Still, that doesn't make stomachaches any less annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes even incredibly painful. Here, doctors explain 27 different reasons why your stomach might hurt, when to see a professional about the pain, and how to finally get rid of it. Start Slideshow. Credit: Getty Images. Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, expelling bile as needed to digest fats. These stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material, typically made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that develop in your gallbladder, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease NIDDK.
They can cause swelling and can block the duct into the intestine, resulting in pain. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD , can cause pain in the upper stomach and lower chest, aka heartburn. It's typically caused by a weak valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, which allows food and acid from the stomach to splash upwards. Eating too much food or the wrong type of food fatty foods or spicy foods, for instance can make it worse, while losing weight, watching what you eat, and medication like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors , can help.
If you get constipated along with 42 million other Americans , you know all too well just how uncomfortable it can be.
Luckily, you have a few options that will help to get things moving. Watch this video for the full list. Symptoms can include cramping in the lower abdomen, which may respond to antibiotics.
A high-fiber diet can help. In more severe cases, it can cause abscesses, bleeding, and even perforations, resulting in severe pain, or even the need for surgery or a hospitalization. Some people react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease. Even though the thyroid gland is located in the neck, it can cause problems lower down in the body. If the thyroid produces too much hormone hyperthyroidism , it speeds up the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal cramps, he says.
On the other hand, an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism slows down the digestive tract, potentially leading to pain from constipation and gas.
Appendicitis is more common in children and young adults though it can happen to older adults and usually starts with pain in the mid-abdomen, progressing into the lower right part of the abdomen.
If you think you could have the condition, learn more about 9 Symptoms of Appendicitis. Head to the emergency room right away if you think appendicitis is causing your tummy pain.
Raymond says it's extremely normal to have your appendix removed and is a routine procedure. To fix the problem, cut back on the amount of sugarless gum you chew. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD is an inflammation inside the small or large intestine, Dr. Alaradi explains.
The inflammation from IBD can cause scarring and blockage, which can lead to abdominal pain along with diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Symptoms are chronic, but can flare up and subside in cycles, making it sometimes hard to diagnose. IBD needs to be monitored closely as it can lead to more serious problems, even cancer, later in life.
Want to get on the same page with your gut? Mindful eating can reduce stress and help calm an upset stomach. Watch this video to learn how. Your risk of colon cancer increases as you age, but what can you do to protect yourself besides getting a colonoscopy? Replay gallery. Pinterest Facebook. Up Next Cancel. By Amanda Gardner. Share the Gallery Pinterest Facebook. Skip slide summaries Everything in This Slideshow. Close this dialog window View All 1 of 28 Stomach pain? Common causes of stomach ache These are some common types of stomach ache and what may be causing them.
Type of stomach ache Type of stomach ache Possible condition Feeling bloated, farting a lot trapped wind Feeling full and bloated after eating, heartburn, feeling sick indigestion Cannot poo constipation Watery poo, feeling sick, vomiting diarrhoea or food poisoning.
Find a pharmacy. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:. Try an all-natural ginger ale or chop up some fresh ginger root and make a tea. Ginger comes in many forms. Take your pick:. A nice cup of chamomile tea can help ease the pain of an upset stomach by acting as an anti-inflammatory. These anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce the pain of cramping and spasms.
Can you use chamomile tea to treat acid reflux? Every parent of a toddler knows about the bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast BRAT diet to calm an upset stomach. It can help nausea or diarrhea. BRAT contains low-fiber, high-binding foods. None of these foods contain salt or spices, which can further aggravate symptoms. Try overcooking the toast — the charred bread is thought to reduce nausea. Peppermint is often cited as a helpful fix for nausea and upset stomach because the menthol in its leaves is a natural analgesic, or pain reliever.
Order up! Keep this remedy on hand. If you can stomach it, try taking this acidic pantry staple by the tablespoon to neutralize an upset stomach.
Too strong? Mix a tablespoon with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey, and sip it slowly. The acids in apple cider vinegar may help decrease starch digestion, allowing the starch to get to the intestines and keep the bacteria in the gut healthy.
Some people take a spoonful each day as a preventive measure. The warmth on your stomach will distract you from any cramping or pain, and the heat can help to relax your muscles and reduce your nausea. Order one of these:.
Stomach problems sometimes do indicate a more serious problem. Prolonged vomiting puts you at risk for dehydration.
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