Stomach pain is a discomfort that most people experience.While sometimes it can be caused by nerves and anxiety, in other cases e.g. Gastritis, gastric ulcer and even myocardial infarction may be the cause of this pain.
Stomach pain is usually concentrated in the upper abdomen and under the ribs. As it progresses, it can move to the sides, back, or rise into the chest. The area you sit in can reveal the cause and guide treatment.
one of the Common causes of this pain are nerves and anxiety. The latter causes the stomach to produce more acid, which can cause pain and gastritis in the long term.
“The depression in the stomach is medically called the epigastrium, that’s its name. So, there are many causes of epigastric pain. If we divide it by anatomical region, The most common causes are digestive problems, stomach and duodenal problems. It could be gastritis, duodenal ulcer or gastric ulcer,” explains endoscopic surgeon Héctor Luna.
Why does my stomach hurt?
Stomach pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from indigestion to something more serious.Physician Carlos Hernandez points out that indigestion can cause Gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Here are some conditions that cause stomach pain:
gastritis
Gastritis is stomach discomfort caused by inflammation of the lining of the stomach wall.The cause is bacteria Helicobacter pylori, To a lesser extent stress and consumption of certain NSAIDs and excessive alcohol consumption.
In the early stages, it causes no symptoms, but as the condition progresses, it may cause nausea, vomiting, and pain in this area of the stomach.
Also Read | Home Remedies for Gastritis: What Foods You Should Include in Your Diet to Relieve Symptoms
peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcers are ulcers that occur in the lining of the stomach or intestines, said physician Carlos Hernandez. They occur in the first layer of this lining and are most commonly caused by an infection caused by bacteria. Helicobacter pylori.
The symptom is stomach pain, which usually occurs at night because the pain is so intense that it wakes the person up. Additionally, your stomach will feel empty one to three hours after eating. Discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and continued increase in gastric acid may also occur.
irritable bowel syndrome
This is a common condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. “It’s basically a disorder of bowel movement, nerve sensitivity in the gut, or the way the brain controls some of these functions,” the MSD manual explains.
Although the cause is unknown, it is a fairly common condition seen in gastroenterologists’ offices.
ALSO READ | What to eat if you have irritable bowel syndrome and other tips for improving it
gastroesophageal reflux
Also called gastric reflux, it occurs when stomach acid reaches the esophagus. “The problem is that the lining of the esophagus is very thin and cannot receive stomach acid. So when reflux occurs, this acid burns the esophagus. This is what causes heartburn and can even cause people to wake up at night with a cough,” Luna explain.
People with stomach pain can experience severe reflux, especially after eating, which can worsen when they lie down.
You May Be Interested | Gastric Reflux: Home Remedies to Reduce Symptoms
appendicitis
Although the appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen, when it becomes inflamed, pain can be felt in the pit of the stomach. The cause has not yet been determined, but it is thought to occur due to an internal blockage.
The MSD Manual explains that blockage can be caused by small, hard stool, foreign objects, or tumors.
myocardial infarction
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked or severely reduced.
Symptoms vary and may be: chest pain or pressure, shoulder, arm, or neck pain, heartburn or indigestion, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. “Stomach pain or pain in the pit of your stomach is a warning sign, so it should not be delayed but should be attended to immediately,” adds Luna.
Learn more | Heart attack symptoms: When should you see your doctor to prevent a heart attack?
When to see a doctor?
When you experience stomach pain, you can take proton pump inhibitor medications, such as Lansoprazole and esomeprazole. Because if it’s a stomach issue, it should help relieve the discomfort.
If the medication only relieves pain, but If it happens again after a few hours, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Likewise, if the pain lasts for more than eight hours, you should see a specialist.
If pain persists, If you start to sweat, feel dizzy or pale, call emergency services as soon as possible. Because it could be a heart attack.