fallen since the increase in the administration of medication to protect the stomach in people with intellectual disabilities. 550

1.9% to 48% General population
Not known for people with intellectual disabilities

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