Stomach Pain Causes
The most common complaint in children and adults is stomach aches. The fact is that abdominal pain or discomfort can be caused due to various causes. It's also possible that the issue isn't with your stomach. Many important organs, such as liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and intestines, are dwelling in your torso and are near to one another. A problem with one of these could be the source of your discomfort.
We frequently overlook stomach pain and turn to home remedies and over-the-counter medications to relieve it. To avoid worsening the condition, it is always good to visit a doctor and address the issue.
Let us understand the common causes of stomach pain for children, women and men.
Causes in Children
Stomach aches are common among children. The most common symptom in a child is stomach pain, which may or may not be life-threatening. If a child is experiencing stomach ache, then the parents can look for the following common symptoms:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Food allergy or intolerance
- Air swallowing
- Stomach flu or food poisoning
- Abdominal migraine
- Colic
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Pain caused by anxiety or depression
- Strep throat or mononucleosis (“mono”)
If the discomfort does not go away in 24 hours, grows worse, or the child has frequent stomach aches, he or she may have a significant problem. The pain might also indicate the presence of:
- Appendicitis
- Gallstones
- Stomach ulcer
- Hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Intussusceptions
- Sickle cell disease crisis
- Torsion (twisting) of the testicle
- Torsion (twisting) of the ovary
- Tumor or cancer
- Urinary tract infection
Causes in Men or Women
The most common symptoms are minor queasy stomach, severe pain, or cramping. Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of factors: Indigestion, constipation, stomach infection, or, if you're a woman, menstrual pains are all common causes.
Upper stomach pain can be caused due to various factors. In many circumstances, one ailment might lead to the development of another. Ulcers, for example, can cause indigestion, while gallstones can cause liver damage.
Other possible causes include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Food poisoning
- Food allergies
- Gas
Chances of getting abdominal pain are high if you are lactose intolerant or have ulcers or pelvic inflammatory disease. Some other causes include:
- Hernia
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Endometriosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Bowel blockage
- Ovarian cancer
- Low blood flow to the intestines
When to visit a Doctor?
If your stomach ache is very serious or it doesn’t go away then it’s important to talk to the Doctor. Even if the pain is mild visiting a doctor might alleviate unnecessary concerns:
- Despite the treatment, if your pain persists
- If you get blood in your stool or urine
- High fever
- If your pain is severe or excruciating
- Symptoms not improving after treatment
- Blood vomiting
- Trouble in breathing
- Constant vomiting
- Swell in belly
A better prognosis is often associated with early treatment, and seeing your doctor will assist you in diagnosing any disease early and initiating treatment as soon as possible.
Home Remedies
After eating or drinking, everyone gets an upset stomach and indigestion, also known as dyspepsia. The ailment is normally not a cause for concern, and the mild symptoms can often be treated with home remedies.
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eat Yogurt or Mint
- Drink lime juice
- Aloe juice
- Coconut wate
- Avoid eating spicy foods
- Sip ginger tea
- Cut out of fast food and chew slowly
- Increase the intake of fiber
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol
Stomach pain isn't necessarily a warning that you should visit a doctor unless it's severe. However, if it's accompanied by other troubling symptoms such as blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, paleness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of the eyes, or severe nausea or vomiting, it's advisable to contact your doctor right once.
Citations
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/abdominal-pain.html
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain
- https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/what-is-causing-my-stomach-pain
- https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/medical/upset-stomach/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do I feel stomach pain?
Abdominal pain can occur anywhere in the abdomen, from the ribs to the pelvis. The pain is commonly referred to as stomach pain or a stomachache, but it can originate in a variety of internal organs other than your stomach.
2. What is the best medicine for stomach pain?
Medicines containing loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) may help relieve diarrhoea cramps. Acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) may be useful for other types of pain.
3. How long does stomach pain last?
Within 48 hours, an upset stomach usually goes away on its own. However, stomach pain can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue. When it comes to stomach pain, know when to seek medical help. If your symptoms don't go away after a day or two, you should see a doctor.
