PAIN OR DISCOMFORT IN THE STOMACH
A common symptom that ranges from mild, self-limiting conditions to more serious, potentially life-threatening conditions is pain or discomfort in the stomach. The stomach is a muscular organ located in the upper abdomen, and pain or discomfort in this area can be due to a variety of reasons.
Common stomach pain causes:
Gastritis: Stomach irritation from an illness, excessive drinking, or using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) over a lengthy period.
Peptic ulcer disease is an ulcer that occurs on the stomach or duodenal lining, often as a result of infection with Helicobacter pylori or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes pain in the upper abdomen and heartburn when acid from the stomach runs back into the oesophagus.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes discomfort in the belly area, gas, and a shift in bowel habits. It is a functional abnormality of the digestive system.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which induce inflammation of the gastrointestinal system.
Food intolerance or allergy: Certain meals and beverages, such as those containing lactose or gluten, might cause stomach pain or discomfort in certain individuals.
Stomach pain symptoms vary by common symptom:
Discomfort or pain in the belly, with varying degrees of intensity.
Abdominal fullness or bloating.
Feeling sick or vomiting
Loss of hunger or quickly feeling full
Alterations in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhoea
The diagnosis of stomach pain or discomfort typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and various tests, depending on the suspected underlying cause.
Some common tests include:
Blood tests: to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Stool tests: to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities in the digestive tract.
Endoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth or anus to examine the digestive tract.
Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, are used to look for abnormalities in the digestive tract.
Numerous medical conditions can cause abdominal pain, and its complications will vary. Abdominal pain can be a sign of a minor condition that will resolve on its own or a serious underlying condition that needs immediate medical attention.
Causes of abdominal pain include:
Reduced quality of life: Chronic or serious stomach pain can have a big effect on a person's quality of life, making it hard for them to do daily tasks, connect with others, and do well at work or school.
Dehydration: If nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea caused by stomach pain aren't taken care of properly, they can lead to dehydration.
Malnutrition: People with chronic stomach pain may not be able to eat or drink as much as they need to, which can lead to hunger over time.
Infection: Pain in the middle of the stomach could be a sign of an infection that, if not handled, could lead to more problems.
Organ damage: abdominal discomfort may be a symptom of organ damage or malfunction, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
Peritonitis: Peritonitis is an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity and may be fatal, thus severe stomach discomfort should always be checked out.