|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

What Are the Causes of Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain can occur in anyone and may cause symptoms including discomfort, bloating and burping. There are many causes of stomach pain, and, although stomach pains usually go away on their own or with self-care at home, some causes of stomach pain require medical treatment to prevent complications.

  1. Allergies

    • Allergies or intolerances to certain types of foods and oral medications may result in stomach pain (see References). Children often develop food allergies to products with ingredients including soy, wheat, eggs, milk and nuts as well as medications such as antibiotics. Adults can also develop new food allergies, which often include allergies to fish, nuts and dairy products.

    Bowel Disorders

    • Bowel disorders affect the small and large intestines as well as the colon and can cause stomach pain, abdominal cramps and problems with bowel movements (see References). Chronic disorders of the bowels such as irritable bowel syndrome may be triggered by eating greasy or fried foods. Inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn's disease are also a cause of stomach pains and often require medical treatment.

    Food Poisoning

    • Food poisoning is an effect of eating foods contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites; symptoms include stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea. Food left unrefrigerated allows for the growth of bacteria and can cause food poisoning once it is consumed. Eating meats and seafood raw as well as not washing fruits and vegetables are also ways to get food poisoning, which can be life threatening for pregnant women and young children (see References).

    Heartburn

    • Heartburn is caused by acid that leaks out of the stomach and irritates the throat and can even come all the way up into the mouth. Heartburn that occurs frequently may be a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); symptoms include stomach pain, burping and indigestion (see References). Certain types of foods, being overweight and stress are all triggers of heartburn.

    Overeating

    • Eating more food than the stomach can comfortably hold is a common cause of stomach pain. Foods that are greasy, fried or spicy can irritate the stomach and result in pain, especially if large quantities are consumed. Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol as well as those that are carbonated may also cause stomach pain (see References).

    Ulcers

    • Stomach ulcers, which are also called peptic ulcers, are a result of infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (see References). Ulcers in the stomach can cause chronic pain and bleeding if left untreated. Most stomach ulcers can be treated with antibiotics, which can reduce or even cure the stomach pain.

Digestive Health - Related Articles