We all occasionally have stomachaches, upset stomachs, and abdominal pain, but these symptoms are usually not serious. If your stomach discomfort is extreme or unexpected, it may indicate that something in your body is malfunctioning.
There are several possible reasons for this condition, from flatulence or a strained muscle to an infection inside the body or a heart attack.
You might need to contact a doctor if you regularly get stomachaches or upset tummies, especially if they are severe or chronic.
Best Options for Treatment:
The underlying cause of stomach discomfort is often treated in order to relieve symptoms. Often, this includes the use of either medicine, surgery, or a combination of the two.
To cure infections, reduce inflammation, or prevent the recurrence of illnesses such acid reflux, medications are given. The tissues or organs that are causing your stomach pain can be treated surgically.
Unless expressly prescribed by your doctor, we advise avoiding taking any over-the-counter medications. Examples of such medications are Aspadol 100mg , Tydol 100mg and others. Some over-the-counter medications could exacerbate your discomfort.
Reducing calories consumed, eating more slowly, exercising frequently, and reducing stress are all lifestyle changes that can reduce or possibly get rid of stomach pain.
Stomach pain types:
Different types of stomach discomfort can be identified based on their frequency, severity, and feel. Constipation can cause sudden, recurring, or escalating pain.
The normal duration of acute stomach pain is a few hours or days. Chronic pain often comes and goes and can persist for weeks, months, or even longer.
Chronic abdominal discomfort becomes worse with time. Progressive abdominal pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms.
Similar to back pain, stomach discomfort ranges from mild to severe. The severity of the putative cause is not always inversely correlated with pain intensity.
The location of discomfort can also be used to categorize it. Gallstones, hepatitis, pneumonia, or a heart attack can all be the cause of upper back discomfort (also known as upper abdominal pain). An injury or appendicitis may cause pain in the center of the abdomen.
An accident, influenza, hardened excrement, kidney infection, a hernia, appendicitis, or cancer are just a few of the conditions that can cause pain in the lower abdomen or around the belly button.
Women may have lower back pain (lower abdomen discomfort) as a result of ovarian fibroids, endometriosis, miscarriage, or menstrual cramps. The severity of stomach pain can also be categorized.
Acute Pain:
Acute or strong waves of stomach discomfort come and go. It is also referred to as muscular pain, waves of agony, bursts of pain, surges of pain, and muscle pain. Sharp pain is often unbearable and may be an indication of serious illnesses like gallstones.
Cramp:
A sense of tightness or constriction in the belly results from abdominal cramps. Gas, dyspepsia, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, menstruation, or an imminent miscarriage are the usual causes of cramps. Typically, cramps come and go, sometimes completely disappearing on their own.
Inflammation:
An abdominal burning feeling may be experienced as a result of stomach inflammation. Inflammation and irritation may also be present in addition to this.
Localized:
Localized stomach pain is discomfort that only affects a small portion of the abdomen. Localized soreness frequently signifies an issue with a particular organ, such as hernias or stomach ulcers.
Why people have stomach pain?
Your stomachache may be slight or severe. Common reasons of abdominal discomfort include infections, inflammation, menstrual cramps, blockages, tumors, and gastrointestinal diseases or disorders.
The majority of back pain reasons are not significant and don't warrant worry. However, certain stomach pains may indicate a more serious health issue.
Mild stomach discomfort can be caused by:
- Your stomach may feel like it is burning if you have gas indigestion.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Tension headaches caused by stress
- Gastroenteritis and stomach flu
- Reflux of acid
- Foodborne illness
- Vomiting
Strong stomachaches can be very uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. Please seek emergency medical attention from a health practitioner if your pain is so severe that you are unable to sit still or are forced to curl up into the fetal position.
What are the symptoms of stomach pain?
If you have acute or severe stomach discomfort, if it lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, or if you experience any of the following signs, call your doctor right away:
- Chest discomfort (get quick medical help)
- Edema or inflammation that lasts more than a few days
- A recent disaster or injury
- Dark or bloody stools
- Vomiting blood or a cloudy substance
- Differences in digestive techniques
- Unexpected loss of weight
- Having trouble eating
- More than five days of diarrhea
- Persistent vaginal leaking
- Over 100 degree fever
- Frequent incontinence or the sensation of burning when urinating
Any of these additional symptoms can point to a more serious underlying issue that needs treatment.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose your stomach discomfort, your doctor will do a physical examination. Additional tests could be required to provide the final diagnosis. During the physical examination, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, the severity of your pain, and its location.
Additionally, in order to check for any sensitivity or edema, your doctor will often gently push on various locations of your abdomen. Your doctor could advise additional testing based on the exam's findings.
In certain Baptist Health Urgent Care sites, these tests might need to be referred to other institutions, such as the hospital itself. Imaging tests including X-rays, ultrasounds, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are frequently used in these exams.
Your doctor can look inside your body using imaging tests to check for any injured organs, inflammation, cysts, or other potential reasons of your discomfort.
In addition to imaging tests, your doctor may obtain blood, urine, and stool samples to check for bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases.
You might alternatively request the following tests:
GI Upper: In essence, this treatment is an X-ray that examines the abdomen for blockages, growths, ulcers, edema, and other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy: Your doctor will use a small, flexible tube with a light and camera connected to it to look for any affected regions inside your colon and intestines.
Your doctor will do an endoscopy to examine your stomach and esophagus for any potential blockages or underlying diseases that may be causing pain.
