Medical Help for Stomach Problems

Stomach distress can be a gripping problem. Many common disorders can be self-treated; others require the expertise of a physician and sometimes a specialist. Knowing when to visit your doctor is important.

Identification

• Many stomach problems result from our diets and our hectic lifestyles. Attacks of heartburn, indigestion and gas come from eating too quickly, drinking too much alcohol, and a stressful lifestyle.

  Heartburn and indigestion also hit those who overindulge in fatty, fried or spicy food.

  Pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, and the vomiting can be severe. Other causes of vomiting are stress, food poisoning, bacteria and viruses.

  Avoiding foods such as broccoli, cabbage and beans helps head off gas problems. Fiber is good for you, but you should gradually build up your intake to avoid flatulence. Avoid carbonated beverages and chewing gum to reduce gas.

  Constipation is a common stomach problem. You can avoid this by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and by eating enough fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

  Food sensitivities, virus, bacteria, food poisoning or stress can cause diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and follow the BRAT diet recommended at vaden.stanford.edu: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

  Side effects of certain medications can be culprits in heartburn and constipation. Ease these ailments with over-the-counter drugs such as antacids and anti-nausea products, and by following a healthy diet and reducing stress.

Medical Treatment

• Some symptoms of stomach problems are serious, according to mayoclinic.com. Have any unexplained weight gain or loss investigated. The cause could be liver disease, cancer, a thyroid problem or a malabsorption disorder.

  A professional should treat stomach pain that's accompanied by a fever that is high or will not go away.

  Seek medical help if you experience unexplained changes in bowel movements such as bloody, black, or tarlike stools, diarrhea that lasts longer than a week, constipation of three weeks or more, and urges to defecate more frequently.

  Feeling satisfied after eating very little might indicate irritable-bowel syndrome or conditions such as esophageal cancer or a bowel obstruction.

  Seek medical attention if abdominal pain is so severe that you cannot sit or find a comfortable position or you cannot move without adding pain. Chest pain that accompanies stomach pain, nausea and vomiting could indicate a heart attack.

  You know your body best, and when in doubt, you should seek professional help.