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Why Does My Stomach Hurt?
Why Does My Stomach Hurt?
Cramping, bloating, gas, nausea, stomach troubles can be the worst – especially when you don’t know the cause. While a simple stomachache could mean you just ate something that didn’t agree with you, chronic stomach trouble can be a sign there’s something else wrong. Here are some reasons why you may be experiencing stomach pain.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves inflammation inside the small or large intestine. The inflammation can cause scarring and blockage in your intestines and can be very painful. Symptoms can involve sever diahrrea, pain, fatigue, and weight loss. IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrom is a condition that mostly affects your colon but can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS symptoms are usually triggered by certain foods like dairy, fiber and alcohol. More most people, controlling symptoms can be done by managing diet for most people.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is commonly called the “stomach flu” and causes vomiting or diarrhea. The condition affects the intestines rather and symptoms are similar to food poisoning but also include muscle aches and a low-grade fever.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
This condition, commonly known as GERD, is chronic and can cause pain in the upper stomach and lower chest (heartburn). It occurs when stomach acid flows up your esophagus.
Food Intolerance
If you are experiencing chronic stomach problems, there’s a chance that you have a food intolerance. The most common are Gluten and Lactose. Keeping a food journal is helpful so that you are aware of what foods you ate before experiencing the pain.
Medication Side Effect
It’s also possible that you are experiencing pain or sickness because of a medication you are taking.
Thyroid problems
Your digestive tract is one of the many functions in your body that your thyroid regulates. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, and is producing too much hormone, it could cause your digestive tract to speed up. This can result in diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic Ulcera are open sores in your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Symptoms can include pain in the mid-upper abdominal area that sometimes occur after meals.
Food Poisoning
Eating contaminated foods causes food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea.
Stress
Your gut and your brain are connected. For people who battle depression, this digestive problems can be linked.
If you are experiencing stomach problems on a regular basis, a trip to your gastroenterologist should be in order. Take note of foods that seem to irritate your stomach, when the pain and discomfort is occurring, and what symptoms you are experiencing.
Further Reading:
How to Make the Most Out of Your GI Visit