When you’re going about your day and you suddenly experience that all-too-common sensation of discomfort or pain in your belly, it can be extremely disruptive. Almost everyone has experienced unpleasant stomach aches or digestive issues at some point. Abdominal pain is frequent and can be caused by a variety of factors, but it does not have to keep you from moving forward.
It is critical to receive a diagnosis in order to determine whether the cause of your abdominal pain is serious and try treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Discover 10 of the most frequent causes of stomach discomfort, each with comparable symptoms.
Understanding Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is known to refer to any ache felt between your groin and chest. It can be easily referred to as pain, nausea, aching, or a burning sensation. Abdominal pain generally goes away on its own and does not require medical attention. However, if your discomfort is persistent or severe, it can interfere with your daily activities and indicate a more serious underlying issue.
10 Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain has numerous underlying causes. Here are the 10 most common causes:
- Constipation
Constipation happens when you cannot pass a bowel movement, which causes abdominal cramping, stomach discomfort, and bloating.
- Food Poisoning
Eating food contaminated with foreign elements, such as germs or viruses, can result in food poisoning. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle aches that are common while suffering from food poisoning.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic disorder that makes digestion more challenging. It leads to stomach aches and cramps, which typically intensify after eating and improve after a bowel movement. IBS can also result in bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Food Allergies
Food allergies or intolerances can induce stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea just a few hours after eating. Symptoms disappear once the food has been eliminated from the digestive system.
- Celiac Disease
People suffering from celiac disease find difficulty in digesting gluten. Gluten consumption can induce stomach discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.
- Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux and GERD occur when stomach acid enters the esophagus after eating. Common symptoms include heartburn and chest pain.
- Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers form as lesions on the abdominal lining when it is injured. They can produce a burning feeling, pain, indigestion, heartburn, and nausea.
- Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel illness characterized by colon inflammation. It can produce stomach and rectal pain, cramps, and bloating.
- Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease develops when the liver retains too much fat. It might produce nausea and upper right abdominal pain.
- Hepatitis B or C
Hepatitis B and C are terrible viruses that infect human liver. They may induce abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Tips for Managing Abdominal Pain at Home
Managing abdominal pain at home can reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life. Here are some excellent ways to manage stomach pain:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen abdominal pain, especially related to digestive issues.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent constipation. Avoid consuming spicy, fried, or highly processed diet that could irritate the belly.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger your abdominal pain. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
- Practice Portion Control: Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals. This can help reduce the strain on your digestive system and prevent bloating and discomfort.
- Use Heat Therapy: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to your abdomen can help relax muscles and alleviate cramping and pain.
- Over-the-counter medications: Consider using over-the-counter medications such as antacids, or pain relievers like acetaminophen. Always follow the instructions and consult your healthcare expert before taking any medicine.
- Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or light exercise. Movement can help stimulate digestion and prevent constipation.
- Try Herbal Remedies: Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea can soothe the digestive system and relieve abdominal discomfort.
When To See the Doctor
If your abdominal pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, consult the doctor immediately. The above home remedies for pain can help manage mild to moderate abdominal pain only. Abdominal pain caused by indigestion can be treated at home with Healing Pharma’s Yummy Zyme digestive syrup. Made of hing and 25 other herbs, this syrup comes with zero side effects. Hence, go ahead and make a healthy choice for yourself and your family today to keep common digestive problems at bay.