First things first: what we often call stomach pain, doesn’t always come from our stomach. It can be from different organs in your body like your intestines and colon, and in the case of period pain, it’s the uterus that’s to blame. No matter the term, stomach pain can really get in the way of your day. Whether it’s heartburn after a big meal or the uneasy churn of food poisoning, stomach pain is something we all know. Let’s look at some of these and how you can feel better and prevent them too.
Types of Stomach Pain
- Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Heartburn feels like a burning pain in your chest. It happens when stomach acid comes back up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
- Indigestion: Indigestion can happen if you eat too much or too fast, or if you eat certain foods. It’s that full, uncomfortable feeling in your stomach.
- Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea is when you have loose or watery poo more often than usual. It can be caused by infections, food poisoning, or certain medicines.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. It’s a long-term problem that you can manage with changes in diet and lifestyle.
- Stomach Ulcers: These are sores on the lining of your stomach. They can be caused by infections or certain medicines and can be very painful.
- Bloating: Bloating, when your belly feels full and tight, can be caused by the way you eat, food sensitivities, or other health issues.
- Constipation: This is when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, and your poo is hard, dry, or lumpy. It can cause strain and pain when going to the toilet.
How to Feel Better
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use a hot water bottle on your tummy.
- Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines for diarrhoea and constipation, and antacids to ease heartburn and indigestion.
- Don’t use aspirin or ibuprofen for stomach pain (except for period pain) as they can make things worse.
Tips to Prevent Stomach Pain
- Stick to a healthy diet.
- Stay active and exercise regularly.
- Drink lots of water.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink.
- Avoid creamy, oily, and spicy foods in general.
- Stay away from foods that you know cause unpleasant symptoms.
- Look for ways to relax and lower your stress.
By making a few simple changes, you can ease your discomfort and keep those tummy troubles at bay.
References
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/abdominal-pain
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-stomach-ailments
https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/heartburn-vs-acid-reflux
