"I
have a stomachache" is a catchall complaint we’ve all used to
describe pain throughout the midsection. Your mission is to pinpoint the
true cause of the trouble so you can treat your pain effectively.
Dining
on spicy foods, succumbing to a viral infection or over indulging in
food or drink can cause gastritis, an inflammation of the lining of then stomach, which is
located in the upper part of the mid section just below the rib
cage. Gastritis is a true “ stomachache ” and is often accompanied
by nausea and vomiting. Going without food for four to six hours,
then eating only bland foods such as toast and crackers and
sipping ginger ale or another clear liquid for four to six hours
often provides relief.
A
third source of stomach distress is constipation ( going
three more days without a
bowel movement ), which can cause bouts
of cramping, gas , bloating and pain in the lower abdomen. Possible
culprits include inadequate fiber and
fluid intake or insufficient exercise . A big
bowl of bran cereal should be your first pain prescription if that
doesn’t work, then reach
for a liquid laxative. If your constipation persists, consult your
physician. You might ask her about starting a regular weight- bearing exercise routine and
a fiber- rich diet , both of which will help get your digestive
system back on track.
Menstrual
cramps are a uniquely feminine
brand of tummy trouble . Caused by hormonelike chemicals called
prostaglandin that are released in the body
during menstruation, normal period pain is
easy to pinpoint ( because it coincides with your cycle ). It’s
also simple to treat with
nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs
If
your pain is disabling or accompanied by other symptoms
such as bleeding between periods, heavier than normal bleeding
or pain during intercourse, something serious could be the
culprit. Pain associated with
endometriosis ( a condition that results when pieces of the uterine
lining break away and implant
in the lower abdomen ) or fibroid tumors ( nonmalignant growths in the
uterus ) is often confused with “normal “ menstrual pain
–but it’s far from normal. While both conditions can be treated with
drugs or surgery, they must be caught early; If left untreated, these
conditions can cause dire problems such as infertility.
If
you experience any of the symptoms above, or any of the follwoing
symptoms , see your doctor immediately.
-
Pain or cramps after meals, which can signal a hiatal hernia
-
Pain that is sharp,
severe or localized a
symptom of appendicitis
-
Chromic cramps , which could point to irritable bowel syndrome or
other serious digestive disorders
-
Pain that is accompanied by a fever, Vomiting or other severe
symptoms
-
Discomfort accompanied by extreme bloating, which could signal the presence of a growth,
such as a tumor