Stomach Pain

* You experience sudden severe abdominal pain.

* Pain for more than four days.

* You have rectal bleeding or weight loss.

* You recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea experience.

What does your symptom you

If still another hot night at Jose's House of jalapenos added to moan in a foreign language, take heart-you're probably just suffering from an old-fashioned stomach upset. In a few days (most) are ready for another El Scorcho a meal.

But let us for a moment that you played it safe and opted for rice and beans to take over and you still have serious, persistent abdominal pains. What causes it?

Bet not to check the dinner, but you could suffer from an ulcer. Characterized by lesions on the inside of the digestive tract, ulcers come in all shapes and sizes and locations. (In fact, stomach pain, that for short time by eating, a symptom of a peptic or duodenal ulcer in the intestine. Plotted relieved) In contrast to a temporary stomach upset, ulcers, however, keep coming back.

And while doctors do not know what causes ulcers (more recent findings, it has to be pesky bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, to live in your stomach), as things in daily doses of aspirin or drinking too many cups of coffee a day could before ulcer worse.

"Certain drugs like aspirin block-in fact the stomach's ability to heal itself," Jorge Herrera, MD, assistant professor of medicine says the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile and a member of the American Society for Gastroenterology and American College of Gastroenterology.

Then again, you may not have an ulcer. They would know good old-your stomach indigestion way of letting you know that it did not appreciate your dinner choices. The most common causes: spicy and acidic foods such as José legendary jalapenos.

Another cause of abdominal pain, irritable bowel is the mark of an angry digestive system. No ulcers here, bowel move only with difficulty, your food through your body. A telltale sign of irritable bowel syndrome is abdominal pain caused by diarrhea or constipation and bloating accompanied. Pain relief following a trip to the bathroom, but the pain returns again and again.

Food poisoning is another possible cause pain. You could have eaten chicken salad sandwich absently that have been in your refrigerator sits a few too many days, but your gut is to recognize the difference.

And then there's gas. Air in chewing or swallowing methane produced during digestion of foods such as beans, can in your digestive system and unpleasant caught until it is released by belching or flatulence.

Unfortunately, a number of diseases of the digestive system that can bring on sudden attacks of severe abdominal pain are also fairly common. These include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, a disease of the gall bladder, appendicitis, diverticulitis and pancreatitis.

Symptom relief

You should see your doctor soon-to-sharp, intense abdominal pain. The causes of severe and recurrent pain is often severe and should receive medical attention.

But there are a few things you can try on your own for a minor bout of abdominal pain.

Take some tea. The tannic acid in a cup of tea brewed apparently helps the body, some of the bacteria or chemicals that can cause stomach pain going on, especially if diarrhea also said Thomas A. Gossel, R. Ph, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and toxicology and associate dean of the College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University in Ada. "You should feel relief in about an hour or so," he says.

Try an antacid. neutralize almost all over-the-counter antacid ingredients that a good job of excess stomach acid is not included, says Wendell Clarkston, MD, an assistant professor and director of the Fellowship Training Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. (For more hints and tips to banish stomach acid, heartburn, see page 249).

Banishing ulcer pain

Doctors can not exactly sure what causes ulcers, but they have a good idea how to get rid of them. Try these techniques.

Use the right medicine. A variety of prescription H2 antagonists and other drugs actually block the capacity to produce or to secrete gastric acid, says Dr. Herrmann. Research shows that these powerful drugs have a 95 to 98 percent cure rate of over six to eight weeks. "I think most people should to use this as their primary therapy." He says.

Team up with Tagamet. Prescription drugs such as Tagamet or Zantac causes switched on or off the production of acid stomach ulcers, says William B. Ruderman, MD, chairman of the department of gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic Florida in Fort Lauderdale.

Ask for an antibiotic. If you have persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea, you can help a prescription antibiotic to knock out the bacteria, the resident must be undertaken in your stomach, says Dr. Clarkston.

Sip some milk. Drink a glass of skim milk during an ulcer attack can be a quick relief. "Milk is like a antacids. When it gets to the stomach, it neutralizes the acid and the pain will go away," says Dr. Herrmann. Beware, however: Some people who drink milk for later ulcer pain report feeling worse short time, Dr. Herrmann.

Eat smart. Doctors long ago learned that spicy foods, like Mexican food or acidic dishes, such as cucumbers, do not cause ulcers. But can an already angry ulcer feel worse. "The tumor tissue is more sensitive and it hurts more when you eat spicy or acidic foods," says Dr. Ruderman. You do not have to hold on a bland diet, but stay away from foods that are from the combustion.

Cut the cups. Once again, there is no hard evidence that big-time coffee drinkers will get an ulcer, but coffee can aggravate it, says Dr. Herrmann. "We usually tell patients to use in moderation, perhaps no more than two or three cups of caffeine, caffeine-containing drinks per day."

Avoid too much aspirin. Research shows that excessive use of the active ingredient in aspirin, salicylic acid-eroded actually the lining of the stomach, leading it to bleed, says Dr. Herrmann. "If you take aspirin for two to three days due to a cold or headache, you will be fine. But if it is on a daily basis for more than three months or so that if you run into problems," he added she says. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives that will not irritate your stomach is recommended.

Stopping smoking. Nicotine damages the lining of the stomach ulcers and makes worse, says Dr. Herrmann. Get professional help to quit, if you must.

Dealing with irritable bowel syndrome

The bad news about IBS is that there is still a bit of a mystery. The good news is that by the time you are diagnosed with it, excluding any serious health problems is already, says Dr. Herrmann. To manage the problem, try these tips.

Do not panic. Because it is often difficult to determine the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, you must be patient while your doctor looks for an explanation. "If all tests are negative, and no one can tell you what's going on, it is natural to worry," says Dr. Herrmann.

Fill in fiber. Not only vegetables and whole grain products loaded with nutrients, they can also help prevent constipation and to tame your irritable bowel. "You just do not get enough fiber every day of hamburgers," says Dr. Clarkston. If the thought of chewing all the vegetarians you feel like a rabbit, consider one of the many over-the-counter fiber supplements. Wafers from tablets and powders that you add juice, most in drugstores and supermarkets.

Cut the fat. Low fat foods have been implicated in irritable bowel syndrome that says Dr. Herrmann.

Enter the zip slide. Spicy foods are known to cause their share of problems, says Dr. Herrmann.

Try the elimination diet. Although not all stomach doctors agree, some believe that gastroenterologists irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by an allergy to certain foods. You can try an elimination diet to find out if a food allergy may be contributing to your problem, says Dr. Herrmann. Milk, eggs, wheat, corn, soy, peanuts cause, citrus fruits, cola and chocolate, some of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions. During an elimination diet, avoid a group of food at a time, careful monitoring, even for the symptoms. If your symptoms disappear, you may have found the culprit.

Find out about drugs. If you suffer from persistent irritable bowel syndrome, consult your doctor about antispasmodic agents, to prevent the cramps by relaxing intestinal muscles, for use in severe consequences, says Dr. Clarkston.

Symptoms Chart and Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain -- a dull ache, a burning sensation, or a sharp, stabbing pain -- is one of the most common complaints in all of medicine. Most people can blame abdominal pain on their stomachs, but the stomach is just one potential trouble spot. Any organ in your midsection can cause pain, including your appendix, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines.
Whenever abdominal pain strikes, it shouldn't be ignored. By heeding symptoms early, you can spot the difference between a minor problem and a medical emergency.
Here's one simple guideline: If the pain is intense, get help right away.
You should also call your doctor or get to a hospital immediately if your abdominal pain is accompanied by bloody diarrhea, bloody vomit, black stools, or a fever above 101 degrees F.
Even when it doesn't signal an emergency, abdominal pain definitely sends a message. It could be telling you to make a change in your lifestyle or to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Either way, it could be a blessing in disguise.
What message is your body sending? Here's a chart to help you break the code. Remember: Only a doctor can diagnose the source of abdominal pain. If you have any questions, be sure to make that appointment.
 
 

Symptoms	Possible Cause	Action to Take
Intense pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, possibly starting as a vague, uncomfortable feeling around the navel. You may also have nausea, vomiting, or a slight fever.	Appendicitis	Go to an emergency room now
Severe pain that starts in the upper abdomen and often  spreads to the sides and the back. The pain may flare up soon after a large meal, or six to 12 hours after an episode of heavy drinking. You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowish skin, and a racing heartbeat.	Pancreatitis	Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. Acute pancreatitis can cause shock, which may result in death if not treated quickly.
Extremely sharp abdominal pain, perhaps with other acute symptoms.	*Pelvic inflammatory disease *Heart attack  *Perforated stomach ulcer  *Shock, from allergy  *Diabetic emergency  *Poisoning	Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
Pain in upper right side of abdomen; may spread to right upper back, chest, or right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; or gas.	Gallstones	If this is your first attack, call a doctor for emergency advice. If you can't reach one, go to an emergency room. Don't eat or drink anything.
In a woman who might be pregnant: severe pain that arises suddenly in the lower right or lower left abdomen, usually without vomiting or fever.	Ectopic pregnancy	Call the doctor for a prompt appointment. If you experience severe abdominal pain or bleeding, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
Moderate to severe cramps that wax and wane, or occasional cramps that flare up after meals, and vomiting, especially if the vomit smells like stool. Other possible signs include watery or ribbon-like stools, or no stools at all.	Intestinal obstruction	Go to the emergency room right away.
Pain or tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen, along with fever.  You may also have nausea, vomiting, chills, stomach cramps, and either diarrhea or constipation.	Diverticulitis	See a doctor immediately. If you have sharp abdominal pain along with fever, chills, swelling, or nausea and vomiting, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. You may have peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity.
Chronic abdominal pain along with dark urine and yellowish skin and eyes.	Viral hepatitis	See a doctor promptly.
Pain in the back that usually spreads under the rib cage, around the front, and into the groin.	Kidney stones	See a doctor promptly
Searing, stabbing pain in the upper abdomen; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.	Gallstones or an infection of the gallbladder.	See your doctor promptly. If you also experience sweating, chills, and fever, see a doctor right away
Chronic abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, along with a fever, sore throat, and extreme fatigue.	Mononucleosis or other viral infection	See a doctor promptly. In addition to taking medications, you'll need to get plenty of rest.
Bloody stools or bleeding from the rectum. In some cases, abdominal pain.	Bleeding hemorrhoids, colon polyps, or (rarely) colorectal  cancer. (Hemorrhoids and     polyps rarely cause abdominal pain.)	See a doctor promptly.
In a woman: dull, constant pain in the lower abdomen along with vaginal discharge and fever.	Pelvic inflammatory disease.	See a doctor promptly.
Dull, gnawing stomach pain that comes and goes. The pain is often worse when the stomach is empty and goes away after eating. You may also have indigestion, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, and dark stools.	*Stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) *Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)	Take an antacid or acetaminophen if necessary, but avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  Don't drink alcohol or smoke. If pain persists or quickly comes back, see your doctor.  Call 911 or go an emergency room right away if you throw up blood or anything that looks like coffee grounds; if you feel faint, chilly, or sweaty; if you have black or bloody stools, or if you feel lightheadedness, as if you would faint. See a doctor right away if you have sharp back pain with ulcer symptoms.
Frequent burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest, possibly accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, a lump in the throat, or trouble swallowing.	Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)	Suck on an antacid lozenge at the first sign of pain. Over-the-counter acid blockers can help prevent future attacks. If pain persists or quickly comes back, see your doctor. See your doctor promptly if you have trouble swallowing, especially if solid food gets stuck.
Vague, widespread, cramp-like pain, accompanied by bloating, tiredness, gas, and occasional nausea. You may also have diarrhea, constipation, or bouts of both.	Irritable bowel syndrome	Try cutting back on stress. Reducing fat in your diet may also help. If you have constipation, try eating more fiber and drinking more water. If problems persist, see your doctor.
Pain in the lower abdomen. You may also have blood or mucus in your stools, fever, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, tiredness, or joint pain.	Crohn's disease (pain in the right side) or ulcerative colitis (with pain in the left side). Dysentery is also a possibility.	See your doctor promptly. Be sure to tell your doctor if you may be at risk for dysentery, or diarrhea containing blood, which is often caused by exposure to water contaminated by bacteria or protozoa. If diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, you should eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest, and cut back on stress. Avoid alcohol and aspirin.
Pressure in your upper abdomen, especially associated with heartburn.	Hiatal hernia	Make an appointment with your doctor. You can also help yourself by avoiding large meals (especially within three hours of bedtime), raising the head of your bed by 4 to 6 inches, and not lying down for three hours after eating.
Pain in the lower abdomen, often combined with burning or stinging when urinating; yellow discharge; difficulty urinating; strong-smelling, murky, or bloody urine; and in women, pain during intercourse	Urinary tract infection	See your doctor promptly. You can help yourself by drinking at least eight to 10 glasses of water or clear liquids a day. Some physicians advise avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. Don't have intercourse until you're cured.
Stomach discomfort or bloating after drinking or eating dairy products, such as cow's milk and ice cream.	Lactose intolerance	Avoid dairy products or take medicine to help you digest lactose.
Bloating along with fewer than three bowel movements a week, abdominal pain, or hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.	Constipation	Eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of liquids, and walk or exercise each day if possible.  If problems persist, call your doctor for advice.