Most people have experienced stomach pain at some point in their lives. While it can often be a symptom of something minor, there are times when it can signal a more serious issue. Knowing the causes of stomach pain is the first step to understanding and treating the underlying problem appropriately. So let’s look at some of the most common causes of stomach pain.
Indigestion and Heartburn
Indigestion and heartburn are two of the most common causes of stomach pain. Indigestion usually occurs after eating a large or spicy meal or when you eat too quickly and don’t allow your body to digest properly.
Heartburn is caused by acid reflux in the esophagus, which happens when stomach acid travels up into your throat instead of staying in your stomach where it belongs. Symptoms associated with indigestion and heartburn include nausea, bloating, soreness or burning sensation in the chest area, and abdominal discomfort.
There are various ways to deal with these two problems. First, it’s essential to chew your food correctly. Smaller bites help the body more fully process your food.
You can also try eating smaller meals daily to keep your stomach from feeling too full. Additionally, you should avoid drinking liquids during meals and wait at least two hours after a meal before lying down to reduce reflux risk. If these tips don’t work, talk with your doctor about other ways of dealing with indigestion or heartburn issues.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common cause of stomach pain. Like heartburn, GERD occurs when your stomach acid travels up into your esophagus and throat instead of staying in the stomach where it belongs. The difference between the two is that GERD is chronic and does not resolve independently. So GERD is a cause while heartburn is an effect of it.
It can also lead to oral damage because the acid that travels up into the esophagus can erode and wear away at your teeth. That’s why people with GERD often get strong replacement teeth for tooth loss. This prevents future infections and can help avoid GERD and indigestion over time since the teeth can help chew food better.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by various viruses or bacteria, most commonly from eating food contaminated with germs. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and fatigue. Gastroenteritis tends to go away on its own within a few days; however, if symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen over time, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, preventing infections is also crucial. There are various ways to do this:
Eat Well-Done Food
How you cook your food can affect how much bacteria or viruses are in it. For example, chicken or beef that is well-done has lower levels of bacteria or viruses than meat that is rarer or medium-cooked. This means you should cook your food thoroughly before eating it, especially if your immune system isn’t at its best.
Avoid Cross Contamination
Cross-contamination happens when bacteria from one food item spreads to another. For example, using the same cutting board to chop chicken and then vegetables without washing it can cause the bacteria on the chicken to contaminate your vegetables. Likewise, wash work surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat or eggs, and use separate utensils for different foods if possible.
Proper Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent food contamination. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before and after handling food, and anytime you’re around someone with a contagious illness. It is also essential to teach children how to wash their hands properly from an early age.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. IBS is considered chronic, but there are many ways to manage it through diet modifications and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress management techniques like yoga or meditation. If you think you may be suffering from IBS, talking to your doctor is crucial because they can help diagnose your condition and provide treatment options tailored to your needs.
There are many reasons why someone might experience stomach pain ranging from mild indigestion to more severe issues like gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pay attention to any changes in your body so that you can identify potential problems quickly and get them treated before they become more severe. If you’re experiencing persistent stomach pain, talking to your doctor is always recommended so that they can investigate further and determine what’s causing it so that you can receive appropriate treatment for whatever underlying issue may be present.
