When You Have Stomach Pain

Can Back Pain Cause Stomach Pain

Yes, you can have both stomach and back pain. If you have stomach and back pain together, they may both be symptoms of some larger problem, like an autoimmune disorder or a kidney infection. In rare cases, having both types of pain together can be a sign of certain cancers. If your pain doesn’t go away in 48 hours, seek medical attention.

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.

In General What Conditions Do Gastroenterologists Treat

Gastroenterologists can evaluate for and treat a wide variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease , gastroesophageal reflux disease , celiac disease, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and more. GI doctors also routinely perform screenings for colon cancer.

My area of specialty is in prevention and early detection of cancers such as colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer. I enjoy helping patients, especially those with a family history, understand their risk for cancer while offering genetic testing, screening and more.

Overall, its important for patients to openly discuss stress and GI symptoms with their doctors. Primary care doctors can help manage stress and treat symptoms, but in some cases it may be necessary to see a gastroenterologist to evaluate for other conditions.

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How Can I Prevent Abdominal Pain

• You can keep your gut healthy by eating lots of fruit and vegetables, as well as other foods high in fibre, such as whole grains and legumes. Find out more about healthy eating.
• You can reduce the chance of food poisoning and gut infections by following food safety practices and keeping your hands clean.
• Find out about preventing specific conditions by linking on the related topics and links in the list of causes above.

The Many Causes Of Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can have a number of root causes, and most of the time you may be able to determine the cause yourself.

By monitoring your symptoms carefully and thinking about possible stressors, you can often figure out why youve got stomach pain, says Dr. McKee.Common causes of stomach pain include:

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Sharp Pain In The Lower Right Side Of The Abdomen

Possible explanation: appendicitis

What is it: Once universally believed to be a vestigial organ, the appendix is now thought to play a role in maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora. The appendix can sometimes become inflamed, either because of infection or a blockage in its hollow chamber, and bacteria can build up inside. If it bursts, the bacteria causing the inflammation is released into the abdominal cavity, causing a variety of potential complications. Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, along with other possible symptoms such as nausea and fever, is a telltale sign of acute appendicitis.

Treatment: Because of the danger related to the appendix bursting, treatment is necessary as soon after the onset of the symptoms as possible. In some cases, antibiotics can be effective in treating the condition, but the majority of the time an appendectomy is necessary.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number if you:

• Are currently being treated for cancer
• Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
• Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
• Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
• Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Have pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nausea
• Have tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touch
• Are pregnant or could be pregnant
• Had a recent injury to your abdomen
• Have difficulty breathing

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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.

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

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What To Expect During An Appendectomy

Before your appendix is taken out, youâll take antibiotics to fight infection. Youâll usually get general anesthesia, meaning youâll be asleep for the procedure. The doctor removes your appendix through a 4-inch-long cut or with a device called a laparoscope . This procedure is called laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, the surgeon will also clean out your belly and drain the pus.

Continued

You can get up and move around within 12 hours after surgery. You should be able to go back to your normal routine in 2 to 3 weeks. If you had a laparoscopy, recovery is faster.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled vomiting
• Blood in your vomit or pee
• Increased pain and redness where your doctor cut into your belly
• Fever

Crampy Pain With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Lower “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome , says Singh. “It’s exceptionally common and affects 15% of the U.S. population, particularly younger women, although it can happen at any age.” Symptoms of IBS can usually be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Medication and counseling may be needed in some cases.

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Can Stomachaches Be Prevented

Not all belly pain can be prevented. But to help avoid common types of stomachaches:

• Wash your hands before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom.
• Don’t overeat, and try not to eat right before going to sleep.
• Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to keep food moving through your digestive system.
• Avoid foods that have passed their expiration date or or weren’t stored properly.
• If you have a food allergy or intolerance, avoid eating foods that make you sick. If you have a food allergy, always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors, and know when you should use them.

When To See A Doctor As Soon As Possible For Stomach Pain

Some causes of stomach pain arent immediately life-threatening, but they still need medical attention within 24 to 48 hours.

See a doctor as soon as you can if you have stomach pain and:

• it worries you, but you dont have the urgent symptoms listed above
• the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
• you have trouble swallowing food
• youre losing weight without meaning to
• youre peeing more or less than you normally do
• it burns when you pee or you have blood in your pee
• you have vaginal discharge that looks or smells unusual
• you have diarrhoea that hasnt gotten better after a few days

Again, this list doesnt cover every possible sign to watch out for, and everyone is different which means some serious causes of stomach pain may show up differently in some people. Thats why its worth speaking to a doctor if youre not sure if your stomach pain is anything to worry about.

Speak to a doctor online

You dont need to make an appointment with your family doctor or go to an urgent care centre to do this a much quicker alternative is to speak to a registered doctor online now.

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When To Call The Doctor

If you experience symptoms for more than a week, its wise to make a doctors appointment. However, if you have severe symptoms at any point throughout, it is also a good idea to be seen. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor visit include high fever, nausea and vomiting, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision problems, rapid heart rate, and seizures. While the most common symptoms of diarrhea and stomach problems are flu, food reactions, medications, stress, alcohol consumption, IBD, and IBS, these conditions can also be indicative of cancer, cystic fibrosis, appendicitis, or intestinal obstruction. If you have persistent symptoms, its best to be safe and be seen.

If you need to see a doctor for diarrhea and abdominal pain, or you are experiencing other GI upset, book an appointment at Carolina Digestive today.

For Some Symptoms May Include Sore Throat Muscle Pain Fatigue Runny Nose Or A Cough Others May Suffer More Severe Symptoms Including Shortness Of Breath Or Chest Pain

Nadine Yousiftimerupdate

With the Omicron variant on track to be the most prevalent strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, many are wondering what symptoms they should be on the lookout for to keep themselves and their loved ones safe ahead of the holidays.

Early data from South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first detected, show this strain of the virus to be milder than others. But scientists say the data doesnt tell the whole story, as South Africas population skews younger and many have already been infected with COVID-19 or are vaccinated, and thus have more antibodies to fight it.

Those symptoms actually may be more representative of breakthrough infections, which are milder than a person whos never been vaccinated, never been infected, having it for the first time, said Kelly Grindrod, a pharmacist and professor at the University of Waterloo.

What scientists do know is Omicron multiplies at a rate about four times higher than the Delta variant and projections indicate it will cause Ontarios case counts to skyrocket to the thousands in a matter of days. On Thursday, Ontario reported 2,421 new cases of COVID-19, nearly twice the number of new cases from last Thursday.

So as cases increase, what symptoms should people watch out for?

If youre fully vaccinated, as with other variants, you should anticipate that youd have it on the milder end of the spectrum, Vaisman said. However, its not entirely clear yet and the data is still developing.

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Full Body Discomfort Or Malaise With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Possible explanation: lactose intolerance

What is it: Lactose is a component of milk-based products that requires an enzyme called lactase in order to be digested. In many people, this enzyme stops being produced in sufficient quantities and the lactose gets passed to the large intestine. Once there, it promotes the growth and activity of some gut bacteria that in turn cause a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.

Treatment: There is no cure for the gradual lessening of lactase production, but the condition can be mitigated by avoiding milk-based products or by taking lactase supplements that aid in the digestion of lactose.

Gastroenterologist AppointmentSome reasons for your stomach pain are no big deal at all, and theyll usually resolve on their own. But some can indicate a deeper or potentially more dangerous problem. If you have been having stomach pain that lingers, it may be time to talk with a gastroenterologist. Contact Carolina Digestive today to make an appointment and find some much-needed relief.

What Do Upper And Lower Abdominal Pain Signify

If the pain is coming from higher up in your stomach, it could be caused by acid reflux or an ulcer. You might also have heartburn and belching and the pain may either be made worse or relieved by food.

If you feel pain right across your stomach area or low down, its probably coming from your bowel. You may also have bloating and wind. If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause is probably gastroenteritis. If you are very ill for example, with chills or a fever you may have a more serious condition, such as food poisoning.

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Is This Why Omicron Is Spreading So Rapidly Study Claims Ultra

The Omicron variant multiplies 70 times faster than Delta in the airways, according to a study which may explain why the mutant virus is spreading at a ferocious pace.

Hong Kong University researchers also found the new variant replicates 10 times slower in the lungs than its predecessor.

That finding lends weight to the theory it is milder than the past variants, something which doctors in South Africa have been claiming for weeks.

The researchers exposed lung tissue in a laboratory to the original Covid strain that was identified in Wuhan last year, along with the two variants, to compare how the viruses behave after infection.

Omicron replicated faster in the bronchus tubes connecting the windpipe and lungs suggesting people with the strain may be more infectious.

Higher viral loads nearer the throat means people are more likely to breathe out viral particles.

Delta was found to duplicate much quicker in the lungs, where more of the virus can lead to the most severe illness.

The finding may be the biological clue behind why doctors insist people infected with the strain only suffer cold-like symptoms.

UK guidance currently only recognises three symptoms as early warning signs of an infection with the virus, a new continuous cough, a high temperature, and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell.

He added that Omicron appears to be chipping away at the UK’s vaccine protection from infection, but that jabs were still critical to protecting people.

How To Treat Abdominal Pain

Some cases of abdominal pain resolve on their own. Staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding foods that can irritate your stomach can help improve your pain. Taking over-the-counter gas medications or antacids can help ease an upset stomach and relieve indigestion.

If home remedies dont work and you have abdominal pain for several days, get in touch with us. Depending on the cause, we may approach treatment in several ways, including:

• Antibiotics for infections
• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers
• Acid reducers for GERD and acid reflux
• Making lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet

Some conditions like Crohns disease or other forms of inflammatory bowel syndrome require special treatment. We can connect you with the right specialist if needed.

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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.

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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What Is The Treatment For Appendicitis

Appendicitis is almost always treated as an emergency. Surgery to remove the appendix, which is called an appendectomy, is the standard treatment for almost all cases of appendicitis.

Generally, if your doctor suspects that you have appendicitis, they will quickly remove it to avoid a rupture. If you have an abscess, you may get two procedures: one to drain the abscess of pus and fluid, and a later one to take out the appendix. But some research shows that treating acute appendicitis with antibiotics may help you avoid surgery.

What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing Upper Abdominal Pain Or Discomfort

If you regularly experience one or more of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer which are not normal for you, do not ignore them, contact your GP straight away or call NHS 111 to investigate.

COVID-19 update: Although GP practices may be changing the way that they run appointments or interact with you, they are still available for you and it is vital that you still contact them if you have any of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Read more.

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