Causes Of Stomach Pain

Stomach Pain Relief

"Stomach pain" is a fairly general term that most people use to describe pain and discomfort that occurs in the abdominal or stomach region. It can also be called a stomachache. The words stomach pain and stomachache will be used interchangeably in this artcicle.

It can be difficult to determine exactly where the pain is coming from when you have stomach pain because there are a lot of different organs packed into the so-called stomach area. Sometimes a patient has to see a number of specialists and undergo several tests before an adequate diagnosis can be made.

Sharp stomach pains can be temporary, acute and not serious. Or it can be chronic, relatively mild, and extremely dangerous.

Causes of stomach pain There can be literally dozens of causes for stomach pain. You may have just eaten "something that didn't agree with you." But there can also be illness or disease at work. Some common causes of frequent stomachaches include the following.

• Acid reflux
• Appendicitis
• Colitis
• Colic in babies
• Constipation
• Diverticulitis
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Gallstones
• Hernia
• Intestinal gas
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome or spastic colon
• Kidney stones
• Lactose intolerance
• Liver cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Pancreatic cancer
• Side effects from certain drugs and medications
• Stomach cancer
• Stomach virus
• Stomach gas
• Stomach ulcers

Some people will describe a stomach cramp as a stomach pain or stomachache, when in fact the discomfort is actually coming from the muscles in the abdomen.

Stomach pain relief Many of the conditions listed above are serious and require the attention of a medical professional. Fortunately, the problem that most people describe as "stomach pain" is actually gas pain or something equally harmless.

There are many safe, over-the-counter remedies available at your local pharmacy for stomach gas pain. Talk to your pharmacist. Be sure you're not allergic to any of the ingredients.

If you favor natural treatments and herbs, consider

• a tea-like mixture that includes herbs like dill seed, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, anise seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds.
• ginger, which can also be made into tea, and seems to be especially effective when combined with a little honey. Some people say ginger beer and ginger soda are helpful.
• two acidophilus capsules.
• eating yogurt.
• peppermint.

Of course, the fastest relief for stomach pain or gas pain may also be the most simple. Find yourself a quiet place where there's no one else around--and try to work up a burp or a belch to get rid of some of the gas that's probably causing your discomfort.

When to see a doctor If stomach pain or chronic stomach problems are something you haven't often experienced before, consult your doctor. He or she will ask you to pay special attention to stomach pain severity and duration. If your pain is sharp and severe, don't wait because it could be appendicitis, a stomach ulcer or gallstones.