Behind a stomachache may lie something much more serious than simple indigestion. Maybe the digestive tract isn’t working properly due to an anomaly or an undiagnosed functional disorder. In this article, we will go over the common causes of this discomfort:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that causes pain in the abdomen and changes in the intestine. Its causes are still unclear, but it is thought to appear after a bacterial or parasitic intestinal infection or due to factors like stress. IBS can occur at any age and is most common in early adolescence and adulthood.

If IBS is what’s causing your stomachache, it might get worse after eating or, of course, when you’re stressed. If you have IBS, you may have symptoms like heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, or swollen abdomen, but it will not cause bleeding.

Constipation

Difficulty going to the bathroom can be the consequence of any disease or condition that slows down your bowel movements (one of the most common of these conditions is IBS). It may also be caused by sedentary lifestyle and a low-fiber diet.

You may experience sharp pains due to gas produced in the abdominal area if constipation is the cause of your pain. Constipated people often feel bloated and full, and their abdomen may be visibly distended.

Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine.

Gastric ulcers, which are most commonly caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, are usually very bothersome. Ulcers can cause a burning sensation similar to hunger pangs, as well as nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon along with the enzymes necessary to digest food. If these enzymes activate within the pancreas, they may digest your tissue and cause swelling known as pancreatitis.

Abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis is intense and acute. The pain is located in the upper middle abdomen, although sometimes it can spread to the back or chest.

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small, bulging pouches or sacs that form on the inner wall of the intestine, especially the large intestine (colon). Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected.

It can cause abdominal discomfort and sensitivity in the lower left abdomen. It can be accompanied by low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

Until there is significant scientific evidence from human trials, people interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should exercise extreme caution. Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, first talk to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.

Sources

Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.