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Stomach ache: symptoms, causes and remedies
Stomach ache: symptoms
When we talk about stomach ache, we mean the feeling of discomfort that begins in the upper abdomen, precisely in the stomach. This pain or discomfort, however, can be of a different kind and associated with other symptoms:
- we may experience pain in the sternum associated with heartburn and acidity, which may perhaps spread to the throat with a wheezing cough;
- we experience nausea, or even vomiting;
- there may be a concomitant feeling of postprandial fullness, early satiety, difficulty digesting and finishing meals;
- we may experience bloating and the need to belch;
- It may be associated with meteorism and difficulty passing stool;
- cramping and heartburn may also occur.
So when we realise that we have an upset stomach, we should pause for a moment to understand what other problems we are experiencing at that time. Reporting the precise symptoms to our doctor or pharmacist will enable him or her to better understand our condition and make an appropriate diagnosis or request further analyses or appropriate diagnostic tests.
Stomach ache: causes?
The causes of stomach ache can be very diverse. It can depend on organic causes, such as gastritis, or functional problems, such as poor digestion or dyspepsia, psychological conditions, such as anxiety, and much more. Let’s look at the main causes of stomach ache together:
- dyspepsia: if associated with heaviness, early satiety, difficulty in digesting, or pain in the pit of the stomach;
- gastro-oesophageal reflux: if associated with burning, a sensation of acidity and sometimes coughing, especially after lying down;
- gastritis: manifests together with cramping and heartburn;
- ulcer: with intense pain and burning;
- food intolerances: in this case, stomach ache may occur together with nausea, bloating and diarrhoea;
- stress and anxiety: we may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn;
- pregnancy: women at this stage of life may experience stomach ache associated with nausea and vomiting, but also gastroesophageal reflux and digestive difficulties. There are hormonal reasons behind this, but also the upward pressure exerted by the foetus.
Stomach ache: remedies
Precisely because stomach ache can result from numerous conditions, there is no single solution. To resolve the symptom, it will be necessary to act upstream, on the cause. In most cases, the first approach to the problem will need to be a dietary intervention. Dyspepsia, acid reflux, gastritis, and ulcers are conditions that are greatly affected by food choices, and it is advisable to make the right dietary decisions by seeking professional advice. Especially in the case of ulcers and gastritis, moreover, it is essential to consult a doctor so that he or she can prescribe all the necessary analyses and diagnostic tests. Less serious situations, however, can be managed through self-medication, perhaps with the support of the pharmacist’s professional advice.
