Causes of Chronic Stomach Aches

Chronic stomach aches may cause you to feel worn out, uncomfortable and irritable, especially if you experience additional symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation. Treatments for chronic stomach aches include lifestyle changes as well as medications or surgery, depending on the cause and severity of your condition. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, causes of chronic stomach aches include digestive disorders and infections.

Allergies

• Eating certain foods such as wheat, soy or dairy may cause allergic reactions that result in chronic stomach aches and changes in your bowel functions.

Habits

• Chronic stomach aches may result from personal habits such as frequently overeating; eating fried or spicy foods; or excessive use of alcohol, caffeine or tobacco.

Obstructions

• Obstructions within your digestive system, such as gallstones, kidney stones or colon polyps, may cause chronic stomach aches and abdominal pain.

Bowel Inflammation

• Chronic inflammation of your bowels, including conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease, may cause you to have chronic stomach aches, constipation and diarrhea.

Reflux

• Heartburn, indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are caused by excessive acid that leaks from the stomach, and can result in chronic stomach aches, discomfort and a bad taste in your mouth.

Parasites

• Parasitic infections such as Cryptosporidium, Giardiasis and tapeworms may cause you to have chronic stomach aches, abdominal pain and weight loss until the parasites are eliminated.