What Causes An Upset Stomach
Many different things can cause pain or discomfort in the stomach. Some causes are more severe than others, and the treatment for stomach pain varies accordingly. Gas or bloating after a meal can be managed at home. However, drinking contaminated water while traveling requires care from a medical professional. Chronic health problems that cause stomach pain must be managed long term with the help of a healthcare professional.
Common causes of stomach pain include
- greasy or fatty foods
- bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli.
- chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease
What Causes Abdominal Pain And Stomach Cramps
Abdominal pain has many potential causes and is not entirely understood in some cases. More sudden symptom onset could suggest an organ condition that should be addressed by a medical professional.
In general, abdominal pain is brought about by a few specific conditions:
- Digestive issues that cause bloating or burning sensations in your intestines such as irritable bowel syndrome can make your abdominal section ache.
- Distended organs can lead to painful complications in your abdominal area as well.
- Low or impeded blood flow to an organ in the area can cause abdominal pain, as can general inflammation of an organ in your stomach region.
While the causes of left / right side, upper or lower abdominal cramps are multiple, most forms of common treatment point to one or two sources of medication bought from a drugstore. For seriously painful cases of abdominal muscle cramps or lower back pain you should always consult your doctor , but most of the time you can opt for natural medicine to get rid of abdominal cramping symptoms.
Using Other Techniques To Relieve Discomfort
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What Symptoms Relate To Diarrhoea
As well as the loose and watery stools of diarrhoea, you may sometimes have other symptoms, including:
- diarrhoea at night
- signs of dehydration
Ongoing diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous, especially to the very young or older people, who can be affected very quickly.
Listen To Your Gut: Diarrhea
Your stomach can tell you a lot about your health. Statistically, every adult in America will experience at least one bout of acute diarrhea this year. While the symptom is the same, the causes are numerous. You should know why diarrhea and abdominal pain happen so that you know what to do when the time comes.
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Is Stomach Flu Contagious
Viral stomach flu spreads easily to others. You can catch a stomach flu virus any time of the year, but the common norovirus is more widespread from November to April when people tend to be more indoors. Because a variety of viruses can cause stomach flu, you might get different versions of gastroenteritis many times throughout life.
Its spread from person to person by coming into contact with tiny, invisible particles from a sick persons stool or vomit if you:
- Touch a surface and come in contact with the germs and you touch food or your mouth.
- Eat or drink food or beverages that have a sick persons germs.
- Have close contact with someone who has stomach flu .
When To See A Doctor
An upset stomach and diarrhea are usually nothing to worry about. Consult your doctor if the symptoms donât go away after two days or if they begin to get worse in that time. Additionally, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- You feel dehydrated, including feeling excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
- You have a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
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When To Call Your Doctor
Theres a bit of a gray area in terms of which stomach pain cases need immediate attention and which would warrant a call or visit to your doctor instead, as there can be symptom overlap. Again, listen to your body and your instincts if youre not sure.
If you dont have any of the symptoms listed above and instead have any of the following features of your abdominal pain, it is important that you contact your doctor within a day or two:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding or blood clots
- Vaginal bleeding that lasts for longer than usual
You should also call your doctor if you experience stomach pain while you are being treated for cancer.
Take Some Pepto Bismol
When an upset stomach is caused by eating or drinking too much or accompanies diarrhea, itâs Pepto Bismol to the rescue! Our favorite remedy is also a quick way to fix your tummy woes. Pepto Bismol soothes your discomfort with proteins that enhance the viscosity of the protective layer in the upper gastrointestinal tract to help you feel better.
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Five Ways To Quit Smoking
Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke are responsible for more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the American Lung Association.
Most people are aware of the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S.
Quitting smoking is not a single event that happens on one day it is a journey. By quitting, you will improve your health and the quality and duration of your life, as well as the lives of those around you.
To quit smoking, you not only need to alter your behavior and cope with the withdrawal symptoms experienced from cutting out nicotine, but you also need to find other ways to manage your moods.
With the right game plan, you can break free from nicotine addiction and kick the habit for good. Here are five ways to tackle smoking cessation.
How To Get Rid Of Stomach Cramps At Home
Learn how to treat stomach cramps at home with these 12 home remedies for abdominal pain. Get rid of abdominal cramps in no time!
Sometimes a bad case of stomach cramps can seem like the worst situation in the world for men and women alike. Whether you are suffering from indigestion, diarrhea, pregnancy aches, constipation, or menstrual cramps during your period in the early morning or at night, their resulting symptoms can cause mild to severe pain and a highly uncomfortable experience.
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Avoiding Smoking And Drinking Alcohol
Smoking can irritate the throat, increasing the likelihood of an upset stomach. If the person has vomited, smoking can further irritate the tender tissue already sore from stomach acids.
As a toxin, alcohol is difficult to digest and can cause damage to the liver and stomach lining.
People with an upset stomach should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol until they are feeling better.
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Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea Caused By Medications
There could also be a chance that any painful stomach cramps and diarrhea that you experience could be the side effects of medication.
Here are some common medications that are known to cause abdominal pain with diarrhea:
Antibiotics. Mayo Clinic staff say that taking a course of antibiotics can cause watery, loose stools as well as lower abdominal pain. The stomach pain and diarrhea could start about a week after taking antibiotics.19
NSAIDs. The long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has the side effect of stomach pain and loose stools. In some cases, the side effects of NSAIDs also include bloating, heartburn, nausea, or constipation.20
Laxatives. The overuse of laxatives for constipation can make you have constant diarrhea with stomach pain. A review published in 2016 found that some types of laxatives cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.21
Chemotherapy. Cancer treatment involving chemotherapy can cause unpleasant side effects like persistent diarrhea. The journal Frontiers in Pharmacology reports that stomach pain is also a common side effect of chemotherapy.22
Stomach Infections Or Food Poisoning
One of the most frequent causes of stomach cramps , especially those that appear suddenly, are stomach infections caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites or food poisoning, those that occur when we eat food in bad condition or possibly contaminated water.
Both stomach infections, which include common conditions like gastroenteritis , and food poisoning, share similar symptoms. If this is the problem, in addition to stomach cramps you will experience:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Fever, usually occurs with infections
In this case, it is recommended to go to a health care center as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and offer treatment to stop unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, in the case of bacteria, an antibiotic treatment will be required while stomach parasites will also require medication for their elimination.
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Prevent Diarrhea And Stomach Cramps
Diarrhea can be easily prevented with these simple methods:
- Observe proper hygiene.
- Keep your kitchen utensils especially your chopping board, clean at all times. Run hot water on your chopping boards every after use.
- Regular exercise is a good way of preventing abdominal cramps due to menstrual period.
- Avoid touching your face especially your nose and mouth with your hands.
- Wash your hands properly and frequently to avoid contamination. Using alcohol or hand sanitizer is highly recommended when soap and water is not available.
- Prepare your food well and if possible, eat your food while it is still hot and store left over on the refrigerator and reheat them before eating.
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Causes Of Stomach Cramps And Diarrhea
Many causes of digestive upset will also result in stomach cramping and diarrhea. Cramps in the lower abdominal area usually feel like short, sharp pains that donât last very long. Stomach cramps may also feel as if your belly muscles are tightening.
Some of the reasons for stomach aches that also cause stomach cramping and loose stool are:
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
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What Complications Are Associated With Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea may cause dehydration. More fluids are lost from the body when you have diarrhoea than normally. Dehydration can lead to a loss of electrolytes minerals your body needs to function properly. This is why rehydration is so important.
Diarrhoea causes food to move quickly through your body. If this is ongoing it makes it difficult for you to absorb nutrients and can lead to malnutrition.
Some people may develop temporary lactose intolerance after an episode of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. See your doctor if the symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks.
What Causes Acute Pd
Some conditions or issues may cause a brief bout of PD. Time may put a stop to the PD symptoms, or medicine may be required. These causes include:
Viral infection: Viral infections, like stomach bugs, can cause temporary PD and make your digestive tract extra sensitive. The PD may last for a few days, even after other symptoms have eased.
Lactose intolerance: People who cant fully digest lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, may experience PD if they eat foods containing lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.
Food poisoning: The human body does a good job of knowing it has eaten something it shouldnt. When it detects the bad food, your body will probably try to expel it immediately. That may cause diarrhea or vomiting anywhere from within one hour to a few weeks after eating the contaminated food.
Sugar malabsorption: This condition is very similar to lactose intolerance. Some peoples bodies cant properly absorb sugars like lactose and fructose. When these sugars enter the intestine, they can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Toddlers diarrhea: Toddlers and young children who drink a lot of fruit juice may develop PD. The high amounts of sugar in these drinks can draw water into the bowels, which can cause watery stools and diarrhea.
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Chronic Constipation Or Constipation Alternating With Diarrhea
It is normal to occasionally feel constipatedhaving difficulty moving bowels or infrequent bowel movements. There are a variety of reasons why someone may experience occasional constipation. But if you or a loved one is frequently experiencing constipation, or constipation alternating with diarrhea, it is important to see a healthcare provider or gastroenterologist. Your healthcare provider will be able to run tests to determine the cause of the constipation and recommend for the best course of treatment for you or your loved one.
How Is Diarrhoea Treated
In the case of simple short-term episodes of diarrhoea, which usually clear up by themselves in healthy people, you will probably be able to manage your symptoms through home care.
You should try to do the following:
- rest at home
- stay off work or school until you have not had a loose bowel motion for 24 hours
- drink clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids take small sips if you feel sick
- avoid fruit juice, cordials and sugary drinks they will prolong the diarrhoea
- avoid alcohol and caffeine
- manage your diet until you get back to normal eat bland foods, such as rice, pasta and crackers, and avoid fatty foods or those high in insoluble fibre
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Lime Or Lemon Juice Baking Soda And Water
Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help relieve heartburn and indigestion by reducing stomach acidity.
Pros and cons
While this home remedy may help with an upset stomach, it may not taste pleasant. Additionally, consuming too much baking soda
Basil leaves also contain high linoleic acid levels, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros and cons
Basil is usually available to purchase in grocery stores, gardening stores, and online.
However, those in food deserts may have to rely on online stores if they find it difficult to source fresh basil.
Figuring Out The Cause
When youre suffering from stomach pain, diarrhea, or both, one of the most important things is to try to determine the root cause. Quite often, this type of abdominal pain is due to stomach flu or another virus, spoiled food, or food that one has developed a sensitivity to. Unless diarrhea and pain are accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as a high fever, the best course of action is to wait it out.
If you feel that it is a reaction to food, most times symptoms will subside in a day or two. However, there are some instances of food poisoning that definitely warrant a doctor visit but again, you will see other severe symptoms along with general GI upset.
If you think you may be having a reaction to food, such as those with celiac disease who have a sensitivity to gluten, its worthwhile to try an elimination diet to confine the source of the upset. It is possible to suddenly develop a food sensitivity later in life its also estimated that up to 20 percent of Americans have food sensitivity. Please note that celiac is a serious condition and ongoing exposure to gluten can cause increasing damage. Celiac should not be self-diagnosed.
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Home Remedies For Stomach Pain May Work For You
Stomach pain is a common complaint that can range from mild stabs of pain to debilitating painful cramps.
Causes of stomach pain may be linked to an underlying health condition such as appendicitis or kidney stones, or it may be a reaction to a food product that irritates the stomach lining.
Many cases of discomfort are mild and may be alleviated by home remedies for stomach pain.
Using natural and widely available products like herbal teas and probiotic yogurt may offer fast relief without causing the additional pain sometimes triggered by the irritants in shelf medications.
Sudden and severe stomach pain may indicate a serious health condition. If it is accompanied by a fever, breathing difficulty, or bloody vomit, seek immediate medical attention.