Stomach Pain: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes, and How to Relieve It?

Stomach pain is a common condition experienced by both children and adults. There can be numerous different causes of stomach pain. What causes stomach pain? What helps relieve it? You can find the answers to all these questions in the following text.

What Is Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain describes a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen. Almost everyone experiences this complaint at least once during their life. While most causes of stomach pain are not alarming, it is essential to be cautious since this complaint can also occur during the course of serious illnesses.

What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain is felt in the upper part of the abdomen, just below the ribs. It can be accompanied by issues such as bloating, nausea, and cramps. Sometimes, stomach pain is more severe before eating, while at other times, it intensifies after a meal. The duration, shape, and characteristics of the pain can vary depending on the underlying condition causing the discomfort.

What Causes Stomach Pain?

The upper abdominal area, where the stomach is located, also contains the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and segments of the upper intestines. Therefore, any problems that arise in these organs can lead to a sensation of pain in the stomach area. Stomach pain can also arise from various causes. In cases such as gas or viral infections, medical treatment is usually not needed. However, there can also be serious causes of stomach pain that require treatment.

There are many different reasons for stomach pain. The most common causes of stomach pain include:

Gas

The presence of gas in the digestive system is a normal situation. As gas accumulates, it can cause bloating and a feeling of excessive fullness. Conditions such as diarrhea and constipation can exacerbate gas pains. If abdominal pain occasionally subsides and then intensifies, if it is accompanied by bloating, or if it feels like something is moving in the stomach, the likelihood that the pain is due to gas is high.

Gas pain typically does not constitute a serious health issue. For those who wish to avoid gas pain, it is advisable to eat slowly and avoid swallowing too much air, as well as to steer clear of foods that can cause excessive gas production.

Indigestion

Indigestion can lead to a burning sensation in the stomach. Sometimes, this burning feeling can also be felt in the esophagus, throat, and mouth. Indigestion may be related to excessive acid in the stomach or the consumption of acidic foods. Rarely, conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach cancer can also cause indigestion. It is beneficial for individuals who frequently experience indigestion or involuntarily lose weight to consult a doctor.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed and painful. Acute gastritis typically develops due to an infection caused by a bacterium called H. pylori. Chronic gastritis can arise due to:

• Long-term irritation of the stomach lining from viral infections
• Allergies
• Sarcoidosis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Crohn's disease

Infection

Infections of the digestive system are referred to as gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis often occurs as a result of a viral infection. Symptoms in individuals experiencing gastroenteritis include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, these individuals may also exhibit symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Gastroenteritis typically lasts for a few days. During this time, patients are advised to consume light foods that do not irritate the stomach. Due to vomiting and diarrhea, fluid loss can occur, so it is essential for patients to stay well-hydrated.

Muscle Spasms

There are many muscles in the upper abdominal region. Injuries or spasms in these muscles can cause stomach pain. The pain usually decreases with treatments such as massage, rest, and warm compresses.

Appendicitis

An infection of the structure known as the appendix in the intestines can lead to appendicitis. If not addressed in a timely manner, appendicitis can be fatal. Initially, appendicitis causes pain around the belly button, which may spread to the upper abdomen and be felt as stomach pain. As the infection progresses, the pain shifts to the lower right side of the abdomen.

Gallstones

Substances such as cholesterol and bilirubin can accumulate in the gallbladder, forming stones. While these stones do not always cause problems, they can sometimes block the bile duct, leading to issues. When a gallstone causes a blockage, symptoms may include pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, vomiting, and fatigue. Untreated gallstones can disrupt liver and pancreas functions, potentially leading to jaundice.

Liver and Pancreas Disorders

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are organs that assist the digestive system, located in the upper abdominal area. Liver disorders, such as hepatitis, and pancreas-related diseases, such as pancreatitis, can cause stomach pain. In cases of liver and pancreas disorders, symptoms may include worsening abdominal pain, skin yellowing, dark urine, very light-colored stool, nausea, and vomiting.

Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstruction prevents the contents within the intestines from moving forward. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion issues. In patients with bowel obstruction, symptoms may also include bile vomiting, abdominal bloating, inability to pass gas, and abdominal cramping.

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small pouches that protrude from the intestinal wall. Normally, diverticula should not be present in the intestines. However, some individuals may have diverticula, and inflammation of these structures is referred to as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is typically seen in the lower intestines but can also occur in the upper intestines. Diverticulitis located in the upper region can cause stomach pain.

How is Stomach Pain Diagnosed?

When a patient presents with complaints of stomach pain, a medical history is taken first. Questions are asked about how long the pain has been present, whether there are situations that increase or decrease the pain, and other relevant details to gather information about the cause of the pain. Then, the patient is examined. The exact location of the pain is determined during the examination, and accompanying symptoms are identified.

Blood tests may be performed for diagnosing stomach pain. These tests can help identify conditions such as infections. One of the most effective methods used to find the cause of stomach pain is endoscopy. In an endoscopy procedure, a thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the patient's mouth and advanced into the stomach. This allows the physician to check for any problems such as ulcers, tumors, or bleeding in the stomach area.

Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs can also assist in detecting conditions that cause stomach pain.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Stomach Pain?

Diseases that cause stomach pain can also lead to various other symptoms.

In most cases, stomach pain resolves on its own without the need for treatment. However, patients should seek medical attention in the following situations:

• Vomiting lasting longer than 12 hours
• Fever accompanying abdominal pain
• Pain resulting from a blow to the stomach
• Development of stomach pain after starting a new medication
• If the stomach pain is severe and unbearable

How to Relieve Stomach Pain?

To alleviate stomach pain, the underlying condition must be treated. However, conditions like gas or viral gastroenteritis generally do not require treatment.

In the case of acute gastritis, antibiotic treatment may be initiated for H. pylori infection. In chronic gastritis, the irritant causing stomach irritation should be removed. For conditions such as appendicitis or gallstones, surgery is often required. Antiviral medications may be used for liver infections like hepatitis, and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for pancreatitis.

Surgery is generally necessary for diverticulitis and intestinal obstruction.

So, what quickly alleviates stomach pain? What should be done to soothe the stomach? There are several remedies that can help relieve stomach pain, including:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Consuming ginger remedies or ginger tea
• Drinking chamomile tea
• Eating bananas
• Applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen for a limited time

One frequently asked question is, "How to relieve severe stomach pain?" However, individuals experiencing severe abdominal pain are advised to seek help from the nearest health center rather than attempting to resolve the issue on their own. It is important to remember that severe stomach pain can indicate a serious health problem.