Everyone has stomach pain (stomachache) from time to time. Abdominal discomfort, tummy ache, gut ache, and bellyache are other names for the same thing. Stomach ache can range from moderate to severe. It might be continuous or intermittent. Stomach ache can be acute or persistent, lasting weeks, months, or years (chronic). It can be due to many medical issues. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but sometimes it requires medication for the underlying disease.

What Are The 18 Causes of Stomach Pain?

The pain may also originate in adjacent regions such as the chest and pelvic. Stomach ache can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Constipation
2. Gas
3. Indigestion
4. Gastritis and Gastroenteritis
5. Food Poisoning
6. Dehydration
7. Muscle Strain
8. Ischemic enteritis and colitis
9. IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
10. Diverticulitis
11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
12. Infectious Colitis
13. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
14. Ileus and gastroparesis
15. Gallstones
16. Stomach Ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)
17. Cysts in the ovaries
18. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

1. Constipation:

Cramps and spasms are frequent constipation symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• A lack of bowel motions (usually less than three a week)
• Passing tiny or difficult stools
• Bloating in the stomach
• Straining to evacuate feces

2. Gas:

Excessive gas in the stomach can cause spasms when the muscles in the intestines struggle to expel the gas. Excess gas can also lead to:

• Bloating
• Stomach aches and sensations of fullness

3. Indigestion:

Indigestion refers to particular symptoms, such as stomach pain and a sense of fullness immediately after starting to eat, rather than a sickness. Indigestion can also be a sign of many digestive disorders.

Indigestion is widespread, although each individual may feel it in a different way. Indigestion symptoms might occur seldom or on a daily basis.

Indigestion is frequently alleviated by dietary modifications and medicines.

4.Gastritis and Gastroenteritis:

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach, whereas gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines. Infections are usually to blame for these disorders.

Gastritis and gastroenteritis can also induce the following signs and symptoms:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (in cases of gastroenteritis only)

5. Food Poisoning: can cause severe stomach and abdominal pain

Food poisoning is a disease caused by consuming contaminated food. It is typically not dangerous, and most individuals recover in a few days without therapy.

It is usually caused by bacteria such as salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli) or viruses such as the Norovirus.

6. Dehydration:

Dehydration can result in an electrolyte imbalance in the body (particularly sodium and potassium). Muscles require these nutrients to operate properly, so if they don't get enough, they may seize and spasm that can cause abdominal and stomach pain.

Other signs of dehydration include:

• Dizziness 
• Dark urine
• Headache 
• Excessive thirst

7. Muscle Strain:

Abdominal muscular spasms can occur if the abdominal muscles are worked too hard or too frequently. People who perform crunches and sit-ups daily may be in the greatest danger.

Other signs of muscle tightness include:

• sensitive muscles cause discomfort that is exacerbated by movement

8. Ischemic enteritis and colitis:

Ischemic colitis occurs when a lack of blood flow promotes inflammation of the large intestine. When this problem affects the small intestine, it is referred to as ischemia enteritis.

Both diseases cause stomach pain spasms and other symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

9. Inflammatory bowel disease:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a set of chronic diseases characterized by inflammation of the digestive system. In the United States, up to 1.6 million people suffer from IBD.

 Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both diseases induce spasms as well as other symptoms such as:

• Constipation.
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• The desire to pass feces regularly

10. Diverticulitis: Maybe one of the causes of your stomach pain

Diverticula are tiny, bulging pouches that can develop in the digestive tract's lining. They are most commonly seen in the bottom portion of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are frequent, especially over the age of 40, but they seldom cause issues.

Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of the pouches becomes inflamed and, in some circumstances, infected. Diverticulitis can result in severe abdominal and stomach discomfort, fever, nausea, and a significant change in bowel patterns.

11. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

It affects 10 to 15% of the global population, making it the most prevalent functional digestive disease.

IBS, in addition to stomach spasms, causes:

• stomach ache
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas

12. Infectious Colitis:

Infectious Colitis is a kind of colitis that is caused by an infection.

Colon inflammation is referred to as colitis (large intestine). Colitis comes has a variety of forms. Infectious colitis occurs when the inflammation is caused by an infection.

In addition to stomach spasms, the following are symptoms of infectious colitis:

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea regularly

When you use food or water contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Giardia can result in infectious colitis.

13. GERD: One of the leading causes of abdominal and stomach pain

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach acid regularly rushes back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach (esophagus). It damages your esophagus.

Acid reflux affects many people regularly. GERD is defined as mild acid reflux that happens at least twice a week or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week.

14. Ileus and gastroparesis:

Peristalsis, or wave-like muscular movements, help digested food flow through the intestines. Ileus occurs when peristalsis slows or ceases at any stage of the intestines.

Ileus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Infection,
• Inflammation
• Lack of exercise
• The usage of narcotics

Other ileus symptoms include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Gastroparesis is a kind of ileus that affects the stomach. This can also induce stomach cramps, especially after eating.

15. Gall Stones: Causes abdominal pain

Gallstones are solid bits of material that develop in your gallbladder, a tiny organ located under your liver. If you have them, your doctor may tell you that you have cholelithiasis.

To aid digestion, your gallbladder stores and excretes bile, a fluid produced by your liver. Bile also transports wastes such as cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body produces as it breaks down red blood cells. Gallstones can develop as a result of several factors. These can induce stomach pain and discomfort.

16. Ulcers (peptic ulcer disease): One of the leading causes of stomach

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are painful lesions in the stomach lining. Peptic ulcers are ulcers that infect both the stomach and the small intestine.

Stomach ulcers develop when the thick layer of mucus shields your stomach from digestive fluids becomes thin. This causes the digestive acids to disrupt the tissues that border the stomach, resulting in an ulcer.

17. Ovarian Cyst: Maybe one of the causes of your Abdominal and stomach pain

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in the ovary or on its surface. During the reproductive years, eggs (ova) that grow and mature in the ovaries are released in monthly cycles.

 The majority of ovarian cysts cause little or no discomfort and are completely safe. Without therapy, the vast majority vanishes within a few months.

18. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Maybe one of the causes of your Abdominal and stomach pain

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman's reproductive organs. It is a complication that is frequently induced by STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. PID can also be caused by diseases that are not transferred sexually.

It can also cause significant abdominal and stomach discomfort.

When You Should Consult A Doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain becomes significantly worse rapidly
• The pain or bloating does not go away or returns; or the discomfort or bloating persists
• You experience stomach ache and difficulty swallowing meals
• You're losing weight without trying
• You suddenly pee more or less often
• Peeing becomes uncomfortable all of a sudden
• You bleed from your vagina
• Your diarrhea does not go away after a few days

How Is The Stomach Pain Diagnosed?

A doctor will perform a medical examination and ask you for a detailed history. He might perform:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan

They will also inquire about the person's symptoms, when they began, and whether the spasms have any causes.

To assist discover the reason, a doctor may ask a person to maintain a diary of when the spasms occur, what they ate that day, and if they engaged in any physical exercise.

Treatment Options For Stomach Ache/Pain?

For stomach spasms, both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available. The drug chosen will be determined by the underlying reason for the stomach spasms.

Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids are examples of medicines that may be prescribed. These medications might be used to treat some types of IBD.

Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medicines lower stomach acid levels, which may be contributing to gastritis-related spasms.

• Omeprazole (HELEZOL)
• Esomeprazole (SOMEZOL)

Antibiotics: These can be given for bacterial infections that cause gastritis or gastroenteritis.

• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Ciprofloxacin (Novidat)

Antispasmodic Medicines: When people with IBS use these medications, they may notice a reduction in spasms.

Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve discomfort.

Prevention?

The following actions can aid in the prevention of stomach spasms:

• Be hydrated: Dehydration causes stomach spasms, therefore it is compulsory to consume enough water. Higher fluid levels may also be required in hot weather and during strenuous activity.
• Exercise: Overworking the muscles can result in spasms and injury. Spasms can be avoided by performing workouts with good form, staying hydrated throughout, and arranging frequent rest times.
• Avoiding troublesome foods: Some meals have been linked to digestive discomfort, resulting in stomach spasms and other symptoms. Limit your intake of alcohol, spicy meals, and high-fat foods.
• Other dietary adjustments may be made if necessary. People suffering from gastritis, IBS, or IBD may discover that adopting dietary adjustments alleviates their symptoms. Limiting fiber intake, for example, can help to alleviate uncomfortable gas. Working with a doctor or nutritionist to identify what to eat and avoid might be beneficial.
• Taking care of other issues: Stomach spasms caused by diseases such as IBS or IBD may subside or diminish after the ailment is controlled with medication, lifestyle adjustments, or both.

What Are The Home Remedies for Stomach Pain?

Common home cures include:

• Consume fewer calories
• Using a little quantity of baking soda
• Make use of lemon and/or lime juice.
• Don't smoke or consume alcoholic beverages.

Some medical specialists advise:

• Using ginger
• Peppermint
• Licorice
• Tea with chamomile
• Avoid laying down: When the body is horizontal, the acid in the stomach is more likely to run backward and upward, resulting in heartburn.
• Drink plenty of water: People suffering from stomach ache should avoid lying down until the symptoms subside or go completely. A person who has to lie down should utilize pillows to support their head, neck, and upper chest, ideally at a 30-degree angle to the horizontal.
• Warm baths or the use of a heating bag are excellent ways to relax. Because heat may assist to relax tight muscles and heal indigestion, taking a warm bath may help to alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach. Additionally, placing a heated bag or pad on the stomach for 20 minutes or until the pain subsides may be beneficial.
• Doctors may recommend that those who are suffering from diarrhea adopt the BRAT diet. BRAT is an acronym that stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Because all of these meals are high in starch, they can aid in the binding of food and the firming of stools.
• This may help to lessen the amount of stools a person passes and may also help to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea. Because these meals are bland, they do not include any irritants that might cause irritation to the stomach, esophagus, or bowels.
• Many of the foods in the BRAT diet are also high in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which can assist to restore those lost via diarrhea and vomiting.
• As a result, the acids in vomit can cause tissue irritation, which this diet may be able to relieve.