This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Eight Common Causes of Stomach Aches ¶
Published on May 20, 2020
Getting a stomach ache can be worrisome, as it could mean anything. While most stomach aches are just that, others are a sign of an underlying illness. It's essential to seek medical help if the pain persists.
According to various medical sources, the most common causes of abdominal pain include digestion-related problems, acid reflux, vomiting, gastritis, stomach flu, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach or peptic ulcers, and strained muscles.
- Gas is a result of bacteria in the small intestine breaking down food the body finds intolerant. This can cause sharp pain, tightness, and restriction in the stomach, accompanied by flatulence.
- Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, often feels like a painful burning sensation in the upper abdomen. It can be relieved with antacids.
- Indulging in alcohol can lead to excessive vomiting, which can result in hyperacidity and acid reflux, irritating the stomach. Throwing up also puts a strain on the abdominal muscles.
- Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining swells or becomes inflamed. It's usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating.
- Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is normally accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loose stool immediately after eating. The cause can be either bacterial or viral and often resolves after a few days.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition where people are unable to digest some food types, primarily manifesting as abdominal pain that can be relieved after a bowel movement.
- Stomach or peptic ulcers can be described as wounds in the stomach lining that either do not heal or take a long time to heal, resulting in severe abdominal pain.
- Strained muscles can occur from exercising or performing daily activities that require the use of abdominal muscles, putting you at risk of injuring or pulling a muscle.
