A stomach ache is pain or discomfort in the abdominal area. Stomach aches are experienced by almost everyone over the course of their lifetime, and some experience them more frequently than others.
There are a number of possible causes for a stomach ache, ranging from eating the wrong food to more serious health concerns such as appendicitis.
Given that frequent stomach aches can be a sign of a serious medical problem, it is important to know how to find relief as well as when you need to contact your physician.
Causes of stomach pain or ache
Stomach pain in children is very often caused by excessive gas and indigestion, neither of which is serious.
A sore tummy might also be a sign of infections like food poisoning, pneumonia or urinary tract infections
Anxiety or stress can cause ‘butterflies’ in the tummy.
Severe stomach pain might be caused by more serious or surgical illnesses like appendicitis or intussusception, which is when part of the gut slides into or over itself.
Tummy pain that keeps coming back might be associated with constipation, food intolerance or inflammation in the gut.
In adolescent girls, stomach pain can have several gynecological causes, including a twisted ovary and period pain.
Sometimes doctors won’t be able to work out what’s causing your sore tummy. This is called functional abdominal pain. In these cases, nerve signals or chemicals might be making your gut more sensitive to normal triggers like gas. Or it could be stress or anxiety.
Symptoms related to stomach pain
Stomach pain varies according to its specific cause.
The symptoms that come with stomach pain might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, constipation, bloating and loss of appetite. These also vary depending on the underlying cause of the stomach pain.
How to feel better
Fortunately, for many stomach ailments, the prescription is simple; a better diet, more fluids and exercise.
Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, proteins and complex carbohydrates.
Cut back on caffeine, sugary drinks and fast foods.
Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarette smoking.
Drink plenty of water.
Stay physically active.
Reduce stress by learning good coping skills.
Take a probiotic.
