Stomach Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Definition
What is stomach ache?
Stomach pain or abdominal pain is a layman’s term to describe pain and discomfort that occurs in the abdominal area. Abdominal pain can originate in the abdominal muscles, organs in the abdominal cavity, or organs around the stomach.
Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe, either persistent or coming and going. Pain that comes on quickly due to certain conditions is called acute, while pain that lasts for a long time is called chronic.
Stomach pain is a very common symptom of indigestion. Men and women of all age groups can experience it. Even so, women and people with certain health problems are more prone to experience them.
Pain can be felt in the entire stomach area or only in certain parts, depending on the cause. For example, middle abdominal pain can result from food poisoning, while pain on the left is generally caused by stomach problems.
Stomach upset usually goes away on its own. Even so, this condition can also signal a more dangerous digestive disease. Further examination is needed to find out the cause and how to overcome it.
Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of abdominal pain?
Stomach pain in itself is actually a symptom. However, this condition also often coincides with other symptoms of digestive disorders. Symptoms of stomach pain can vary, including:
- stomach hurts to the touch,
- vomiting or nausea,
- fever or chills,
- pain that lasts more than a few hours,
- flatulence and feels tight,
- constipation, and
- dehydration.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor to get the right treatment.
When to see a doctor?
Most cases of stomach pain are not serious. These symptoms can also be treated with home remedies or rest for a few hours. You don’t even need medication to treat stomach aches due to diarrhea, stomach flu, or similar disorders.
Conversely, abdominal pain that is acute or chronic requires medical attention and care. You need to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unexplained feeling of lethargy.
- Stool changes or disorders, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea that don’t go away within hours or days.
- Bleeding in the anus or bloody bowel movements.
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Chronic pain that continues after taking medication.
You are also advised to visit the Emergency Room (UGD) if you feel the signs and symptoms below.
- Severe pain that comes suddenly, especially if followed by a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.
- Bloody or black, sticky stool.
- Vomiting uncontrollably, especially if there is blood in the vomit.
- The stomach feels very sore and sensitive to the touch.
- Can’t urinate
- Dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
- Pain that gets worse quickly.
- Pain in the chest, especially in the ribs and radiating to the stomach.
- Severe stomach pain that improves by lying down.
Abdominal pain accompanied by these symptoms can indicate a more serious problem. Check with your doctor to find out the cause and options for how to treat it.
Cause
What causes stomach pain?
Abdominal pain can arise for several reasons. However, the location of the onset of the pain, the pattern of pain, and the duration of the abdominal pain can provide important clues as to the cause of this condition.
The following are various possible causes of abdominal pain.
1. Right stomach pain
Right abdominal pain is generally caused by problems with the organs around this area. The cause could be acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, gallstones, or other diseases related to the liver, intestines, kidneys, or gallbladder.
Acute appendicitis
Appendicitis or appendicitis is a common cause of lower right abdominal pain. The appendix is an extension of the large intestine. Inflammation and infection make the appendix swell so that the right side of the stomach hurts.
Pain usually starts from the navel to the lower right abdomen. The pain may get worse if you move or apply pressure. Other accompanying symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.
Biliary colic
Biliary colic occurs due to blockage of the bile ducts by gallstones. The pain that is caused usually lasts for a few minutes to an hour after you eat food, especially fatty foods.
Pain can appear suddenly and last a long time, then increase in intensity like a wave. This sensation arises from the right side of the abdomen, then spreads to the bottom of the right shoulder blade. Pain can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Constipation (constipation)
Constipation or constipation is difficulty passing stools. Keep in mind that constipation is not only caused by hard or hard stools, but also difficulty passing stool regularly due to certain conditions.
Constipation sometimes causes right-sided abdominal pain. If this condition worsens, you may experience stomach swelling due to accumulated feces. Constipation can be relieved by drinking lots of water and eating fibrous foods.
2. Left abdominal pain
Pain in the left side of the stomach can be caused by problems with the organs around this area. In some cases, digestive problems that cause right abdominal pain can radiate to the left side of the stomach. Here are some reasons.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the digestive enzyme-producing organ located on the upper left side of your stomach. Complaints usually appear suddenly and cause pain that can radiate to the back.
Pancreatitis can sometimes also involve other organs in the vicinity. Inflammation of the pancreas that is acute in nature is at risk of developing chronic pancreatitis if you have persistent complaints that cannot be treated quickly.
Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes irritated. Causes include bacterial infection H. pylori, excessive alcohol consumption, and use of certain types of pain relievers for a long time
A common symptom of gastritis is pain in the upper left stomach, where the stomach is located. The patient’s stomach usually feels like it is twisted, sore, or burning. There are also complaints of nausea and vomiting and a full stomach even though you only eat a little.
Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute) or slowly over time (chronic). Gastritis is not always serious, but in some cases, it can cause ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive system disorder that attacks the large intestine. Common symptoms are stomach cramps, flatulence, and frequent gas. IBS can also cause bowel movement problems such as constipation or diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the walls of the lower digestive tract. The most commonly reported symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody or mucus stools.
The disease can be debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Although the cure is unknown, medical treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula, which are small pockets that form on the inner lining of the intestine. The inflammation that occurs can cause severe stomach pain that is constant and lasts for several days.
Pain is usually felt in the left area of the stomach, but can also radiate to the right. Apart from abdominal pain, diverticulitis can also cause swelling in the lower left abdomen, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
3. Abdominal pain in general
Here are a number of conditions that can cause pain in the upper, middle, or stomach as a whole.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Gastroenteritis is a digestive disorder caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The main symptom is abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This collection of symptoms usually improves within a few days.
Food intolerance
Your body may not be able to digest certain ingredients in food. This can stimulate the intestinal bacteria to produce more gas. Gradually, the accumulated gas will press on the stomach, causing pain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder characterized by an increase in stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition can cause abdominal pain, heartburn, and pain in the heartburn known as a heartburn.
Gastric ulcer
Sores that form on the stomach wall can cause severe, persistent stomach pain. The main cause of stomach ulcers is a bacterial infection H.pylori and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the inner lining of your intestines. This indigestion is characterized by abdominal pain, flatulence, and nausea and vomiting. If left untreated, patients are prone to weight loss and malnutrition.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease affects people who are sensitive to gluten, a protein found in whole grains such as wheat. Consumption of foods containing gluten can cause intestinal inflammation characterized by abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
How to diagnose abdominal pain?
At the beginning of the examination, the doctor will check your physical condition, for example by pressing on the part of the stomach that feels painful or swollen. Information about where the pain is and how severe it is can help your doctor determine what tests are needed.
Doctors usually use imaging tests such as MRI scan, Ultrasound, and X-rays to view organs, tissues, and other structures in the stomach in detail. This examination is very effective in diagnosing inflammation to tumor growth.
In addition, your doctor may also recommend the following medical procedures.
- Colonoscopy to view the inside of the large intestine.
- Endoscopy to detect inflammation and abnormalities in the stomach.
- X-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Examination of blood, urine, and stool samples for signs of bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.
Treatment
What treatment options are available?
Abdominal pain treatment depends on the cause. Stomach pain due to gas buildup may not require serious treatment. Likewise with mild diarrhea or constipation which can be treated with diet.
Meanwhile, treatments for more severe disease were more varied. Doctors can prescribe drugs for GERD to perform surgery for more serious problems such as appendicitis.
What are the lifestyle changes to help with this condition?
Abdominal pain in general can’t be prevented, especially if you don’t know the cause. However, you can reduce the chances of developing pain by making the following changes.
- Eat smaller portions but often.
- Eat regularly and don’t miss the schedule.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger symptoms.
- Chew food slowly.
- Manage stress well.
- Treat diseases that can cause stomach upset.
- Follow the dietary advice given by the doctor.
Stomach pain indicates that there is a disturbance in your digestive system. These annoyances are often mild, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them all the time.
Abdominal pain is a very common symptom. If you experience this condition, pay attention to what other symptoms accompany it. This will help the doctor diagnose the cause of the pain and treat it.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
