After a meal, at night, on the right, on the back too… There are several causes that can be responsible for stomach pain but three stand out.
Having a stomach ache is quite common. When this pain persists or returns chronically, it is necessary to find the cause in order to implement the right treatment. Three major pathologies gastroenterological problems can cause a painful sensation in the pit of the stomach, explains Dr Philippe Godeberge, gastroenterologist and hepatologist. :
- Gastroesophageal refluxwhich does not necessarily lead to acid burns going up to the back of the throat but which can only result in the form of pain or cramps.
- Hepatic colicresult of a stone in the gallbladder : the classic pain is in the right flank but can also be concentrated in the middle in the “hollow”; it is strong and lasts several hours.
- Transit disordersnotably the constipation which causes projecting colic, that is to say intestinal pain which projects into this region.
Stomach ache and nausea: too much of a meal?
The most likely cause is caloric overload. We have a stomach ache because we ate too much, too fatty, too sweet, too much alcohol.. Otherwise, this pain may correspond to anxiety phenomena because it is rarely an organic symptom (except during pregnancy). “If the problems are recent and are accompanied by warning signs such as weight loss, anemia, fever or even fatigue, you should consult your doctor who will ensure that there is not a more severe pathology behind“, warns the gastroenterologist.
Stomach and back pain: an ulcer?
“Any stomach pain is likely to project into the back but generally, there are two things to be wary of: ulcers of the posterior side of the stomach and pancreatic cancers. But don’t panic, it remains relatively rare !“, reassures Dr. Godeberge.
Stomach ache and gas or burp: reflux?
Gas evacuations from above (burp) may be a small manifestation of reflux but also, and this is often the case, phenomena of stress or anxiety. “Most often, it’s just a functional disorder because we ate too quickly or drank carbonated drinks. As for the gases from below (fart), this simply means that we have a functional colopathy called irritable bowel syndrome. It is a benign pathology which is defined by a abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence and a change in transit“, reassures the gastroenterologist.
Stomach pain at night: gastritis?
“The nocturnal nature of the pain more rarely evokes a functional disorder. In general, it is an inflammation of the stomach (or gastritis) for minor forms or an ulcer disease in more severe forms.“, explains Dr Philippe Godeberge. This suffering of the stomach wall should lead to consultation.
Can stress cause stomach cramps?
Psychological and visceral stress leads to gastric distress. Indeed, the stomach is at the confluence of many stimuli; the intestine contains as many nerve cells as the spinal cord. “In the same way that our heart beats when we feel an emotion, we have parietal pain with acid production which causes pain in the mucous membrane.“, comments the specialist.
Where does stomach pain come from after eating?
The main causes of stomach pain after eating are:
- the occurrence of a gastroesophageal reflux premature due to too rich a diet,
- distension of the stomach by food volume too large,
- a flare-up of reflex functional colopathies favored by certain easy-to-identify foods,
- some gastritis
In case of stomach cramps, it is always advisable to start by looking at your diet: “We must follow a diet based on the diagnosis and not based on a symptomreminds the doctor. Generally speaking, when there is pain in the pit of the stomach, you should focus on a lighter diet, without fried foods, without concentrated products such as fruit juices, sodas and other sweets because this will cause pain to the mucous membrane“. It is essential to eat slowlyof raise the head of the bed, do not smoke, do not drink alcohol and ofavoid carbonated drinks.