Why Does My Stomach Hurt Common Causes And When To See A Doctor
Stomach pain has a number of potential causes, and it can also be a symptom of certain conditions.
Stomach pain is no fun. There’s never a convenient time to be bowled over with cramps, and some symptoms — like gas or noisy rumblings — can make you want to run and hide immediately.
The only thing worse than an upset stomach is not knowing exactly what caused it. Were those leftovers expired after all? Or do you perhaps have a food sensitivity or a GI condition?
Based on your symptoms and how frequently you experience them, you can nail down the most likely culprit behind your stomach pain — which means you can treat and manage it more wisely. Below, we go over the most common reasons that your stomach hurts and what to do, including when it’s time to call the doctor.
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Causes Of Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea In Children
Like adults, children often experience abdominal pain and diarrhea because of stomach flu, infections, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or stress. But eating too much can also cause these symptoms.
Some children may have trouble telling the difference between when theyre hungry and when theyre full. This can cause them to overeat. Overeating puts stress on the digestive system, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Abdominal Pain
While we dont usually feel the inner workings of our abdomen, pain can occur when there is a disruption of the normal functioning of an organ or area of tissue inside.
Abdominal pain can be caused by inflammation , organ distention or stretching , or loss of blood supply .
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements, can cause stomach pain. Medications can do this by irritating the stomach, leading to nausea, pain, and diarrhea, or by slowing digestion, leading to constipation. Be sure to check the label of any drug you take to see if abdominal pain is listed as a possible side effect.
- Lead poisoning, often from eating paint chips
- Emotional upset
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Can You Be Intolerant To Pineapple
You may have the symptoms of a pineapple allergy immediately after being exposed to the fruit, or it could take up to several hours for your first symptoms to appear. Intense itching and hives are often the first symptoms of an allergic reaction. Hives may show up on one or more places on your body.
Limit Coffee Alcohol And Smoking
The caffeine found in coffee does not directly cause stomach pain if you consume it in moderation. However, if you have too much caffeine by drinking coffee in excess, it can lead to dizziness, anxiety, irritability, and problems sleeping. Ultimately, these side effects also cause nausea and stomach pain.
Dont rely on coffee to keep you awake or functional throughout your day. If you want to indulge in coffee, try to limit yourself to one cup per day. Coffee is a diuretic, so it causes you to urinate more frequently. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which leads to nausea and stomach aches.
Smoking is detrimental to your health, but it also causes stomach pain. Tobacco, nicotine, and smoke damage your vital internal organs. These digestive organs can have a problem processing the food you consume, which leads to inflammation in your stomach lining.
If you have an ulcer in your stomach, smoking will irritate it and could prevent it from healing properly. Stomach ulcers are extremely painful and can cause serious damage if they dont heal. Just like smoke, caffeine also irritates stomach ulcers.
Drinking alcohol in excess will cause stomach problems. The long-term effects of alcohol abuse damage your liver and kidneys, which cause stomach pain and other problems in your body.
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Chronic Abdominal Pain And Recurring Abdominal Pain
, MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Chronic abdominal pain is pain that is present for more than 3 months. It may be present all the time or come and go . Chronic abdominal pain usually occurs in children beginning after age 5 years. About 10 to 15% of children aged 5 to 16 years, particularly those aged 8 to 12 years, have chronic or recurring abdominal pain. It is somewhat more common among girls. Chronic abdominal pain is also common among adults, affecting women more often than men.
People with chronic abdominal pain may also have other symptoms, depending on the cause.
What To Do If Youre Experiencing Chronic Stomach Pain Or Diarrhea
Stomach pain and diarrhea are often short-lived and require no special treatment.
However, there is a long list of medical conditions and medications that can cause GI symptoms to last for weeks.
These include infections, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities or allergies, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, stress and anxiety, and medications like NSAIDs and antibiotics.
Because there are many different reasons for chronic stomach pain and diarrhea, its important to check with a healthcare provider to detect an underlying cause.
Knowing the root of your symptoms will lead to an effective treatment and some much needed relief.
About Joe Leech, Dietitian
Joe Leech is a university-qualified dietitian from Australia.
He graduated with a Bachelors degree in exercise science, followed by a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2011.
Learn more about him on the About page.
Joe Leech, Dietitian
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When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical help immediately if:
- You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden.
- You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder.
- Youre vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools
- You have a high fever.
- Youre having difficulty breathing.
- You develop consistent nausea and/or vomiting.
- Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch.
- You cant move your bowels, especially if youre also vomiting
The Link Between Your Gut Microbiome And Your Health
In addition, many of the underlying conditions that cause abdominal pain can lead to serious complications, including the possibility of structural damage to the digestive system from infection, cancer and its treatments, and inflammatory bowel disease .
To reduce the risk of complications, its important to seek medical attention for your abdominal pain if its sudden and severe, or if it includes symptoms like fever, bloody stool, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or visible swelling.
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Sharp Stomach Pain And Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and diarrhea that happens at the same time can be brought on by a range of factors. These can consist of indigestion, a viral infection such as the stomach influenza, or an intestinal disease. Its important to determine the cause of your symptoms. That will determine which medications, home remedies, and suggestions you can attempt to help treat and prevent sharp abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Abdominal pain is pain that originates between the chest and the pelvis. Stomach pain can be cramp-like, throbbing, dull, or sharp. Its often called stomachache. Diarrhea is identified by stool that is loose, bloody, or oily. The need to go to the restroom is regular. It sometimes accompanies abdominal pain.
How Do Doctors Find The Cause Of A Stomachache
To find the cause of a stomachache, doctors ask about:
- your symptoms
- illnesses you’ve had in the past
- health conditions that other family members have
Be honest with your doctor, even if a symptom seems embarrassing.
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.
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Does Diarrhoea Need To Be Monitored And If So How
Most episodes of acute diarrhoea will settle spontaneously without the need for any medical treatment. However, if it persists, you may also be referred for an endoscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera is passed into the bowel via the anus, to determine whether there is any inflammation in the rectum or colon . In addition, if your stool tests show any sign of infection this may be treated with antibiotics or further investigations. For episodes of chronic diarrhoea, the cause will be identified, and monitoring will vary depending on the cause of the diarrhoea.
Causes Of An Upset Stomach
If your stomach is bothering you, it is most likely due to irritation or inflammation of your stomach lining. There are several different reasons why the lining could get irritated or inflamed.
One of the reasons could be from eating or drinking too much. Sometimes its as simple as that you had too much food during you most recent meal. Instead of having two slices of pizza you ate seven.
Drinking too much of anything can also cause an upset stomach. That includes alcohol, soda, juice, sports drinks, and even water. Although you should drink plenty of water throughout the day, if you drink too much of it too fast it can cause your belly to hurt.
Food allergies are another cause of your problem. If you are unsure about foods you may be allergic to, you can consult with your doctor and get some tests run. Common food allergies include gluten, dairy, fish, or nuts. If certain foods bother your stomach every time you eat them, its best to avoid those and find out if you are allergic.
Its also possible to get sick from food that you are not allergic to. Food poising occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites are in the food youre eating. That can happen if your meal is not properly prepared. For example, undercooked meat or chicken can lead to food poisoning.
Indigestion is another common cause of stomach pain. It happens when your body cannot properly process the food you ate. Poor diet choices and dehydration can cause indigestion.
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Causes Behind Stomach Ache After Having Edibles
Edibles can cause stomach pain and it is quite a common side effect. However, there can be several causes behind it. It is important to determine the root cause of the reaction before treating the condition. It helps in ensuring proper treatment.
The reason why your edibles are causing stomach ache might be as follows:
Quick Answer: Why Does Pineapple Hurt My Stomach
Beware if you have a sensitive stomach. The acids in the pineapple may give you heartburn or reflux. To avoid these side effects, its best to consume this delicious fruit in moderation. If you dont normally eat pineapple and experience any sort of allergic symptoms after snacking, call your doctor.
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Abdominal Pain And Stomach Cramps
It is normal to have abdominal pain from time-to-time, caused by gas, stomach bugs, or even food poisoning. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing abdominal pain that you would describe as intense, crampy, and the pain doesnt go away in a day or two, or has been present on and off for weeks or longer, its time to see a healthcare provider to find out whats wrong.
Dont Lie Down Too Early After Food
When you lie down, you increase the chances of acids in the stomach to travel backward and upward which can cause heartburn.
If you already looking to get rid of upset stomach and diarrhea, you should not lie down until it has relieved you.
If you must, then prop your head and neck at about an angle of 30 degrees.
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Por Qu Se Puede Comer Diarrea Despus De Comer En Exceso
Eventualmente, esta comida tiene que ser digerida y los restos se expulsan y esto puede ser heces diarreicas. Sin embargo, la diarrea puede ocurrir casi inmediatamente después de comer en exceso debido al estiramiento del estómago y el duodeno del tracto digestivo superior que estimula los movimientos en el colon.
Medical Treatments For Diarrhea
There are many medical treatments for diarrhea. There are antibiotic, antidiarrheal, antacids, and anti-inflammatory medications available. The most effective treatment is to reduce the inflammation in your body which can be done by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you find yourself having diarrhea a lot, you should try not to eat dairy products and stick to low-fat or non-fat dairy like almond milk or soy milk
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When To Seek Immediate Medical Help
Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, and persists, it should be regarded as a medical emergency, especially if the pain is concentrated in a particular area.
or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if this is the case.
If you feel pain in the area around your ribs, see the section on chest pain.
When Should You Be Concerned
Stomach cramps and diarrhea can be mild, fleeting and require no treatment.
However, if theyre accompanied by one of the following symptoms, its important to seek medical attention:
- Significant weight loss
- Diarrhea that persists for more than two days
- Severe pain
- High fever or chronic low-grade fever
- Chest, neck, jaw or arm pain
- Racing heartbeat
- Black, tarry stools
- Signs of dehydration
Summary: When stomach pain or diarrhea is accompanied by signs of dehydration, significant weight loss or other serious medical conditions, its important to seek medical attention.
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Prevention Of Abdominal Pain
In many cases, abdominal pain can be prevented by adopting lifestyle and dietary choices that address the cause of your pain. Constipation, digestive upset, and even abdominal injury can often be prevented.
The following steps may help you prevent abdominal pain:
Drink plenty of water.
Develop regular bowel habits. Many people can train themselves to have regular bowel movements to help avoid constipation.
Follow a balanced, fiber-filled diet. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, can help support healthy digestion and reduce constipation.
Eat regularly and slowly. Eating moderately-sized meals, instead of waiting until youre very hungry and stuffing yourself, can help avoid pain from overeating or eating on an empty stomach.
Exercise regularly. Getting enough physical activity can help prevent constipation and strengthen your abdominal muscles, which may help prevent straining.
Wear a seatbelt properly.
Dill Benefits Side Effects And Preparations
Some people also use dill to gain certain health benefits.For example, a 100-gram serving of dill boosts your vitamin A intake.Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps you to maintain healthy vision, skin, immune function, growth, and reproductive health.However, the amount of dill you consume makes a difference.Currently, people use dill for certain medicinal purposes, including:.Research studies have suggested that dill may have an anti-diabetic effect, with authors of one review stating, It can be suggested for the management of diabetic patients..But other studies have shown that dill has no effect, so it is unclear if there is enough evidence to support this benefit..Vitamins in dill include vitamin A , vitamin C , folate and riboflavin .When buying fresh dill, look for fresh, green feathery fronds that have been freshly cut.Dried dill lasts much longer than the fresh variety.Many people are familiar with the taste of dill pickles, which have a much more intense flavor that combines salt, vinegar, and dill.Like most herbs, dill can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly when you freeze it.Tarragon and fennel are the most common substitutes for fresh dill in recipes.However, youll use less of the dried variety because the flavor is more intense.Are dill weed and dill seed the same thing?They come from the same plant, but dill weed is the fresh leafy fronds that provide a light fresh flavor. .
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When To Seek Medical Help
Most people understand from their own life experiences that diarrhea is a very common affliction, so having diarrhea or stomach pain alone probably isnt enough to require medical attention. When the diarrhea and pain last longer than three days, however, it may indicate a larger problem. Moreover, if the diarrhea and abdominal pain accompany fever, bloody stool, or any other severe symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. For small children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system , diarrhea alone can be dangerous and should be diagnosed by a medical professional. If you have been experiencing diarrhea and stomach pain for more than a few days and are concerned about an underlying condition, contact us at Cary Gastro to set up an appointment to meet with a gastroenterologist. Our helpful staff will be happy to get you checked out so you can get the treatment you need.
What The Doctor Does
Doctors first ask questions about the person’s symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the pain and the tests that may need to be done or come and go . Chronic abdominal pain usually occurs in children… read more ).
Doctors ask particularly about activities that relieve or worsen the pain. Whether the pain or other digestive upset occurs after eating or drinking dairy products is important because lactose intolerance is common, especially among blacks, Hispanics, Asians , and American Indians. Doctors also ask about other symptoms , about diet, and about any surgery involving the abdomen, drugs used, and previous tests and treatments for the pain. Whether any family members have disorders that cause abdominal pain is also important.
Doctors also ask about a person’s diet because ingesting large amounts of cola beverages, fruit juices , or gas-producing foods can sometimes be the cause of otherwise puzzling abdominal pain.
Between the initial visit and follow-up visits, people are often asked to record information about the pain, bowel movements, diet, any activities that seem to trigger pain, any remedies tried, and the effects of the remedies.
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