Problem DefinitionGastrointestinal disorders affect 35-75% of individuals throughout their lives, for a variety of causes, including biological, social and psychological (Suarez, 2010) .The stomach is one of the organs in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be linked to various pains. Many causes of stomach upset can be easily diagnosed and do not pose long-term threats or problems (Melinda Ratini, 2013). Stomach upset comes from three main causes: emotions, viruses or bacteria. Background The stomach is a muscular sac located below the diaphragm, whose main function is to store food before it is released into the stomach. small intestine (Thompson, 2013). Besides storing food, the stomach is also responsible for beginning the digestion of proteins and triglycerides (Tortora & Derrickson, 2009). It is made up of five layers, including the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa, and an additional layer of oblique muscle (Walker, 2014). Gastric glands form in the mucous layer of the stomach. These glands secrete gastrin, an important secretion that impacts the functions of the stomach (Walker, 2014). Gastrin stimulates parietal and principal cells, resulting in the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsinogen. Gastrin also contracts the lower esophageal sphincter, relieves the pyloric sphincter, and improves motility in the stomach (Tortora and Derrickson, 2009). The oblique muscle gives the stomach the ability to contract quickly in an effort to digest food (Thompson, 2013). The stomach is responsible for processing food to be digested further, while the abdominal muscles work on processing food and mixing it with stomach fluid, resulting in the formation of chyme (Thompson, 2013). The chyme is then secreted, conta...... middle of paper ...... the supplier must initiate a series of tests and evaluations. This will begin with a physical examination, accompanied by a discussion of various symptoms, subjective feelings, lifestyle activities, severity and onset of pain (Melinda Ratini, 2013). Depending on the proposed diagnoses, additional examinations such as blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds may then be ordered (Larissa Hirsh, 2014). This will often indicate whether the main concern is a bacterial or viral infection. If it is suspected that stomach aches are the result of emotional issues, it may be recommended to see a therapist to alleviate stress and thus resolve the initial causes (Larissa Hirsh, 2014). Treatment for stomach pain varies depending on the cause, such as medications for inflammation and antibiotics for infections. In extreme cases of stomach upset, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain (Melinda Ratini, 2013).