What To Do When You Have Sharp Stomach Pains

Can I Still Get Diverticulitis If Ive Had The Affected Part Of My Colon Removed

If the affected area of your colon is removed, another surgery is usually not needed. The most common location for diverticulitis is the sigmoid colon, which is the S-shaped near end portion of your colon. Although this is the most common location, its possible for diverticula to form in other areas of your colon. Because each person is different, be sure to ask your healthcare provider, surgeon, or colon specialist about your risk for return appearance of diverticulitis.

How To Prevent Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain might not always be preventable. However, you can encourage your child to follow these precautions to minimize the risks of certain conditions that lead to stomachache .

• Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water in a day.
• Eat small and frequent meals.
• Be physically active and do age-appropriate exercises regularly.
• Avoid consumption of food items that can cause indigestion or gas.
• Consume high-fiber and well-balanced diet. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in all meals.

Abdominal pain can occur because of minor or serious problems. The causes of abdominal pain are numerous and present similar symptoms. Therefore, definite diagnosis of such pain can be difficult. Fortunately, most causes can be treated or managed at home. However, if your child experiences any severe symptoms, visit your healthcare practitioner.

Have any useful experiences to share on abdominal pain in teenagers? Share with us by leaving a comment in the section below.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Hernia

A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. More symptoms of a hernia include:

• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum .
• Increased pain at the site of the bulge.
• Pain while lifting.
• Increase in the bulge size over time.
• A dull aching sensation.
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction.

In the case of hiatal hernias there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation and chest pain.

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What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For A Hernia

When you have a hernia, treatment will start with your primary care provider. If you need surgery to repair the hernia, youâll be referred to a general surgeon. In fact, ventral hernia repairs are one of the most common operations U.S. general surgeons perform.

If you think you have a hernia, donât wait to seek help. A neglected hernia can grow larger and more painful â this can lead to complications and possibly emergency surgery. Early repair is more successful, less risky and offers a better recovery and outcome.

Should I Worry About Having Gi Symptoms With Covid

Some studies show that patients who experience GI symptoms are more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19, including acute respiratory distress, heart or kidney damage, and can even be associated with death.

It also appears that people with preexisting GI conditions before getting COVID-19 are more likely to experience serious complications from the disease.

With or without GI symptoms, seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following severe COVID-19 associated symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
• Difficulty and/or inability to stay awake

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Stomach Cramps With Bloating

Stomach cramps with bloating are often caused by trapped wind, or constipation. This is a very common problem that can be embarrassing, but is easily dealt with. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend a product, which can be bought over the counter to treat the problem. If problems persist, you should see your GP.

Taking Care Of Yourself At Home

Most abdominal pain goes away without special treatment. Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:

• Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
• Soak in a warm bath. Take care not to scald yourself.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
• Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
• When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Try over-the-counter antacids, to help reduce some types of pain.
• Take mild painkillers such as paracetamol. Please check the packet for the right dose. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised to take them by a doctor. These drugs can make some types of abdominal pain worse.

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What Type Of Abdominal Pain Do You Have

When it comes to abdominal pain, we classify it into four categories depending on the location. This helps us to know the symptoms and the ideal treatment.

Your abdominal pain can be felt either on the right, left, upper, or lower abdomenand all have different causes and symptoms.

• Upper abdomen

The upper stomach houses several organs such as gallbladder, liver and pancreas and any problem with any of these organs will cause abdominal pain.

The upper abdominal pain can be mild, severe, or come in waves, and it is caused by a variety of conditions such as gas, gallstones, gastritis, and indigestion among others. The symptoms of these conditions are similar and can include nausea, vomiting, a burning feeling in the upper part, or intense cramping. Since its hard to know and distinguish the specific condition, you should visit our emergency room in Harker Heights for an assessment and treatment.

• Lower abdomen

Lower abdominal pain is a sign of urinary tract infection, menstrual pain, or constipation. Constipation and menstrual pain is cramp-like pain that comes in waves and can be managed at home with pain-reliever, and hot water treatment.

You should, however, seek emergency treatment if you have pressure in your lower abdomen or back, frequent and burning feeling when urinating, fever or chillsthese are symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection.

• Right abdomen

• Left abdomen

Why Does Your Stomach Hurt

Stomach cramps can range from mild achiness to severe, stabbing pain.

Common causes of stomach cramps include eating foods that can irritate your stomach, constipation, food poisoning, or a stomach infection. People who have anxiety may also develop stomach cramps.

Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus.

Sometimes stomach cramps are constant. In this case, a chronic digestive illness, such as irritable bowel disease, may be the cause.

Most stomach cramps go away on their own within a few hours or a couple of days. Changing what you eat and taking over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms while you recover.

Some stomach cramps may require medical attention. You should be concerned about stomach cramps if they last for a week or longer or are so severe that you cant function, or you also have symptoms like fever or blood in your vomit or stool.

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Inflammation Of The Pleura

The pleura is the layer lining the lungs. The lungs themselves dont have somatic pain receptors. But the pleura has somatic pain receptors. It means they can feel friction, sharp pain, touch, etc.

Since the pleura surrounds the lungs, they inevitably rub against each other during breathing. So, inflammation of the pleura can cause sharp pain while breathing. This condition is known as pleurisy.

In this condition, its more likely that youll feel pain in your chest. However, the pleura does reach down to the diaphragm. It lines the upper surface of the diaphragm beneath the lungs.

So, any inflammation of the lower pleura can manifest as pain in the stomach when breathing deeply. Pleurisy can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or even embolism.

What Are Symptoms Of Stomach Pain

Stomach pain, or abdominal pain, can range from bloating and indigestion to severe and sharp, stabbing pain.

Symptoms of stomach pain depend on the cause.Pain may be dull or sharp, intermittent or constant, mild or severe. Pain may occur in any part of the abdomen, and may also radiate to other areas such as the back, flank, or shoulder.

Symptoms that may accompany stomach pain may include:

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Remedies And Treatments For Stomach Pain And Gas

Most stomach pain and gas will go away on its own, but there are steps you can take to ease discomfort and prevent future gas pain. Gas-related stomach pain remedies include:

Pass Gas

The only way to get rid of gas is to pass it. Donât hold it in. If youâre worried about odor, try reducing foods that contain sulfur-producing compounds such as broccoli, cabbage, and beer.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Many gas-relieving products are marketed, but scientific evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Many people claim to experience relief, so they may be worth trying. The most common medications that claim to relieve immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone .

Herbal Remedies

Peppermint and peppermint oil have the best record as digestive aids, but there are many other foods that may help. In one study, Chinese herbal formulae outperformed placebos in soothing IBS symptoms. Commonly included ingredients are:

• Wearing ill-fitting dentures

Enzymes Before Eating Certain Foods

Taking enzymes before you eat can help you better digest your meal. Most enzymes are only available for those with a medical condition that prevents them from producing their own. However, two widely available enzymes for problematic foods are:

• Lactase supplements can help those who are lactose intolerant.
• Alpha-galactosidase supplements can help people digest legumes.

Sharp Jabbing Pain In The Upper Right Abdomen

Possible explanation: gallstones

What is it: The gallbladder stores some of the bile that is used in digestion it combines with digestive juices from the liver and pancreas to break down the partially digested food that has left the stomach and entered the small intestine. The most frequent cause of gallstones is when the liver excretes excess cholesterol that excess cholesterol can collect in the gallbladder and harden into gallstones. The gallbladder sits next to the liver, and it is in this location in the upper right abdomen that sharp pain can be felt when the body attempts to pass the gallstones through the narrow biliary duct.

Treatment: Some people have gallstones without any symptoms at all, but when pain begins, the condition needs to be treated soon. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatments range from oral medication to dissolve the stones to surgery to remove the gallbladder.

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Whats The Difference Between Diverticulosis And Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is simply the presence of these tiny bulges or pockets in your colon. They usually dont cause any symptoms or need to be treated. However, diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. You may feel pain, nausea, fever and have other symptoms. This is a much more serious and potentially dangerous condition.

Yogurt To Relieve Stomach Pain

Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics, or active cultures, may help with stomach pains as it promotes proper digestion. These work to increase the good bacteria needed to relieve indigestion, bloating, and painful discomfort in the gut.

Consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt throughout the day may reduce stomach pain episodes.

Use the following recipe to create a drinkable form of this remedy.

• Combine two tablespoons of plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
• Add three teaspoons of fresh coriander juice.
• Mix in one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder.
• Mix well and drink one hour after each meal.

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When To Go To The Er With Stomach Pain

You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the ER if you have:

• Constant or severe abdominal pain
• Pain associated with a high fever
• Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another
• Pain accompanied by other serious or unusual symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or change in behavior
• Pain localized to one particular area
• Right lower quadrant could indicate appendicitis
• Right upper quadrant could indicate cholecystitis or a gallbladder infection
• Left lower quadrant could indicate diverticulitis or a colon infection

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.

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When Stomach Pain Is An Emergency

Stomach pain can be caused by a life-threatening condition, such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction , or a bowel perforation .

These emergencies usually cause very noticeable and often intolerable signs and symptoms. Your stomach pain is probably a sign of an urgent medical problem if:

• You are pregnant
• Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure
• You have ever had a gastric bypass, a colostomy, or a bowel resection
• Your pain started shortly after you experienced severe abdominal trauma
• Your abdomen appears bruised or is rapidly expanding in size

Your stomach pain may be mild in the beginning, and then you may develop associated symptoms after a few hours. You should get help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms along with your stomach pain:

• Abdomen is extremely hard
• Inability to have a bowel movement accompanied by vomiting
• Pain in neck, shoulder or between shoulder blades
• Vision changes

When It’s Not An Emergency

If your stomach pain is not severe, persistent, or associated with concerning symptoms like those already discussed, it is likely to resolve on its own. Abdominal pain is usually caused by minor problems such as constipation, trapped gas, or eating something that didn’t agree with you, like a high dairy meal or a spice that you aren’t used to.

Waiting a few hours, having a bowel movement, or passing gas usually helps. There are a few things you can do so that you can be more comfortable and to help relieve your symptoms as your pain resolves:

• Limit yourself to clear liquids for a few hours.
• If you experience vomiting and/or diarrhea, stick with the BRAT diet and other mild foods until your symptoms start to subside.
• Avoid foods that are tough on the digestive system, such as food that is high in fat, fried foods, spicy foods, and drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Try an over-the-counter antacid or gas-relieving product.
• Try to have a bowel movement. Often, eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help.
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. This may help to soothe your pain. Place the pad on your abdomen for half-hour intervals and be sure to use a towel under the pad to protect your skin.

Your symptoms may completely improve within one to two days. If they do not, call your doctor’s office for advice.

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Types Of Abdominal Pain

There are several types of abdominal pain, which are based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts:

• Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
• Chronic pain lasts longer — from weeks to months or more — and may come and go.
• Progressive pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.

Sharp Pain In Stomach

If you have sharp pains in you stomach you may concern about of number of causes. Find out the reasons of the pain in this article.

Practically everybody at one point or another will experience pain in stomach. The majority of the causes are not serious and can be easily identified and treated. Nevertheless, pain can likewise suggest a serious health problem. Its crucial to be able to recognize symptoms that are severe and know when to call a doctor.

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Upper Stomach Pain Or Burning Sensation

Possible explanation: peptic ulcer

What is it: Peptic ulcers occur when damage to the lining of the stomach results in painful sores. The stomach is normally coated with a layer of thick mucus that serves as a barrier between the lining itself and the caustic digestive juices. When the mucus barrier is compromised, which can happen as a result of infection, heavy drinking, smoking, aspirin, or a variety of other digestive illnesses, the digestive juices can actually eat away at the stomach lining. The resulting sores cause stomach pain and even potentially bleeding.

Treatment: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but most treatment options focus on neutralizing or reducing stomach acid enough so that the sores can heal. In the case of infection, antibiotics may also be used.

When To Call The Doctor About Abdominal Pain

If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain.

You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:

• Can’t keep food down for more than 2 days
• Signs you’re getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
• Can’t have a bowel movement, especially if you’re also vomiting
• Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often

Also call your doctor if:

• Your belly is tender to the touch
• Pain lasts more than a few hours

You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also:

• Have unexplained weight loss

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