14 Reasons Your Stomach Hurts
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- May 9, 2019
- 3 min read
Tummy Trouble
From one time to another you may have stomach pain but according to the symptoms you may need to consult to your doctor for underlying health issue.
Gastritis
Sometimes digestive juices get through the protective barrier in your stomach and irritate its lining that's called gastritis. Bacterial infection, regular use of pain relievers such as ibiuprofen, too much alcohol or stress could be behind gastritis. You ay use some of over the counter medicines or prescribed medications but it is better to consult your doctor as gastritis could lead to bleeding or stomach ulcers.
Peptic Ulcer
These are open sores on the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. Bacterial infection, long term use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other painkillers play a role in developing of peptic ulcer.Anta-acids or antibiotics are used for treating the condition .
Stomach Virus
It is a viral infection into the intestines. You may have watery diarrhea, cramps, or nausea, and you might throw up. You can get it from contaminated food. You need to consult your doctor if you have dehydration, fever or blood into your stool or vomit.
Food Poisoning
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food cause this illness. You may have diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It happens when food isn’t handled properly. It usually gets better on its own, but see a doctor if you’re dehydrated, see blood in your vomit or stool, or you have diarrhea that is severe or lasts for more than 3 days. Also call your doctor if you have any symptoms of food poisoning and you have other health problems or have a weak immune system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It is a common illness affecting your stomach. It can cause cramping, bloating, and mucus in your stool. You may go back and forth between diarrhea and constipation. Food, stress, hormones and infection play a role. You need to see your doctor as he/she ca change your diet, lifestyle and medications.
Lactose Intolerance
A lactase deficiency results in lactose intolerance. That can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, and belly ache. In general you may avoid dairies with lactose, add lactose free products or use lactaids pills.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
It is common in women and it’s inflammation of the reproductive organs, often following a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Besides pain in your belly, you might also have a fever, unusual discharge, and pain or bleeding when you have sex. An early detection is needed to be treated with antibiotics otherwise it can damage your reproductive system.
Food Allergy
It happens when your body identify food as foreign body. Symptoms are stomachache and tingling and swelling in your mouth and throat. In severe cases, it can cause shock and even death if it’s not immediately treated with a drug called epinephrine. Shellfish, nuts, fish, eggs, peanuts, and milk are some of the more likely triggers.
Appendicitis
An inflammed appendix becomes infected and should be taken out. Once it bursts, it can spread bacteria. Pain often starts at your belly button and spreads down and to the right. You need to see your doctor as soon as you feel you have appendicitis.
Gallbladder Attack
It occurs when gallstones block the tubes, or ducts, that run between your liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and small intestine. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom but when it lasts for several hours you need to see your doctor. You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, tea-colored urine, and light-colored stools. The stones often move on their own, but you might need surgery if they don’t.
Incarcerated Hernia
A hernia happens when a part of your intestines slides through your abdominal wall. When it gets twisted or moved, and cut off from its blood supply, it can cause severe pain in your belly. Surgery is often needed quickly to correct the problem.
Constipation
In case of constipation you need to consume fiber containing food, drink plenty of water and exercise. But if you regularly pass fewer than three stools a week, have to strain to go, and your stools are usually lumpy and hard, that can be a sign of a more serious condition. Consult your doctor if you have any of these cases.
Pancreatitis
It is an inflammed pancreas. You may have pain in your upper belly that gets worse after you eat. You may also have nausea, and you might throw up. Mild cases may go away on their own, but severe cases can be dangerous. Your doctor may ask you to stop eating for a day or two and give you pain meds. If that doesn’t clear it up, you might need to be in the hospital to get nutrition and fluids.
Diverticulitis
Small bulging pouches can form in the lining of your digestive system, usually in the lower part of your large intestine. They’re pretty common and don’t typically cause problems. But if they get inflamed or infected they can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in bowel movements. Rest and changes in your diet can help. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics as well.
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