Stomach pains – causes, diagnosis, treatment. When to see a doctor?

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Stomach pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic areas. Stomach pain may be contractile, aching, dull, intermittent or sharp. The most common cause of pain is stomach ulcers (open wounds on the inner lining of the stomach). Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, gas, or gas. This pain occurs and may disappear on its own without treatment. Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections that attack the stomach can also cause severe stomach pain.

It is important to know that stomach pain, not a symptom in itself, can indicate a number of medical conditions that are usually mild, but can also be moderate or severe.

Causes of stomach pain – indigestion (dyspepsia)

Indigestion is a common condition that most people experience at least several times in their life. It is characterized by a full, unpleasant sensation in the upper abdomen just after eating and may be accompanied by a burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus (heartburn) due to acid build-up in the stomach. This may feel like a stomach ache.

Indigestion can result from overeating or eating too fast, or from eating certain foods – spicy and fatty foods also increase the risk of indigestion. You can experience indigestion if you exercise right after a heavy meal or lie down too soon after eating, as these activities make it difficult to digest food and increase the risk of abdominal discomfort. Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can also include side effects of indigestion.

Although most cases of indigestion are one-offs, recurring indigestion can be a sign of a medical problem. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (a digestive disorder that occurs when acid in the stomach flows back from the stomach into the esophagus) and stomach ulcers can cause stomach upset and pain.

If indigestion recurs and is accompanied by severe stomach pain and / or weight loss, talk to your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and manage your condition.

See also: Which heartburn remedy is the best?

Causes of stomach pain – flatulence (gas)

Bloating is a natural process of digestion. This build up of gas can make you feel “bloated”, which may be accompanied by mild pain and swelling in your abdomen. After eating certain foods, such as beans, garlic, cauliflower, and other high-fiber foods, you may experience increased gas build-up or bloating.

This type of stomach pain is usually felt in waves and is often gone, which is not cause for concern.

See also: Abdominal bloating is not the result of diet alone. What diseases can herald?

Causes of stomach pain – gastrointestinal tract infections (gastric flu)

Gastrointestinal infections, or gastroenteritis, are inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the stomach and intestines. Despite its name, stomach flu is not caused by flu viruses and can affect the small and large intestines as well. Stomach flu is usually caused by viruses, although bacteria and parasites can sometimes be the cause.

An attack of stomach flu usually causes stomach pain, vomiting, weakness and discomfort. The disease usually appears suddenly and is usually of a short duration. Most people fully recover without long-term consequences. Dehydration is the most common complication of stomach flu.

See also: Thanks to viruses, we remember and learn

Causes of stomach pain – gallstones

As their name suggests, gallstones are stone-like molecules that develop in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver where bile resides. Gallstones are mainly composed of cholesterol or bilirubin (a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver), which are components of bile and can be as small as grains of sand, but can also reach the size of a golf ball. Gallstones can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and fatigue.

Also check: What does bile in the stomach mean?

The causes of stomach pain – problems with the liver or pancreas

Sometimes stomach pain appears as a symptom of liver or pancreatic problems.

Inflammation of the liver can cause sudden nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, which appears in the upper right corner of the body. While abdominal pain is not always a symptom, the same type of stomach pain in the upper right corner that can be felt in the lower right chest is also a possible symptom of liver cancer.

Pancreatitis also frequently causes pain in the upper middle and left abdomen in most people. This may be accompanied by indigestion, nausea and gas. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment and management will vary for each of the different pancreatic or liver problems.

The causes of stomach pain – intestinal obstruction

Bowel obstruction occurs when inflammation of the gut wall, fibrous scar tissue, or tumors block the intestinal pathway and obstruct the passage of digestive waste.

The bowel obstruction is usually debilitating and very painful and may be accompanied by vomiting, severe stomach pain, abdominal swelling and constipation. It is considered a medical emergency and medical intervention should be performed immediately if an intestinal obstruction is suspected.

Stomach pains – diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of conditions that can cause stomach pains, determining the exact cause of stomach pains can be a complex process that requires different research methods.

A doctor will usually conduct a general examination of the patient’s current diet and lifestyle to find out if the stomach pain is due to one of the milder conditions, such as an isolated case of indigestion or flatulence.

If your doctor suspects something more serious may be causing your abdominal pain, they may opt for more invasive diagnostic methods such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy or CT scans to find the best treatment options.

Stomach pains – complications

While most stomach pain is mild and associated with mild conditions, sometimes stomach pain is indicative of a more serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to dangerous complications.

Stomach pains and stomach flu

Dehydration is the most likely complication of stomach flu. If symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, last longer than a few days, your body loses the fluids and electrolytes it needs to function properly.

Signs of dehydration can include:

1. feeling extremely thirsty;
2. tiredness;
3. dark color of urine with a smaller volume than usual;
4. sunken eyes or cheeks;
5. dizziness or fainting.

Dehydration caused by stomach flu is especially dangerous for children, the elderly and the immunocompromised people. Untreated dehydration can lead to organ damage, shock, coma and even death.

See also: I’m so tired…

Stomach pains and gallstones

Complications with gallstones occur when they cause the gallbladder to become blocked, which can lead to problems with the liver and pancreas. Gallstones can be excreted naturally by the body (although it is usually a painful process), but in some cases they have to be dissolved by medications. Surgical removal of the gallbladder may be necessary in rare cases.

Also check: Gall bladder surgery – how much does it cost? Indications and mileage

Stomach pains and problems with the liver or pancreas

Untreated hepatitis or pancreatitis can lead to organ dysfunction and, in severe cases, even organ failure.

If the pain is caused by cancer of the liver or pancreas (although this is often not the case), your doctor may prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Stomach pains and intestinal obstruction

A bowel obstruction is considered a medical emergency as there is a risk of infection or perforation of the intestinal wall. If we suspect that we or a loved one suffer from intestinal obstruction, we should immediately go to the hospital for medical intervention and possibly surgery (in an emergency).

See also: The five worst bowel diseases

Stomach pains – treatment

If your stomach pain is the result of a mild condition such as indigestion, flatulence, or stomach flu, you may be able to recover on your own with proper rest and care.

For indigestion and flatulence, taking over-the-counter medications such as digestive enzymes, lactase tablets (if your stomach pain is caused by lactose intolerance), and activated charcoal can help relieve gas and pain. A hot compress can also be used to relieve some spasms.

Drinking plenty of water usually helps to relieve the symptoms of stomach pains – and is especially important if you have stomach flu, as dehydration is a common complication of this because your body is more likely to lose too much fluid. It is recommended to rely on ordinary, easily digestible foods in small amounts during the recovery process. It is better to avoid spicy, salty and fatty foods that can aggravate stomach pain.

Some good food choices include:

1. bananas;
2. lightly seasoned porridge;
3. salty crackers;
4. toast;
5. potatoes;
6. fresh fruit;
7. bouillon;
8. boiled or baked meats (chicken, white fish and other lean proteins).

See also: Warm and cold fun

Stomach pains – prophylaxis

If stomach pains are caused by indigestion and / or flatulence, the best way to avoid future relapses is to identify foods that are causing indigestion. If your indigestion recurs, you may have an intolerance to a certain type of protein (gluten, lactose, etc.).

Therefore, it is worth consulting your doctor or allergist if you suspect you are intolerant or allergic to certain foods. It may also be a good idea to keep a journal of what you eat to help identify the foods (which are causing ailments like this) to avoid.

To prevent stomach flu (which is also highly contagious), wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and after handling, preparing, and eating meals.

See also: Washing your hands can protect against viruses. How to do it effectively?

Let us ask for a doctor’s opinion if we have:

1. permanent changes to your bowel movements (such as black or bloody stools);
2. persistent diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 12 hours (no improvement);
3. fever;
4. We lose weight quickly;
5. weakened immune system (young children, the elderly, people with autoimmune diseases, cancer patients);
6. stomach pains arising after an injury or taking medications;
7. stomach pains that are extremely intense and debilitating;
8. a family history of stomach or pancreatic cancer.

Given the above points, any signal the body gives should not be ignored. It’s a cliche, but yes, prevention is always better than cure.