Stomach pain is one thing that people encounter at least once in their life. Most of the time, they can identify the causes behind it. However, there are cases where people find it difficult to know the reasons for their stomach pain. There are a lot of organs in the abdominal area, and it can be hard to know which one is having trouble.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes of stomach pain and when it is time to visit a family medicine physician.
The Causes of Stomach Pain
There are a lot of different things that can be contributing to stomach pain. Here is one of the most common ones:
1. Infection
Infection is the most common reason why people experience stomach pain. This is especially true for people who are not as health-conscious and make poor eating decisions. People may also catch infections due to the change in weather.
2. Stomach Flu
The stomach flu is a common cause of stomach pain. This is because it is caused by the same strains of viruses that cause the common cold and flu. The stomach flu is different from food poisoning though. The virus will attack the intestines and create excess fluids that the body cannot absorb. This can cause the body to be dehydrated and the tissues in the intestines to swell. As a result, the person will experience stomach pain and fever.
3. Stress
People who experience a lot of stress will tend to develop stomach pain. The condition usually happens when the person’s bodies and mind are not able to handle the pressure. In such cases, it is best to relieve stress and avoid any factors that can cause it.
4. Vomiting
When a person throws up, it can cause the stomach wall to be stretched too much. It can cause the wall to tear and inflame the stomach. If the vomit contains chemicals, it can also cause burns to the stomach. It will also make the stomach have a burning or painful sensation.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD
GERD is a condition that causes the contents of the stomach to spill back into the esophagus. The acid can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. The constant irritation can cause stomach pain, especially in the upper abdominal area.
6. Menstrual Cramps
The pain a woman feels during her menstrual period is usually caused by contractions in the uterus. It can also be caused by a number of other factors, such as a growth in the lining of the uterus, adhesions, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
7. Food Allergies or Intolerance
Food allergies happen when the body is not able to properly digest food, and the immune system identifies the food to be harmful, causing the body to attack it.
On the other hand, those with food intolerance often cannot properly digest certain foods. They may also have a reaction even if they are not allergic to the food.
The Signs That It’s Time to See a Doctor
If your stomach pain is not serious and does not last for more than 1 or 2 days, you may not need to see a doctor. However, if the pain is constant and it is hard to treat it with over-the-counter medications, you should see a doctor. The doctor will recommend some tests to help determine the cause of the pain.
Final Thoughts
Stomach pain can be a sign that something is wrong with the body. There are a lot of factors that can cause stomach pain. It is different for every case. The best thing that you can do is to pinpoint the cause. If the pain lasts for more than a few days or it is severe, it is best to see a doctor. The doctor will be able to advise you on what you can do to improve your condition.
For primary medical care in Troy, Michigan, Family Medicine and Wellness can help you. Our family medicine specialist offers acute and chronic medical care and management, including problems related to stomach pain. Give us a call today to book an appointment.
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