{"id":418,"date":"2017-06-01T06:53:46","date_gmt":"2017-06-01T06:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=418"},"modified":"2021-03-10T17:31:38","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T17:31:38","slug":"20-causes-stomach-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/20-causes-stomach-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Causes of Stomach Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Taking care of our health can sometimes be difficult. We are constantly told that if we notice anything unusual about the way we feel, that we should go and see a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n

But if we do that, we\u2019re often left feeling like fools for wasting their time. When we go because we have a mild headache, indigestion or cramp, it\u2019s certainly embarrassing and it can make us reluctant to go unless we know for certain that we have a serious cause for concern.<\/p>\n

Knowing when that\u2019s the case is hard too though. After all, there are some symptoms that seem to crop up all the time and that can point top anything from something minor and harmless to something very severe and dangerous.<\/p>\n

Stomach pain is just one example of this. There are countless things that can cause stomach pain and countless different illnesses and conditions that can cause the problem. And without knowing what our stomach pain is trying to tell us, we have no way of knowing whether it is worth a trip to the doctor or how we should go about dealing with it ourselves.<\/p>\n

Should you wait it out and see if it feels better in the morning? Should you take an antacid? Or should you call the hospital?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at 21 common causes of stomach pain and see if any of them hold the answer to your complaint\u2026<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Cramp<\/h3>\n

Many of us associate cramp with something we get in our legs or feet. We also tend to think it comes after exercise.<\/p>\n

Actually though, cramp can come at any time and there are many different things that can trigger it. The abdominal muscles are also an area that can suffer from cramp and if you feel your stomach seemingly \u2018spasming\u2019 and the pain is very sharp, then cramp becomes a likely culprit. The pain tends to be blinding and you are left grasping but it should pass quickly.<\/p>\n

To prevent this happening often, try increasing your intake of electrolytes such as potassium<\/a> and sodium. Drink plenty too.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Stitch<\/h3>\n

Similar to cramp<\/a> but somewhat different is stitch. This is often felt after running and interestingly, it\u2019s not entirely certain what causes it. However, we do know of a number of different ways you can treat a stitch.<\/p>\n

One common one is simply to grab and hold the area in your fist. Another option is to attempt to kiss your own knee, in this case the bending motion that you make should help to reduce the pain.<\/p>\n

Stitch only tends to occur during intense exercise or perhaps when you\u2019re walking quickly. Take a rest and it should subside quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Bruise<\/h3>\n

This might seem like an overly simplistic answer but that is actually why a lot of people will miss it as a potential option. Just like any other area, stomach pain can be the result of a blunt-force impact.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been punched in the gut, if you\u2019ve fallen on something, or if you\u2019ve taken a football to the area, then you might find that the muscle and flesh on the surface get bruised<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more is that it actually is possible to experience internal bruising as the result of a strong enough impact. This is one to consider if you engage in a lot of sports in particular.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Gallstones<\/h3>\n

Gallstones<\/a> can be the cause of stomach pain. These are stones that form in the gallbladder, which in turn is a small sac that is located just beneath the liver and which disgorges bile over time to digest fat.<\/p>\n

These stones lead to swelling and may also block the duct into the intestine, which is what causes the pain. You may notice that the pain is most considerable following fatty meals, in which case you may feel contractions.<\/p>\n

Movement can also exacerbate the issue. If you think this is the cause, then seeing your doctor is the best solution.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Over-Full<\/h3>\n

Sometimes there\u2019s a very simple explanation for your stomach pain<\/a>: you\u2019ve eaten too much! This can cause the stomach to become over-full, which in turn makes it uncomfortable as it stretches and moves around when you do.<\/p>\n

You might even notice yourself feeling out of breath, overly tired or regurgitating food. The best solution to this is to sit down for a while and let the food digest.<\/p>\n

In future, try chewing your food more. This will not only slow you down and make you less likely to over-eat in future, but it will also help you to keep the food you do consume in smaller shapes so that you feel less bloated afterward.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0DOMS<\/h3>\n

DOMS is \u2018Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness\u2019. This is a condition that is characterized by pain the muscles, so in this case it would be pain in the abdominals.<\/p>\n

This is caused by exercise and exertion and is what makes muscles hurt after a weight lifting session. You might not expect to feel DOMS in the abs seeing as we do not \u2018weight lift\u2019 with our stomach. However, if you have done a lot of sit-ups and crunches during a workout<\/a> it can be the cause of the problem.<\/p>\n

More likely, you might feel DOMS after spending time doing something that works the abs without realizing it. For example, if you\u2019ve been playing with the kids at the playground then you\u2019d be surprised how much you hurt the next day from the monkey bars!<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Muscle Tear<\/h3>\n

Just as you can feel pain from the small amount of damage in the stomach<\/a> caused from sit-ups, you can also feel much more severe pain if you actually tear the abdominal muscle. This is possible as a result of any overly swift or violent movement, especially one that involves bending down.<\/p>\n

The best treatment for this is to rest and use a cold compress which should heal the pain over time. You might also notice some swelling as a result of the tear and possibly bruising.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Food Poisoning<\/h3>\n

Food poisoning can cause a host of different symptoms including sweating, vomiting and serious stomach pain as the body tries to eliminate the bacteria from the food you ate. Nearly anything can cause food poisoning: from poorly cooked chicken to a bad sushi to a store-bought sandwich.<\/p>\n

If you notice that you are feeling sick and unwell after a meal and you are vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea<\/a>, then you should consider seeing your doctor quickly as food poisoning can actually be very dangerous.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Alcohol<\/h3>\n

Alcohol is a toxin and if you drink too much of it, then you will unwell the next day. This includes causing stomach pain as the body tries once again to expel the substance from the body. If you\u2019ve had too much to drink, then one of the best hangover cures is to consume a banana and honey sandwich.<\/p>\n

Bread will line the stomach wall and absorb the alcohol. The honey<\/a> meanwhile neutralize the damaging by-products created by the alcohol, while the banana will give you more energy and potassium to prevent cramps and make you feel more human!<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Pancreatitis<\/h3>\n

Pancreatitis<\/a> is inflammation of the pancreas. This results in a burning pain that is specifically felt in the upper or middle abdomen. It can also sometimes cause shooting pains that travel through to the back. You might find that lying forward or lying on your back can help to reduce the discomfort and make it more of a dull ache rather than a sharp pain.<\/p>\n

This is also caused by too much alcohol, so if you notice this happening to you a lot, it might be time to start drinking a little less and a little less often! Usually this condition requires hospitalization so this is one you should flag up to your GP.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Wind<\/h3>\n

Wind is basically trapped air which can cause feelings of bloating<\/a> and of course results in flatulence and belching.<\/p>\n

The problem with wind is that many people don\u2019t recognize it for what it is. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for people going to their doctor when actually they have nothing serious wrong with them. The problem is that the wind is trapped and so you might not actually experience any of the flatulence or the belching you expect to go with it!<\/p>\n

Eat more slowly, keep your mouth closed when you chew and try to avoid fizzy drinks or foods that cause a lot of methane. You might want to reassess whether or not you should consume dairy products \u2013 trapped gas and bloating is actually one of the most common side effects of a lactose intolerance.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0IBS<\/h3>\n

IBS is irritable bowel syndrome. As the name suggests, the key area that is affected here is the bowel but it is also responsible for stomach pain in many cases. You might find that IBS is more common after you have just eaten and it might cause you to experience diarrhoea as well in sudden bouts.<\/p>\n

IBS is closely linked with chronic fatigue<\/a> syndrome which causes tiredness and lack of energy. If you notice that you often get stomach pain from eating and especially if you also feel tired often, IBS might be responsible.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Stomach Infection<\/h3>\n

It is possible to get an infection in the stomach lining which leads to pain, inflammation and discomfort in the rea. This can also cause a number of other symptoms such as a fever, low energy, vomiting and heartburn<\/a>. If you think you might have a stomach infection, then there is a chance that you should see your doctor about getting antibiotics to aid with recovery.<\/p>\n

Note that antibiotics are also harsh on the stomach though as they kill the beneficial bacteria that live there and which help to prevent infections in the first place. This is why it\u2019s very important to consume a probiotic or a yogurt after and during a course of antibiotics.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0GERD<\/h3>\n

GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is caused by a valve that separates the stomach from the oesophagus<\/a> and prevents stomach acid from splashing upward becoming weak. When this happens a burning pain can be felt in the upper stomach and lower chest.<\/p>\n

In fact, regular heart burn and indigestion can also be felt in the stomach and this is very easy to get mixed up. Try taking an antacid or a medication such as Gaviscon. If this helps., try to eat more slowly in future.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Premenstrual Cramps<\/h3>\n

Women who experience serious stomach pain around once a month know precisely what is to blame. Premenstrual cramps are a common cause of stomach pain that is very severe and can be debilitating. It\u2019s a good idea to use some kind of warm compress<\/a> to provide some kind of relief and taking a warm bath can also be helpful.<\/p>\n

Just because PMS is common and regular does not mean that severe pain should be tolerated. If you find this is frequent and it interferes with your quality of life, speak with your doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Medications<\/h3>\n

Stomach pain is a common side effect of a great many different medications. One of the main reasons for this is that a medication may be \u2018caustic\u2019. Other medications actually slow the stomach\u2019s ability to empty itself and this in turn can lead to pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n

This is particularly common for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen<\/a>. If you experience regular stomach pain and you\u2019re on medications, then you should ask your GP whether they are linked and they may be able to suggest an alternative treatment for your condition.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0Diverticulitis<\/h3>\n

Diverticulitis<\/a> is inflammation of the diverticula. These are pockets that line the intestines, including the colon. When these become inflamed or obstructed by foreign material it can cause a cramping sensation in the lower abdomen. In some cases, this condition can be effectively treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n

In other cases, high fiber diets have been shown to be effective. It\u2019s a good idea to treat this condition quickly no matter the cause, as it can lead to abscesses, bleeding, perforations and other complications requiring the need for surgery.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. \u00a0Constipation<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s never a nice one to think about, but stomach pain can simply be caused by constipation. Constipation<\/a> itself is often a symptoms of other things, which very commonly can be as simple as dehydration. When faeces becomes dehydrated, it is no longer able to move as easily through the intestines and this means it can get stuck.<\/p>\n

Drinking plenty of fluids should be the first and best port of call for combating constipation. If that doesn\u2019t work, look into consuming natural or over-the-counter diuretics.<\/p>\n

\"\"19. \u00a0Allergy<\/h3>\n

An allergic<\/a>\u00a0reaction occurs when the body mistakenly believes that something you\u2019ve eaten or come into contact with is a toxin. Seeing as the things we eat go into the stomach, this can often result in stomach pain as the immune system causes inflammation in the area to try and drive it out. This can then lead to stomach pain then, as well as a range of other things such as fever, rapid breathing or a rash.<\/p>\n

In some cases, you might not have a full blown allergy but rather an intolerance. We\u2019ve already seen that a lactose intolerance can cause bloating and stomach pain and the same is also true for a gluten intolerance.<\/p>\n

\"\"20. \u00a0Thyroid Problems<\/h3>\n

The thyroid gland<\/a> is located in the neck but can have far reaching side effects when it stops functioning properly. These include pain in the stomach which can be a result of hormones being released that influence the function of the digestive tract.<\/p>\n

Hyperthyroidism is caused when the thyroid produces too much of its hormones and this causes stomach pain (cramps) and diarrhoea among other things.<\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism meanwhile is when the thyroid is underactive and doesn\u2019t produce enough. This can cause constipation and gas.<\/p>\n

\"\"Conclusion<\/h3>\n

As you can see, there are many things that cause stomach pain which range from the harmless such as gas and eating too much, to the chronic to the severe. We haven\u2019t even mentioned some of the more dangerous causes such as cancer<\/a> \u2013 although normally these will present with other more serious side effects such as blood in the stool.<\/p>\n

Most of the harmless causes of stomach pain though you should notice will quickly subside and they tend to be sharper. So if yours do not go away on their own after a day or two, speak with your doctor. Likewise, be on the look out for other more serious symptoms.<\/p>\n\r\n

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