At-home treatments and lifestyle modifications can sometimes be enough to ease your stomach pain.
This article covers several possible causes of stomach pain.
It also explains how those conditions may be treated, along with when to see a healthcare provider.
Illustrated by Alexandra Gordon, Verywell
Understanding Stomach Pain
The stomach, of course, is its own unique organ.
But when people use the term “stomach pain,” many mean pain related to the gastrointestinal tract.
As such, we also do so here.
When you are experiencing stomach pain, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain is located.
Peptic ulcer pain is typically felt in the upper mid-abdomen.
It may occur at night and wake you up.
Anytime you have blood in your stool or vomit, you gotta get medical attention immediately.
Bloody stool or vomit can be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition.
Gastritis
Gastritisis the medical term for inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis pain is typically felt in the upper part of the abdomen or belly.
GERD pain may be felt in the upper abdomen or chest.
Get medical attention immediately if you are experiencing new or unusual chest pain.
Esophagitis
Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
The pain may also be worse after meals or when you lie flat.
Left untreated, esophagitis can progress to a condition calledBarrett’s esophagus.
This condition may increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
Gallstones
Gallstonesare triggered by the crystallization of bile in the gallbladder.
Gallstones often do not cause symptoms at first.
Gallstone “attacks” commonly occur at night or after a fatty meal.
Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term).
Alcohol abuse and gallstone disease are the two most common causes of pancreatitis.
Constipation
Constipationis very common and often associated with uncomfortable or even painful abdominal bloating from excess gas.
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms.
Those who do may experience pain and cramps in the stomach, especially in the lower left abdomen.
In men,inguinalhernias(near the groin) are the most common.
For example, ifyour healthcare provider suspects gallstones, you will undergo aliver functionandbilirubin blood test.
You may be tested forH.
The provider can also use surgical tools passed through the tube to take a biopsy (tissue samples).
For example, stomach pain can be easily confused with chest pain.
In this case, anelectrocardiogram,exercise stress test, and cardiac enzymes may be ordered.
Pelvic pain can also be confused with lower stomach or abdominal pain.
The above list of stomach pain causes is not exhaustive.
In the end, don’t self-diagnose or self-treatseek out the advice of a healthcare professional.
Treatment
Treatment of stomach pain depends on the underlying diagnosis.
Lifestyle Treatment Options
Several lifestyle modifications may help manage your condition.
They include:
These are just a few of many examples.
Medications
Some gastrointestinal-related conditions can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Acid-Reducing Medications
The occasional heartburn may be treated with over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Maalox, and Mylanta.
Antibiotics
Forinfectious-related sources of abdominal pain, like diverticulitis, or for the management ofH.
While oral antibiotics forH.
For example, a surgery called aNissen fundoplicationmay be recommended for refractory GERD.
Summary
The gastrointestinal system involves numerous organs.
Stomach pain can also be confused with pelvic pain or heart issues.
Passing dark, tarry stool or vomiting blood warrants an immediate trip to the emergency room as well.
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