Stomach pain, or gastric pain, is a common symptom that occurs in the upper abdomen, above the navel. Although usually mild, this abdominal pain can sometimes be a sign of illness.
Stomach aches, how to recognize them?
What is stomach pain?
Stomach pain, or gastric pain, is considered abdominal pain . Very frequent, abdominal pain can come from the stomach but also from other organs of the digestive system, the genital system, the cardiovascular system and the renal system.
How to spot stomach pain?
When experiencing abdominal pain, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish stomach pain. Stomach pain is characterized by pain in the epigastrium, that is, pain localized in the upper part of the abdomen . However, other organs, including the large intestine and the pancreas, are also present in the epigastric region, which makes the diagnosis of stomach pain difficult.
What are the different stomach ailments?
Stomach pain can manifest in different ways. Gastric pain can take the form of:
- stomach cramps, or abdominal cramps;
- stomach spasms, or gastric spasms;
- heartburn , or gastric burn;
- nausea ;
- stomach bloating, or abdominal bloating.
Stomach ache, what causes the pain?
is it a digestive disorder?
Stomach aches are often due to digestive disorders. Among these, we often distinguish:
- Functional digestive disorders : Also called functional dyspepsia, these disorders are characterized by the absence of lesions in the digestive system. They are mainly caused by poor digestion. This is for example the case during abdominal bloating.
- Non-functional digestive disorders: They affect the wall of the digestive system. This is particularly the case during gastroesophageal reflux , more commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn. A reflux of acidic contents from the stomach to the esophagus leads to inflammation with the appearance of a burning sensation.
Gastric pain, is it a disease of the stomach?
In some cases, stomach pain can be a sign of a disease affecting the stomach. This essential organ of the digestive system can be particularly affected by:
- Gasroenteritis: It corresponds to an inflammation of the digestive system of infectious origin. The germ responsible for this infection can be a virus or a bacterium. The development of these pathogens leads to an inflammatory reaction that can manifest as stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Gastritis: It refers to an inflammation that occurs in the stomach lining. Gastritis usually manifests as heartburn.
- A gastric ulcer: It is due to a deep lesion of the stomach. A stomach ulcer results in severe pain in the stomach.
- Stomash cancer: A malignant tumor can develop in the stomach. This tumor is manifested by various symptoms including nausea and heartburn.
Gastric pain, what is the risk of complication?
In the majority of cases, stomach aches are mild, that is to say without danger to health. Of low or medium intensity, these pains are transient and fade in a few hours.
However, stomach pain can sometimes be more serious. Certain signs may alert and require medical advice. This is particularly the case when:
- sharp pains in the stomach ;
- persistent stomach pain ;
- frequent stomach pain ;
- gastric pain associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, intense headaches or general fatigue.
Medical examinations are necessary to remove any doubt about any risk of health complications.
Stomach pain, how to treat or prevent it?
Who to consult in case of stomach pain?
Physical examination. If the intensity, duration and frequency of stomach pain increase, it is strongly recommended to contact a general practitioner. A clinical examination makes it possible to make a first diagnosis.
Additional tests. Depending on the diagnosis of the general practitioner, he may request in-depth medical examinations and additional medical advice. A consultation with a gastroenterologist may then be recommended.
How to treat stomach pain?
Different treatments exist to relieve and eliminate stomach pain. Adequate treatment depends on the type of pain and the identified origin. To find out more, see the sheets on the different causes of stomach pain.
Medical treatment
A healthcare professional can prescribe certain medications such as:
- antispasmodics during stomach cramps or spasms;
- analgesics, or analgesics , in case of severe pain in the stomach;
- antisecretory in gastric burns;
- antihistamines to reduce stomach acid;
- proton pump inhibitors to inhibit acid production;
- antibiotics in case of infection.
Complementary approaches
Stomach pain can also be relieved with herbal medicine, homeopathy or aromatherapy.
stomach surgery
In the most serious cases, surgery on the stomach may be necessary.
How to prevent stomach pain?
Some precautionary measures can prevent the occurrence of gastric pain:
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet;
- Avoid the consumption of acidic or irritating foods;
- Limit meals that are too large, too fatty, too sweet or too spicy;
- Eat slowly, taking time to chew food
- Limit stress factors;
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
