Stomach Pain: Common Causes and What to Do About It
Stomach pain is a very unpleasant symptom and it’s estimated that up to 30% of the population experiences it at some point in their life. It can cause varying levels of discomfort, ranging from being an annoying nuisance to being so severe that it interrupts daily activities. While it’s important to be aware of the potential causes of stomach pain, there are simple measures you can take to help prevent it and easy treatments that can help alleviate the pain.
Possible Causes of Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and it can vary in intensity and duration. Some of the most common causes of stomach pain are:
• Indigestion: This is often caused by eating too quickly, eating too much food or fatty/greasy foods. It usually presents as a dull, burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
• Ulcers: These are small lesions in the lining of the stomach. They are usually caused by a bacterial infection or from taking certain medications, such as aspirin. Ulcers can cause severe pain and burning sensations.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and chest pain.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause bloating, cramping and abdominal pain.
• Gallstones: This is a condition where hardened deposits of cholesterol form in the gallbladder. It is typically accompanied by sharp pain or pressure in the upper-right abdomen.
• Stomach Flu: This is a viral infection that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain.
How to Prevent Stomach Pain
The best way to prevent stomach pain is to identify the triggers for your discomfort and avoid them. In general, there are some lifestyle tips you can follow to help reduce your chances of stomach pain:
• Practice mindful eating: Take your time to eat, chew your food thoroughly and be aware of fullness cues to stop eating.
• Avoid greasy/oily foods: These are some of the most common culprits for indigestion-related pain.
• Be mindful of portion sizes: Eating too much food can cause stomach discomfort.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can both irritate the stomach and cause pain.
• Manage stress levels: Stress can affect digestion and may cause stomach discomfort.
Treatments for Stomach Pain
If you’re experiencing stomach pain, there are a few treatments you can try to help alleviate it:
• Over-the-counter medications: Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn. If you get stomach pain after eating, anti-gas medications may also help.
• Home remedies: Warm compresses or hot water bottles can help ease stomach cramps. Ginger, peppermint and chamomile tea can also help reduce bloating and pain.
• Lifestyle changes: Adopting the lifestyle changes outlined above can help prevent stomach pain from occurring in the first place.
• See a doctor: It’s important to get medical help if you’re having persistent or severe stomach pain.
Stomach pain can be a very uncomfortable symptom and it typically isn’t a sign of a serious medical condition. There are a few simple measures you can take to prevent stomach pain and easy treatments that can be used to reduce discomfort. If the pain persists, however, it’s important to seek medical advice to find out what’s causing it.