A Complete Guide to Stomach Pain and its Causes
Stomach pain is quite a common issue that generally causes restlessness and uneasiness across the chest and pelvic area. It ranges from a dull ache to sharp twinge, though the intensity depends on the severity of the problem. The intense wave or discomfort can churn up your stomach, and it can be an indication of a life-threatening disease knocking the door. There can be numerous reasons behind the sensation of pain across your belly area; however, if it originates from any organ toward the upper belly area, then the reason behind this could be anything from swelling of the stomach lining, inflammation in the gallbladder to serious liver problems.
Why Location Matters?
According to a survey, most of the time stomach pain is caused by food poisoning, diarrhea, constipation, or gas. However, overeating can be one of the prime reasons behind severe abdominal pain. To get rid of stomach pain, make a habit to eat small portions at small intervals rather than going for big bites and large meals at once.
Upper Middle Section
In case you are experiencing some pain across the upper abdominal cavity then you need to see a doctor on an immediate basis, as it can be an alarm for a serious ailment. In this case, an individual may require emergency treatment, generally catered in hospitals. The constant pain is also considered as a signal of a problem in the gallbladder, the upper part of the small intestine, pancreas, etc.
Lower Middle Section
Pain across the navel is a sign of appendicitis or due to infection in your small intestine. If the pain occurs in your lower or middle abdomen, it can be the presumptive sign of colon related problems. Especially, in the case of women, a urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease can also be the reason behind abdominal pain. Other signs of abdominal pain include
- sharp or sudden pain,
- bloating,
- gastroenteritis, and
- acid reflux.
Stomach Pain Causes
Intestinal infection is also one of the biggest reasons for stomach pain due to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The following issues can also cause severe stomach pain.
- Changes in diet
- Drinking excess alcohol
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Viral infection
- Menstrual cramps
- Kidney pain
Some common causes of stomach ache are discussed below:
Gastroenteritis
Abdominal pain can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and loose fluid-filled stool. It can be due to bacteria or viruses in most of the cases. After consulting with a gastrologist, the symptoms can be resolved within a few days. And if the symptoms last for more than 2 days, then it can be the beginning of an alarming ailment. Moreover, we can say stomach pain causes are some major conditions which are further cured by surgery procedure. It can also lead to infection or inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the common symptoms of gastroenteritis are
- fever,
- abdominal cramping, and
- nausea.
Indigestion
It is a common disorder that causes when the bacteria shows its side-effects in the small intestine. In such conditions, the eatables or food item stops breaking down and becomes indigestible. Due to this, the pressure of the gases inside increases inside the intestine and creates pressure. Due to this, you can feel the sharp pain in your abdomen. This can also cause stiffness or restraint condition in the abdomen, which is further responsible for flatulence or belching.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is one of the main reasons due to which stomach pain is caused. In this condition, the digestive system becomes weak and lacks the ability to digest certain food items easily. Whenever you are suffering from IBS, then the first symptom that one can identify is continuous stinging abdominal pain. A person suffering from IBS suffers from respiratory disorders. Other common symptoms that you can face during IBS could be indigestion, nausea, cramping, and bloating.
Acid Reflux
Normally, the stomach acids travel in a backward direction, and it moves up to the throat. During acid reflux, an individual suffers from a burning sensation along with a sharp pain. This type of stomach pain causes abdominal ailment with symptoms such as bloating or cramps.
Menstrual Cramps or Endometriosis
It has been noticed that the menstruation cycle can also cause inflammation or pain in the abdomen. During this, the body becomes stiff, and the stomach pain causes the condition of Bloating, constipation, gas, and cramping. The main reason behind this is abdominal discomfort. Women who are suffering from endometriosis can also experience some severe conditions such as chronic inflammation and pain.
Urinary Tract and Bladder Infections
A urinary tract infection mostly occurs due to bacteria or E.coli species. They further target colonize and bladder, this can give rise to cystitis. The major symptoms are general stomach pain, bloating, and pressure, and pain in the lower abdominal area. The infection can also cause painful urination and strong-smelling urine.