Upset Stomach Problems

People of all ages have at one time or another suffered from an upset stomach. It may have been caused by something ingested or possibly a mild case of anxiety. Whatever the trigger, the feeling is none too pleasant. Many times, it starts out as "butterflies in the stomach" and progresses to a full-fledged painfully annoying experience. If you find yourself feeling miserable with an upset stomach, do not ignore it. Your tummy is trying to tell you something.

Symptoms

• Upset stomach symptoms can include heartburn, constipation or irregular bowel movements which may be painful, stomach pain and a bitter taste in the mouth. These symptoms can be made worse by certain foods, such as chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, onions, citrus fruits and alcohol. Some people who are lactose tolerant find that milk is useful in easing the pain.

Causes

• Many times, upset stomach may be caused by esophageal reflux, in which stomach acids move up into the throat. This is where the bitter taste comes from. Consuming the foods listed in the section above may cause the muscle at the top of the stomach to relax, and they can also cause the stomach to produce more acid, which only makes the problem worse. Pregnancy or being overweight may compound this problem, too. One of the most common causes of stomach upset could be the medication you reach for each day. Ask your doctor to prescribe a lower dose or a different drug, if possible. Remember, too, that aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach. Irritable bowel syndrome can also cause stomach discomfort. This happens when the large intestine gets irritated because of a change in movement, which is lessened by regular bowel movements and by drinking lots of water.

Home Remedies

• When your grandparents got upset stomachs, they did not run down to the corner store and pick up a bottle of bismuth. In those simpler times, many families relied on age-old home remedies. Favorites have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most popular home remedies for upset stomach is ginger, which is in the spice rack of millions of kitchens across the U.S. You can make ginger tea by boiling a bit of ginger root in water, straining and adding honey to sweeten. Chewing on a piece of candied ginger will also help to calm stomach upset. Even ginger ale can quickly ease tummy discomfort.

Treatments

• There are over-the-counter medications for stomach upset, and a pharmacist will be able to help you choose the right one. If you are still bothered by upset stomach, visit your doctor to determine the cause. He will be able to prescribe treatments that may work better than the over-the-counter varieties. If this still does not help, there may be a more-serious condition present, and you will need to see your doctor again.

Warning

• Upset stomach accompanied by sharp pain, paleness, weight loss, fatigue, bloody vomit or stools should be immediately assessed by your doctor. This is potentially a very dangerous situation.