Common reasons for stomach pain

Diseases related to the stomach, appendix, gallstones ... cause stomach pain with a dull pain from the abdomen to the chest, very uncomfortable.

Most people experience stomach pain at least once in their life. There are many different causes of stomach pain, which can be acute or chronic. If the condition is mild, the patient can treat it with home remedies. However, if the abdominal pain is persistent or severe, the patient should go to the hospital for examination. Here are the common causes of stomach pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. Common symptoms include pain in the abdomen, persistent abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits, nausea and vomiting. Treatment will vary depending on symptoms, which may include dietary modifications, medications, and lifestyle behavior changes. The person should also reduce stress as this can cause the symptoms to worsen.

Lactose intolerance: Symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach cramps (usually in the lower abdomen), bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This condition occurs when eating dairy products containing the sugar lactose. Therefore, you should eliminate or limit dairy products from your diet if you are lactose intolerant. Enzyme replacement drugs can relieve symptoms or treat secondary causes of lactase deficiency, such as calcium and vitamin D supplements (as directed by your doctor).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients often complain of heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. However, some people may also experience stomach or chest pain, nausea, chronic cough, hoarseness or wheezing. Mild and intermittent symptoms can be managed with lifestyle and dietary changes. Patients may need medication for persistent symptoms. Serious conditions may require surgery.

Bloating and bloating: Gas in the digestive tract comes from swallowed air and the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods. This gas can escape when deflated. Abdominal pain and other symptoms such as belching, gas, bloating and cramps can be aggravated by some dairy products and artificial sweeteners.

Patients should change their diet and can take medication as directed by their doctor. If you have chronic bloating and severe pain it could be a sign of an underlying digestive condition that needs to be checked by your doctor.

Gastritis: Symptoms of gastritis are similar to those of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including discomfort, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Gastritis can be caused by irritation from excessive alcohol use, stress, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, bile reflux, and bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori (HP). If gastritis persists, it can lead to ulcers and stomach cancer.

Treatment depends on the specific cause and your doctor can prescribe the right medication for you.

Stomach damage is mainly caused by ulcers, which cause pain. Photo: Freepik

Peptic ulcer disease : This condition usually includes upper abdominal pain with occasional pain localized to one side. Other symptoms include bloating, gas, nausea, and the inability to eat a full meal or feel full despite eating a small amount. Your doctor may prescribe appropriate medications to promote ulcer healing.

Gastroenteritis and infectious colitis: These are inflammatory conditions in the lining of the intestines and large intestine. Symptoms will vary by location and cause. In either case, the underlying cause may be Crohn's disease (chronic inflammatory bowel disease) or lack of blood flow to the abdomen. Patients with infectious colitis often have abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can be severe.

Appendicitis: Acute appendicitis presents initially with peri-umbilical pain radiating to the right quadrant of the abdomen. It also causes nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Patients with appendicitis may require surgery.

Gallstones: Gallstones in the bile can cause severe discomfort or sharp pain in the right upper quadrant or below the chest. Gallstones occur when digestive fluid is deposited in the gallbladder and these stones temporarily block the ducts, causing discomfort and pain. The pain can spread to the back and right shoulder blade with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating, lasting 30 to 90 minutes at a time. People with gallstone pain can control pain with medication or remove gallstones as directed by their doctor.