Understanding the Causes of Stomach Pain Q&A

Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor digestive issues to more serious conditions.

⦁ Indigestion is caused by overeating, eating spicy or rich foods, and leads to bloating, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness.

⦁ Gastritis, the inflammation of the stomach lining, can be caused by alcohol use, infections like H. pylori, or stress, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.

⦁ Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or duodenum, often caused by H. pylori infections or long-term NSAID use, resulting in burning stomach pain, especially when the stomach is empty.

⦁ Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn, discomfort, and burning sensations.

⦁ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine, causing cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

⦁ Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can block bile ducts, leading to sharp pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating fatty meals.

⦁ Appendicitis causes sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, requiring immediate medical attention.

⦁ Food intolerances or allergies to substances like dairy or gluten can lead to pain, bloating, and gas.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists are dedicated to identifying the cause of your stomach pain and providing effective treatment to improve your health and quality of life.

Stomach pain caused by gas and bloating is a common digestive issue that many people experience. These symptoms are often linked to the accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines, leading to discomfort and other digestive disturbances.

⦁ Gas is produced during the digestion of food in the stomach and intestines, and certain foods like beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks can increase gas production. Excessive gas can stretch the stomach and intestines, leading to discomfort and pain.

⦁ Bloating occurs when the intestines fill with gas or air, causing them to expand. This distension can put pressure on surrounding organs, leading to sharp or cramp-like stomach pain.

⦁ Slow digestion, often caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can result in a build-up of gas and bloating. This can lead to a feeling of fullness, discomfort, and abdominal pain.

⦁ The distension from gas and bloating can increase the sensitivity of the intestines. This heightened sensitivity can cause pain and discomfort, especially in individuals with digestive disorders.

⦁ Bloating and gas can interfere with normal gut motility (the movement of food through the intestines). This disruption can cause cramping and discomfort as the digestive process slows down.

⦁ Conditions like lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to gas and bloating, which in turn causes stomach pain.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists provide comprehensive care to identify the underlying causes of gas, bloating, and stomach pain and offer effective treatment options.

Ulcers, particularly peptic ulcers, are a common cause of stomach pain, resulting from open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. These ulcers can lead to burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often worsening when the stomach is empty. At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, helping manage and heal ulcers effectively.

Peptic Ulcers: These are open sores that form on the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.

Pain: Ulcers cause a burning or gnawing sensation in the upper abdomen, especially when the stomach is empty, and the pain may worsen after eating certain foods or drinking alcohol.

Other Symptoms: Ulcers can also cause bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Complications: If left untreated, ulcers can lead to complications like:

⦁ Bleeding: Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.

⦁ Perforation: A hole forming in the stomach or intestinal lining, causing severe pain and a medical emergency.

Treatment: At Digestive Disease Care, we provide diagnosis and treatment for ulcers, including medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics to promote healing and prevent further issues.

Stomach pain can be a sign of an infection. Various types of infections can cause abdominal discomfort or pain, often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

⦁ Gastroenteritis (stomach flu): caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

⦁ Food poisoning: Often caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, results in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The pain typically starts within hours of consuming contaminated food.

⦁ Peptic ulcer disease: Caused by an H. pylori bacterial infection, leading to stomach pain, especially when the stomach is empty. The pain is often described as burning, accompanied by nausea and bloating.

⦁ Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Commonly associated with pain while urinating, can also cause lower abdominal pain, particularly in women

⦁ Appendicitis: An infection of the appendix, causing severe pain in the lower right abdomen that requires immediate medical attention.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists diagnose infections promptly and provide effective treatments to relieve stomach pain and prevent complications. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, Riverhead NY and BEYOND.