Top 10 Reasons You have Stomach Pain
Top 10 Reasons You have Stomach Pain
Often mysterious and fleeting, stomach pains tend to have a plethora of suspected sources. The following represents some of the most common causes for stomach pain.
Food Poisoning
Caused by eating foods with bad bacterias, viruses, and/or parasites, the onset of this ailment is often sudden and severe. Studies have shown that one is six develops food poisoning each year. Remedies involve resting, allowing this sickness to take its course and consulting a physician as necessary.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Defined as a collection of symptoms, IBS has a number of potential causes. With symptoms such as cramping, constipation, and diarrhea, this ailment is best left diagnosed and treated by professionals and medication.
Stomach Flu
Marked by nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever, gastroenteritis is caused by having one’s food handled by an ill person that doesn’t use proper bathroom hygiene. In order to properly treat it, one must get rest, hydrate, eat mild foods, and call a doctor if the severe symptoms persist for over 24 hours.
Lactose Intolerance
Studies have shown that nearly 2/3 of the world’s population can’t properly digest lactose. Most marked by cramping and diarrhea following ingesting these foods, the best way to combat lactose intolerance is to avoid these foods altogether.
Indigestion
When severe, this ailment is marked by heartburn, nausea, bloating, and vomiting. Occurring as either a result of eating habits or a chronic condition, the best treatments include eating smaller meals and taking an antacid, among other things.
Gallstones
Caused by eating too much fat or cholesterol, gallstones consist of hardened deposits of digestive fluid forming in the gallbladder. Very rarely does this issue need to be treated, other than changing one’s diet, recurring symptoms may result in removal of the gallbladder altogether.
Ulcers
Marked by the feeling of burning in the pit of one’s stomach, ulcers are most commonly caused by the excessive usage of OTC painkillers. In mild cases, this can be addressed by cutting down on spicy foods, otherwise consult a physician.
Appendicitis
Though the pain associated with this ailment is often dull, it becomes more intense quickly. The only way this can be treated is by visiting the ER.
Stomach Cancer
Formed in the lining of the gut, the symptoms of this ailment are similar to ulcers. If they persist longer than 2 weeks, consult a physician to schedule an endoscopy.
Stress
One of the lesser known causes for stomach pain is stress. Trying exercise, and other stress reduction methods can vastly reduce symptoms.
Next time you’re experiencing unexplained stomach pain, refer to this list.