7 Types Of Stomach Pain And How To Treat Them

Last Updated on January 14, 2021

It can be very scary not knowing what’s going on inside your body when you have a specific pain in your stomach. Sometimes, we think that it’s something we ate or just a normal stomach ache that will eventually disappear. Unfortunately, not all stomach pains are simple and harmless; some of them can actually be potentially dangerous and lead to serious conditions.

Whether you suffer from stomach pain or not, it’s always good to learn and be aware just in case you notice these symptoms in someone you know or yourself. Check below some of the most common pains and how to treat stomach problems.

1. Stress

The first example is actually the most common one, yet people seem to ignore the fact that their stomach ache is related to stress or anxiety. This can happen at any age for different reasons, such as the stress and anxiety of having a test the following day or just a date.

Stress is even capable of making you run to the bathroom every 5 minutes. Caffeine intake is also not the best option since it can mess up your digestive system, so don’t drink coffee, especially if you feel stressed!

Overall, positive stress is something you should not worry about since it’s not harmful to your health, however, if you feel stressed very frequently you might suffer from stress disorder, and in that case, you should visit a doctor or try to do some activity that relaxes you, like dancing or meditation.

2. Alcohol

If you suddenly wake up with a stomach ache and have no idea why, try to trace your steps to the night before. Where were you? Having fun with friends at a bar? Possibly drinking?

If so, then that might be the answer to your problem since alcohol intake can interfere with digestion causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Of course, this will only happen if you have been drinking or if you’re sensitive to alcohol.

If you have never drunk alcohol before, don’t get too excited, try to see how your body takes it. If you immediately feel weird don’t drink more! Excessive drinking can lead to a lot of problems, but when it comes to stomach pain and diarrhea treatment you can have some ibuprofen and rest. And while you do it, rethink your drinking choices.

3. Medication

Before you start freaking out about your stomach ache, remember to read your medication side effects. Most medication has diarrhea or some stomach discomfort as a side effect.

It’s not dangerous since it usually goes away once your body adjusts to the medication, if for some reason it doesn’t go away talk to your doctor about it, he’ll tell you to stop and give you some other medication that will do the exact same thing except with different components that you might adjust better to.
It’s also best not to abuse over the counter medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin since they are known to potentially cause peptic ulcers.

4. Allergies

If you thought that allergies resulted only in sneezing and itchiness, then you were very wrong. Allergies can present in many ways, one of them being stomach pain or discomfort.

It’s always good to take a food allergy test when you’re young so you can avoid having allergic reactions in the future. However, sometimes your stomach reacts badly to normal food that you’re not allergic to. Why is that? Well, this might happen if you have a sudden diet change or consume a lot of “fatty” food, or maybe that specific food just doesn’t go well with your stomach, even if you enjoy eating it.

5. Infection

If you’re used to the term gastroenteritis then you probably know it’s an intestinal infection that can cause some digestive problems, mostly diarrhea. This can happen from drinking or eating contaminated food or water but you can also catch it from someone else. In that case, the term would be “stomach flu.” It’s very easy to catch it, especially if the affected person lives with you.

Let’s say that you live with your husband and three kids if you contract viral gastroenteritis, it’s very likely that they will catch it from you. The good news is that with proper medication it goes away easily. Give it one week at best.

6. IBS

Most known as irritable bowel syndrome that torments most of the population on earth, it’s, unfortunately, a long-term condition but it’s not dangerous to your health and doesn’t affect your digestive tract. It can be common to feel lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation.

It’s normally treated with over the counter medication and there’s no need to go to the doctor every time you have a stomach ache. After you’ve been diagnosed with IBS you should already know what to do when you feel these symptoms. However, if for some reason you feel like it’s not the same, go immediately to the doctor.

7. Heartburn

Heartburn is a common burning stomach pain sensation created by acid reflux.
It leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth since it contains the digested liquids/foods you might have eaten mixed with stomach acid. It’s normally caused by a poor, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.

Even though it’s common and not dangerous for your health right now, it can be in the future if it becomes more prominent. It can be classified as GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease and it can possibly lead to some swallowing and breathing problems like asthma.

It’s totally normal to have stomach problems, the important part is knowing, educating ourselves on what causes stomach pains and how to treat these gastrointestinal disorders.

Do not feel embarrassed to ask for help, whether it is from your family, friends or a doctor, because they might have the answer to your problem.