Stomach pain is one of the most common digestive complaints. It can be both acute and chronic, which, like other symptoms, allows you to determine the source of discomfort.
Although this is a fairly common symptom, we should not underestimate it, as it can indicate inflammation of the mucous membrane and even ulcers. Pain is a response to tissue damage, it stimulates reactions that are aimed at restoring its optimal state. It alerts and protects our body at the same time.
Characteristic stomach pain
Stomach pain is located in the mid-abdominal region, specifically above the navel, which makes it easy to track and recognize. It may be associated with inflammation of the mucosa as well as developing ulceration. As long as the gastric mucosa is intact, hydrochloric acid does not irritate the nerve endings, so there is always a specific cause behind stomach pain. In general, ulcers and inflammation are related to the excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other preparations that can be purchased without a prescription. The leading sources of pain are cigarettes, alcohol, consuming too much coffee, as well as preservatives or fried foods. Helicobacter pylori infection and stress can also be to blame.
While stomach pain is related to inflammation or peptic ulcer disease, it is usually temporary. It attacks after feeling hungry and immediately after eating food. It is also possible at night.
Stomach pain may be accompanied by:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- lack of appetite
- losing weight.
However, if stomach pain persists for many months, it can disrupt our social and professional plans, and even prevent normal functioning. Chronic pain always causes anxiety. It should be an impulse for us to visit a doctor. Persistent stomach pain accompanies cancer. In the early stages of cancer, pain may be felt as a slight discomfort in the abdomen, so we should not underestimate it.
Along with stomach pain in cancer, there is:
- feeling of fullness in the belly,
- significant weight loss in a short period of time,
- weakness,
- low-grade fever.
Over time, bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract also occurs, which is manifested by tarry stools. Left untreated, the disease leads at a later stage to a decrease in the patency of the gastrointestinal lumen, which results from the progression of the neoplastic lesion. The consequence is profuse vomiting that accompanies even a small attempt to eat food, including liquids.
People diagnosed with gastric ulcer disease should take care of the condition of the mucous membranes, as they are particularly vulnerable to the development of this cancer.
Treatment
For occasional stomach pains, changing your eating habits and lifestyle can help. We should give up taking medications that irritate the mucous membranes, caffeine and other stimulants. An easily digestible diet that neutralizes hydrochloric acid may be helpful, it is recommended to use drugs that reduce gastric acidity in the short term. If this does not bring relief, and the pain is acute or chronic, it will be necessary to consult a doctor who will refer us for diagnostic tests.