About Stomachaches

Stomachaches have many names and they are usually a symptom of a condition that can either be minor or very serious. Known as tummy aches, abdominal pain and bellyaches, a stomachache is a common ailment for those who eat too much, leading to indigestion. But in other cases the stomachache is a warning sign of a much more problematic affliction. Ulcers, food poisoning, diverticulitis and a perforated abdominal wall all have stomach pain as a symptom, meaning that aching stomach should never be ignored.

Effects

• Two of the more minor maladies associated with a stomachache are indigestion and the stomach flu. Indigestion is a broad term that covers a feeling of being bloated and nauseated with belching and gas as a consequence. It can often occur when a person eats more than they should or when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The stomach flu is brought about by different bacterium and viruses, causing the stomach to ache from being inflamed. It, too, can make a person nauseous and cause diarrhea and cramps as well. Both indigestion and the stomach flu can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.

Poisoning

• It is not uncommon for a stomachache to be precipitated by food poisoning. When food contains viruses, bacteria or chemicals that adversely react with the human system, then food poisoning can occur. Stomach pain in this case would be one of the first signs and could be followed by cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Chemical food poisoning comes on much more rapidly than viral or bacterial; it can happen within a time frame of as little as 30 minutes after the tainted food is ingested. Extreme stomach pain is a symptom of botulism, a potentially deadly type of bacterial food poisoning.

Ulcers

• In instances where the stomach's own digestive juices erode the lining of parts of the digestive tract, then stomach pain can be felt. These are known as peptic ulcers and are often found in the lining of the stomach and the small intestine. This is a burning pain and is offset when someone eats or takes antacids to decrease the stomach's acidity level. A serious complication of a peptic ulcer is a hole that can come about in the stomach or intestine and can result in bleeding.

Significance

• Bowel obstructions are blockages of the intestines that do not allow the passage of food, fluids or gas through the lower digestive tract. Stomach pain is severe with this condition and it can be quite a serious circumstance that requires immediate medical attention. If a hole is caused in the digestive tract's lining or wall from an ulcer, a swallowed object or an infection, then the stomach pain can be terribly harsh. This is another medical emergency as the contents of the tract can leak into the abdominal cavity and cause a deadly infection.

Warning

• Stomach pain can manifest itself when the appendix becomes infected and swollen. This pain is focused in the region of the belly button and worsens without treatment. A burst appendix is a very dangerous situation with massive infection throughout the abdominal cavity possible. Digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, and diverticulitis also can be responsible for stomach pains. Some medications, especially drugs used to fight pain, can wear at the stomach's lining and bring pain.