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Stomach pain is a very common symptom, which can have several causes, such as gastritis, and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or heartburn, for example. Stomach pain can also be caused by drinking too much coffee, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, stress, anxiety and using medications.
When the pain persists, the gastroenterologist should be consulted, as it may be necessary to take drugs that inhibit acid production, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, antiemetic medicines, such as metoclopramide or anti-spasmodics, such as Buscopan. See more remedies for gastritis.
Main causes of stomach pain
Other common causes for stomach pain are:
1. Stomach pain and gas
These are important signs of poor digestion, which can be linked to complications such as gastritis, for example. In this case, when the bolus reaches the stomach, it encounters a hostile environment, which may even contain the H. Pylori bacteria, making digestion difficult and for this reason the food can remain in the stomach for hours and hours causing uncomfortable belching. See how H. pylori is diagnosed.
2. Stomach pain and diarrhea
They can be symptoms of gastroenteritis, and it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, homemade whey or tea and try to stimulate your appetite with light foods, such as cornstarch, white rice or fruit, for example. However, if other symptoms appear, such as fever, chills or frequent vomiting, it is recommended to go to the emergency room.
3. Stomach pain after eating
Gastritis, ulcers or reflux are suspected, which also causes the sensation of heartburn after eating or when lying down, being advised to consult a gastroenterologist and take some precautions, such as raising the head of the bed, avoiding lying down before 40 minutes after meals. and avoid fatty foods, such as fried foods and sausages, or that increase stomach acidity, such as cow's milk, peppers, tomatoes and corn, for example. Learn how to identify gastritis symptoms.
4. Stomach pain and vomiting
It usually indicates gastritis or reflux, but it can also appear in other situations such as food poisoning and, therefore, it is important to go to the emergency room in case of recurrent vomiting.
5. Strong and constant stomach pain
It can be a sign of problems in other organs, such as pancreatitis or cholecystitis and, therefore, one must go to the emergency room, especially when the pain is disabling and sudden onset.
6. Stomach pain after endoscopy
This symptom is normal because, during the examination, the doctor places a tube in the digestive tube that can be a little bothering the throat and stomach, which can cause discomfort for a few hours.
However, if the stomach pain lasts more than 48 hours, the person must be evaluated by a gastroenterologist, to start the appropriate treatment. To relieve symptoms, one can take antacid or gastric protectors, for example. In case of vomiting and bleeding, it is recommended to seek emergency services quickly.
7. Stomach pain from taking anti-inflammatories
After taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, stomach pain is common because this type of medication compromises the protection of the stomach, leaving its walls more exposed to the action of gastric acid.
To prevent stomach pain, an acid production inhibitor such as Omeprazole or an antacid such as Pepsamar can be taken in order to reduce pain and discomfort. These remedies should be taken on an empty stomach to have the best effect. In addition, it is important not to take the anti-inflammatory on an empty stomach, it is better to take it after meals or eat a fruit or yogurt, for example.
8. Stomach pain in pregnancy
Stomach pain in pregnancy is a very common symptom, which results from hormonal and bodily changes in women. In this case, it is recommended that the pregnant woman avoid wearing too tight clothes or eating too much at meals. To relieve stomach pain in pregnancy, a good tip is to take lemon balm tea, for example.
If the stomach pain does not go away after these precautions, it is important to inform the obstetrician so that he can assess the possibility of other causes and indicate the ingestion of some medication, if necessary.
What to do to relieve stomach pain
What you can do to relieve stomach pain is:
- Loosen clothes and rest by sitting or reclining in a peaceful environment;
- Have a holy espinheira tea, which is a great medicinal plant to treat stomach problems;
- Eat a cooked pear or apple;
- Eat a piece of raw potato because it is a natural antacid, without contraindications;
- Place a bag of warm water in the stomach area to relieve pain;
- Drink small sips of cold water to hydrate and facilitate digestion.
The treatment for stomach pain should also include a light diet, based on salads, fruits and fruit juices, such as watermelon, melon or papaya, avoiding eating fatty foods and alcoholic beverages.
However, when stomach pain becomes persistent over the years and if the pain is associated with weight loss, vomiting or bloody stools, you should see a doctor because these symptoms can indicate stomach cancer. Learn more about stomach cancer.
Watch the following video to find out what food should be like in cases of gastritis.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is advisable to go to the gastroenterologist when:
- Stomach pain is severe and persistent;
- If you experience vomiting with blood;
- If the stools are black and have a very intense smell.
These signs may indicate bleeding within the digestive system that needs to be investigated and properly treated. See how you can help the doctor understand your pain.