But sometimes, your actual stomach isn't to blame for that pain in your abdomen at all there are lots of other organs in that general vicinity, you know. Still, that doesn't make stomachaches any less annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes even incredibly painful. Here, doctors explain 27 different reasons why your stomach might hurt, when to see a professional about the pain, and how to finally get rid of it.
Start Slideshow. Credit: Getty Images. Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, expelling bile as needed to digest fats. These stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material, typically made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that develop in your gallbladder, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease NIDDK.
They can cause swelling and can block the duct into the intestine, resulting in pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD , can cause pain in the upper stomach and lower chest, aka heartburn. It's typically caused by a weak valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, which allows food and acid from the stomach to splash upwards.
Eating too much food or the wrong type of food fatty foods or spicy foods, for instance can make it worse, while losing weight, watching what you eat, and medication like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors , can help. If you get constipated along with 42 million other Americans , you know all too well just how uncomfortable it can be. Luckily, you have a few options that will help to get things moving. Watch this video for the full list. Symptoms can include cramping in the lower abdomen, which may respond to antibiotics.
A high-fiber diet can help. In more severe cases, it can cause abscesses, bleeding, and even perforations, resulting in severe pain, or even the need for surgery or a hospitalization.
Some people react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease.
Even though the thyroid gland is located in the neck, it can cause problems lower down in the body. If the thyroid produces too much hormone hyperthyroidism , it speeds up the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal cramps, he says. On the other hand, an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism slows down the digestive tract, potentially leading to pain from constipation and gas.
Appendicitis is more common in children and young adults though it can happen to older adults and usually starts with pain in the mid-abdomen, progressing into the lower right part of the abdomen. If you think you could have the condition, learn more about 9 Symptoms of Appendicitis.
Head to the emergency room right away if you think appendicitis is causing your tummy pain. Raymond says it's extremely normal to have your appendix removed and is a routine procedure.
To fix the problem, cut back on the amount of sugarless gum you chew. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD is an inflammation inside the small or large intestine, Dr. Alaradi explains. The inflammation from IBD can cause scarring and blockage, which can lead to abdominal pain along with diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
Symptoms are chronic, but can flare up and subside in cycles, making it sometimes hard to diagnose. IBD needs to be monitored closely as it can lead to more serious problems, even cancer, later in life. Want to get on the same page with your gut? Mindful eating can reduce stress and help calm an upset stomach. Watch this video to learn how. Your risk of colon cancer increases as you age, but what can you do to protect yourself besides getting a colonoscopy? Replay gallery.
Pinterest Facebook. Up Next Cancel. By Amanda Gardner. Share the Gallery Pinterest Facebook. Skip slide summaries Everything in This Slideshow. Less serious causes of abdominal pain include: Constipation Irritable bowel syndrome Food allergies or intolerance such as lactose intolerance Food poisoning Stomach flu Other possible causes include: Appendicitis Abdominal aortic aneurysm bulging and weakening of the major artery in the body Bowel blockage or obstruction Cancer of the stomach, colon large bowel , and other organs Cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder with or without gallstones Decreased blood supply to the intestines ischemic bowel Diverticulitis inflammation and infection of the colon Endometriosis Heartburn , indigestion , or gastroesophageal reflux GERD Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis Kidney stones Muscle strain Pancreatitis swelling or infection of the pancreas Pelvic inflammatory disease PID Ruptured ovarian cyst Severe menstrual cramps Tubal ectopic pregnancy Ulcers Urinary tract infections.
You can try the following home care steps to ease mild abdominal pain: Sip water or other clear fluids. You may have sports drinks in small amounts. People with diabetes must check their blood sugar often and adjust their medicines as needed. Avoid solid food for the first few hours. If you have been vomiting, wait 6 hours, and then eat small amounts of mild foods such as rice, applesauce, or crackers. Avoid dairy products. If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may help, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion.
Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. DO NOT take any medicine without talking to your provider. These additional steps may help prevent some types of abdominal pain: Drink plenty of water each day. Eat small meals more frequently. Exercise regularly. Limit foods that produce gas.
Make sure that your meals are well-balanced and high in fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When to Contact a Medical Professional. What to Expect at Your Office Visit.
Is it all over or in one spot? Does the pain move into your back, groin, or down your legs? Do you have it all the time, or does it come and go? Does the pain wake you up at night? How long has each episode lasted? When does the pain occur? The digestive system isn't the only cause of bellyaches. Menstrual cramps are a common cause of pain in the reproductive organs.
Infections in the reproductive system, such as pelvic inflammatory disease PID or other STDs, also can cause belly pain in girls. Testicular injuries can make a guy feel sick or even throw up if they are severe. Women often feel nausea during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies when the pregnancy implants in the wrong place can cause abdominal pain.
Because problems like ectopic pregnancy need quick treatment, girls who have belly pain and think they might be pregnant should call a doctor right away. And girls who have had unprotected sex should be tested for STDs. Untreated STDs can cause problems like infertility and chronic belly or pelvic pain.
Always use a condom if you have sex to protect against STDs and pregnancy. Some diseases or defects can affect how the organs do their jobs, causing pain. Crohn's disease can make the intestinal wall swell and scar so much that it may block the intestine. Hernias can also block the intestines, as can growths like tumors. Torsion is a medical term that means "twisting. When people get stressed , anxious , or depressed , their emotions can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach pain.
Belly pain also can be due to problems that can happen when people have certain illnesses, such as sickle cell disease or diabetes. The doctor will do an exam and sometimes might order tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or blood test.
It all depends on what the doctor thinks is causing the problem. Sometimes, what seems like one problem — food poisoning, for example — can turn out to be something more serious, like appendicitis.
Most bellyaches don't have a serious cause. They can happen for many different reasons, but most are easy to treat. If stress or anxiety seem to be behind the pain, the doctor may recommend that you talk to a counselor or therapist.
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