Reasons for Stomach Ache | Speak With a Doctor Now

Abdominal Pain

There are a variety of reasons for stomach ache and abdominal pain. This article will discuss what abdominal pain is, causes, and treatment.

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is pain felt below the ribs and above the hips. We also refer to abdominal pain as a stomachache. Other names are belly ache or tummy ache.

When you have pain described above, doctors will call it abdominal pain. The pain can be from a problem in your abdomen. It can also stem from problems elsewhere in the body.

What is the gut?

The gut refers to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In brief, it starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. In fact, the food pipe is also in the GI tract. The GI tract comprises the esophagus, the small intestine, large intestine, and the rectum. 

Types of abdominal pain

  • Sharp or stabbing
  • Crampy
  • Colicky
  • Dull ache
  • Radiating pain
  • Long standing, chronic pain

Reasons for stomach aches 

  • Firstly, indigestion may cause stomachache. Sometimes fatty or rich foods you may ignite pain in your upper abdomen or behind the breastbone. You may experience a lot of burping too. Stress may also trigger indigestion. If the pain goes to your arm or jaw, it could be angina. Thus, seek medical help. 
  • Secondly, trapped wind may make your abdomen feel bloated. 
  • Additionally, constipation can make you feel sick. It can cause pains in the lower abdomen.
  • Lastly, irritable bowel syndrome may cause pains. While this is a common gut disorder, it can have variable symptoms. Examples include- abdominal pain, wind, bloating and constipation or diarrhea.

Causes of intestinal pain

  • Diverticular disease: This is common in elderly people. Doctors may prescribe painkillers if you experience ongoing lower abdominal ache.
  • Appendicitis: This refers to an inflammation of the appendix. The symptoms include abdominal pain. In fact, it starts in the middle of the abdomen. But, eventually the pain moves towards the right hip. Additionally, vomiting may occur.
  • Kidney stones: Doctors can identify kidney stones if one experiences severe on and off pain. To add, if pain starts in your back and travels to your groin, it could be a kidney stone. Typically, the pain subsides when the stone passes via the urine. If not passed, doctors have to be break them into smaller pieces at the hospital. 
  • Urine infection: This manifests as a dull lower abdomen ache, mainly in women, along with a sharp sting while passing urine.

Existing medical conditions may also cause intestinal pain

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the womb and/or the fallopian tubes. Doctors will treat this condition with antibiotics. In addition, women will experience vaginal discharge and pain while having sex.
  • Gallstones: This manifests as severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. The pain may flare up repeatedly, but could subside for days and weeks together.
  • Menstrual Cramps: Women experience this during their periods. Cramps could be mild or severe. To note, the pain becomes less painful with age.
  • Food poisoning: This is an infection of the gut with vomiting and crampy abdominal pains.
  • Stomach and duodenal ulcers
  • Inflammatory bowel disease which includes symptoms like bloody diarrhoea or abdominal pain. Generally, one may feel unwell, overall.
  • Gastritis: refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining and the pain is often a burning feeling. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
  • Cancer: Bowel cancer can cause abdominal pain. It will usually accompany other symptoms. Those include weight loss, bloody stools, or change in bowel habits. Pancreatic cancer can cause abdominal pain. It will usually start with jaundice-like symptoms. 

Are tests needed to diagnose stomach pain? 

Most of the time, doctors will not order tests to diagnose stomach pain. But they will order tests if they suspect other underlying causes.  Tests include- blood tests, X-ray or ultrasound scan. Doctors use the tests to diagnose the specific cause. In addition, doctors may order an endoscopy or colonoscopy for a closer look in the gut. 

Treatment

In summation, treatment options depend on the cause of the pain. For indigestion issues, abdominal pain may subside on its own. Though, others may need to seek medical attention. In severe cases, doctors may advise hospitalization.

Prevention 

To prevent abdominal pain, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. In fact, this helps to reduce constipation.  It also encourages a regular bowel habit.  In addition, we advise:

  • Be sure to drink lots of water.
  • Additionally, lower intake of fatty foods.  They may cause indigestion and acidity.

 

 

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