Stomach pain can be caused by various gastric problems, such as gastritis, ulcers, reflux, gastroenteritis or be a consequence of frequent use of anti-inflammatories, for example.
However, the most common cause is gastritis, which is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, burning sensations and gas.
When stomach pain is persistent, very severe or accompanied by vomiting with blood or black stools, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to identify the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment.
What could be your stomach pain
To find out the possible cause of your stomach pain, please answer the following questions:
This tool only serves as guidance to try to identify the possible cause of stomach pain and, therefore, should not replace consultation with a doctor.
10 causes of stomach pain
The main causes of stomach pain are:
1. Gastritis
Gastritis is one of the most common causes of stomach pain, and is also accompanied most of the time by gas, in the form of belching or flatulence, general malaise, a burning sensation in the stomach and abdominal discomfort, for example. Learn how to identify the symptoms of gastritis.
Stomach pain caused by gastritis is usually related to the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stomach, this is because this microorganism can make digestion difficult, which can cause food to remain in the stomach longer and lead to the appearance of symptoms.
What to do: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist or general practitioner so that tests can be carried out to confirm gastritis and, therefore, the use of some medicines that promote the reduction of acid production, relieving symptoms, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, may be indicated. example. See more remedies for gastritis.
2. Reflux
Reflux is also a common situation that causes stomach pain, in addition to there being a burning sensation and heaviness in the stomach, belching and a dry cough after eating. Reflux symptoms usually appear a few minutes after a meal and occur due to the return of stomach contents to the esophagus and towards the mouth, which can also result in a more bitter taste in the mouth.
What to do: It is important to seek guidance from a gastroenterologist, who will evaluate the symptoms presented and recommend the most appropriate medication to alleviate the symptoms, with the use of medications that block stomach acidity, such as omeprazole and cimetidine, being normally recommended.
In addition, changes in diet are also recommended, which should be low in fats, alcoholic beverages and processed foods, and it is also recommended to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed, as this way it is possible to avoid the return of stomach contents to the stomach. mouth. See more details on reflux treatment.
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3. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux resulting in symptoms such as a lump in the throat, heartburn and constant burning, which worsens after meals and stomach pain.
How to deal with: you should consult a gastroenterologist to begin the most appropriate treatment, which generally involves the use of medications that inhibit acid production, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, for example, in addition to changes in eating habits. Find out more details about the types of esophagitis and how to treat it.
4. Stomach ulcer
Stomach ulcers can be formed due to the presence of bacteria H. pylori in this organ or be a consequence of a diet rich in fat, industrialized products and acidic foods.
Therefore, as a result of the formation of this ulcer, it is common for symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort to appear.
What to do: The treatment of stomach ulcers is done with antibiotics, acid production inhibitors or antacids, prescribed by the gastroenterologist, as this makes it possible to prevent stomach acid from further damaging the stomach mucosa, and can also be indicated in some cases the use of analgesic medications to control pain. Find out how stomach ulcers are treated.
5. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis corresponds to inflammation of the intestine and stomach that can be caused mainly by microorganisms and can result in stomach pain, diarrhea, general discomfort and headache, for example.
What to do: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea and homemade serum, as this will help maintain the body’s hydration and avoid dehydration, which is one of the most common complications of gastroenteritis. However, in cases where there is also fever, chills or frequent vomiting, it is recommended to go to the nearest emergency room so that the most appropriate treatment can be started to prevent complications.
6. Use of anti-inflammatory medications
Prolonged or frequent use of some anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can cause stomach pain as a side effect, because this type of medication can compromise the protection of the stomach, leaving its walls more exposed to the action of gastric acid.
What to do: To avoid stomach pain, you can take medicine prescribed by your doctor, such as omeprazole or aluminum hydroxide, to reduce pain and discomfort. These remedies must be taken on an empty stomach for them to have the best effect. Furthermore, it is important not to take the anti-inflammatory on an empty stomach, it is best to take it after meals or eat fruit or yogurt, for example.
7. After endoscopy
It is common for people to feel pain in their stomach after endoscopy, because during the exam, the doctor places a probe in the digestive tract that can be a little uncomfortable in the throat and stomach, causing discomfort for a few hours.
However, if the stomach pain lasts more than 48 hours, the person should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to begin appropriate treatment. See how endoscopy is performed.
What to do: To alleviate symptoms, you can take antacids or gastric protectors, for example, however, in case of vomiting and bleeding, it is recommended to seek emergency help quickly.
8. Gallstones
Gallstones can cause sudden pain in the stomach region or below the ribs on the right side, in addition to other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or pain in the back and/or right shoulder, or even yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Generally, gallstones arise due to excess cholesterol in the bile and difficulty emptying the gallbladder, resulting in the formation of small crystals that tend to increase in size, forming larger stones.
What to do: You should consult a gastroenterologist so that tests can be carried out to confirm the presence of gallstones. Treatment generally involves the use of painkillers and antiemetics to relieve symptoms, medicines to help dissolve the stones, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, or surgery to remove the gallbladder. See how gallbladder surgery is performed.
9. Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes symptoms such as severe pain in the central region of the abdomen, which can radiate to the back and worsens over time and after meals.
Additionally, the pain of acute pancreatitis may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and fever.
Pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of medications, such as methyldopa, bezafibrate, enalapril, furosemide or simvastatin, for example.
What to do: you should seek medical attention immediately, as acute pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires immediate care in the hospital. Understand how pancreatitis is treated.
10. Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is a condition that most often arises as a consequence of a stomach ulcer, resulting in the appearance of symptoms such as persistent stomach pain, weight loss without an apparent cause, vomiting and bloody stools and loss of appetite.
What to do: You should consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis, identify the severity and begin the most appropriate treatment, which involves, in some cases, surgery to remove part of the stomach, and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy sessions. Find out more about stomach cancer.
What to do to relieve stomach pain
What you can do to relieve stomach pain is:
- Loosen your clothes and rest by sitting or lying down in a quiet environment;
- Drink espinheira santa tea, which is a great medicinal plant for treating stomach problems;
- Eat a cooked pear or apple;
- Eat a small piece of raw potato because this is a natural antacid, with no contraindications;
- Place a bag of warm water on the stomach area to relieve pain;
- Drink small sips of cold water to hydrate and facilitate digestion.
Treatment for stomach pain should also include a light diet, based on salads, fruits and fruit juices, such as watermelon, melon or papaya, avoiding eating fatty foods and alcoholic beverages.
