STOMACH PAIN

TYPES

Here are some types of stomach pain, and their possible causes:

• Dull upper stomach pain may be due to excess gas
• Pain in the lower chest may be due to heartburn
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen may be due to ulcers
• Cramping and bloating could be irritable bowel syndrome
• Cramping and diarrhea means gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Mild pain with indigestion may be due to lactose intolerance
• Gas and long term diarrhea may be gluten intolerance
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen and under the shoulder may be due to gallstones
• Lower right abdominal pain may mean appendicitis

SYMPTOMS

Seek immediate medical help if the pain is joined by other disturbing signs and symptoms, including:

• Pain that is severe
• Fever
• Stools with blood
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Skin that appears to be yellow
• Tenderness of the abdomen
• Swelling of the abdomen

Seek immediate medical help if your stomach pain is serious and is connected with:

• Abdominal injury
• Chest pain or pressure

Have someone drive you to the emergency room if you have:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever
• Bloody stools
• Nausea and vomiting that persists
• Weight loss
• Skin that appears to be yellow
• Abdominal tenderness
• Swelling of the abdomen

TREATMENT

In the meantime, find ways to deal with your abdominal pain. For instance, eat lesser meals if your pain comes with indigestion. Refrain from using too much over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen because these can cause abdominal irritation that can worsen your stomach pain.