Stomach Disorders Surge in Indonesia: Dr. Dion Urges Healthy Living to Prevent Gastrointestinal Diseases

🖋️ Writer: Lukius | Contributor: Dr. Dion
✍️ Editor: Kenzo | Aswinnews.com – Sharp, Accurate, and Trusted

JOMBANG, Aswinnews.com — Stomach-related disorders have become one of the most prevalent health issues in Indonesia, affecting a significant portion of the population across major cities. According to data from the Ministry of Health in 2016, the prevalence of digestive diseases reached 31.2% in Surabaya, 46% in Denpasar, and 50% in Jakarta.

This concern was highlighted by Dr. Christian Dion Saelan, MARS., Sp.PD, FINASIM during a health seminar organized by the Diabetes Mellitus Club at Mojowarno Christian Hospital on Saturday (August 2, 2025). The event, held at the Dr. Soejadmoko Auditorium, drew over 50 participants.

“The most common digestive disorders include gastritis, GERD, gastric ulcers, and functional dyspepsia,” Dr. Dion explained during his presentation.

Dr. Dion emphasized that poor dietary habits—such as irregular eating times, excessive consumption of spicy, oily, and acidic foods—as well as lifestyle factors like coffee, soda, alcohol intake, smoking, high stress levels, and certain medications, significantly contribute to the rise in stomach problems.

He elaborated on the four most frequent stomach-related disorders:

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol use, stress, or long-term use of NSAIDs. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter. Common symptoms are heartburn, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and chronic cough.
• Gastric Ulcer: A sore in the stomach lining, characterized by epigastric pain, vomiting blood, and tar-colored stools.
• Functional Dyspepsia: A digestive condition with no visible abnormalities in the digestive tract, but with symptoms such as stomach discomfort, pain, nausea, and bloating.

“To accurately diagnose these conditions, doctors typically recommend further medical tests including blood analysis, abdominal ultrasound, gastric endoscopy, and other evaluations,” he noted.

Dr. Dion also stressed the importance of a dual approach in treatment—a combination of medications such as antacids, sucralfate, domperidone, antidepressants, and digestive enzymes—paired with meaningful lifestyle changes.

“Avoiding stress, getting enough sleep, maintaining regular meals, exercising, and spiritual practices like worship and prayer can significantly help reduce the risk of stomach problems,” Dr. Dion advised.

The seminar concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, reflecting the participants’ enthusiasm. Many attendees expressed hope that Mojowarno Hospital would continue to host similar educational forums to enhance community health literacy.

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