Si commonly speak of stomach ache but in reality they can hide behind abdominal pain many different factors. Even in the form with which it presents itself, stomach pain is not always the same: it can, for example, manifest itself as a sort of burning or with cramps or sudden pangs and again as a pain associated with swelling.
And if in most cases the disorder is due to common gastrointestinal problems and without possible complications, sometimes it can also be the indicator of more serious conditions. So how to orient yourself? And what remedies should be adopted?
We asked the Dr Andrea Costantino, gastroenterologist from Santagostino.
Chronic stomach pain: what is the origin
So what could be the most common causes of a stomach ache, or abdominal pain, which tends to occur with a certain frequency?
«We must distinguish – explains Doctor Costantino. – The chronic abdominal pain it can be located mainly in the part upper abdomen. That’s what we call it dyspepsiacan generally also be associated with burning or sensation of premature fullness. The cause could be traceable to an inflammation of the stomach wallsas the gastritis. However, this disorder is often natural functional: in this case the pain is not associated with alterations of the stomach walls but occurs chronically, due to mechanisms hypersensitivity, sometimes exacerbated by stressful conditions».
When it comes to irritable bowel syndrome
However, when stomach pain involves the entire abdomen, the most frequent cause is irritable bowel syndrome.
«The disorder in this case presents itself chronically and usually for more than six months – explains the specialist. – It is a disorder of interest more often young people and middle aged, women in particular way, and can be associated with alterations of intestinal transit. In fact, in some people it can occur associated with episodes of diarrheain others with constipation. Presence of swelling and abdominal distensionare often conditions associated with irritable bowel syndrome.”
Stomach ache and diarrhea: what to do?
When irritable bowel syndrome occurs in association with diarrhea, it can become extremely impactful on daily life.
«Many people avoid eating on some occasions or take drugs to block peristalsis – explains the specialist again. – These drugs, occasionally, can help to solve the problem immediately but for longer-term results it can be more useful focus on probiotic-based therapies you hate other drugs recommended by the specialist which act on the nerve fibers of the digestive system. Just as it may be important, in these cases, especially if swelling is also present, take great care nutrition, avoiding dairy products and limiting the consumption of foods rich in fibre».
Stomach ache and lazy intestine
Often the cause of stomach pain is also lazy intestine, a widespread and extremely annoying disorder, which tends to be accompanied by a feeling of bloating.
«In these cases the first useful piece of advice is to Don’t underestimate physical exercise – recommends the expert. – Do at least 150 minutes per week of regular moderate intensity physical activityis in itself an excellent remedy, as demonstrated by numerous scientific studies. Obviously nutrition matters too: a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lots of water it is the fundamental premise for the correct functioning of the intestine. After that, you can resort to soluble fiber supplements or to substances that help peristalsis, such as macrogol, a molecule that helps keep stools soft favoring intestinal transit”.
What if it was food intolerance?
Food intolerance can also present with abdominal pain, which generally appears after ingesting food containing the substance to which one is intolerant, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea, meteorism, flatulence and abdominal swelling.
«In general, however, in these cases, except for dairy intolerance and celiac disease, which must always be excluded with simple and non-invasive tests, for example other types of intolerances do not require specific testingi – underlines Dr. Costantino. – In most cases you can benefit through a diet that excludes foods that worsen swelling and abdominal pain. The so-called FODMAP diet It has often been shown to be effective for these disorders. However, the ideal is to be followed by a nutrition expert.”
When the problem is digestion
Beyond chronic ailments, it happens that we have to deal with classic stomach ache from digestionaccompanied by sensation of swelling, burning and nausea. In these cases, how to intervene?
«One of the useful strategies to prevent this type of problem is try to eat meals that are not too large And chew very slowly – explains the gastroenterologist. – It must be said, however, that this type of problem often occurs they occur in overweight people: the increase in abdominal pressure is in fact often the main cause of these disorders. In this case it is essential to try, first of all, to follow a balanced diet that can help you lose excess kilos.”
Stomach ache and homeopathy
In case of intestine-related disorders, help can come from homeopathy.
«A recent survey highlights that precisely the 25% of Italians who use this therapeutic opportunity do so to treat gastro-intestinal problems – explains Silvia Nencioni, President of Omeoimprese, the association representing pharmaceutical companies that produce or distribute homeopathic medicines in Italy. – The same investigation says that safety, effectiveness, naturalness and absence of side effects are the reasons that push over 10 million Italians to use homeopathic medicines. Although homeopathy is indicated for all types of patients, including multi-treated elderly people, pregnant women and even very young children, we always recommend, as with any other therapyOf call on to a health professionalbe it your doctor or pharmacist, for personalized advice».
Stomach ache: when you should worry
Finally, when should stomach pain be considered a warning sign that should not be underestimated?
“Self it occurs in acute form and if accompanied by fever, it is always good to contact your doctor – concludes Doctor Costantino. – Even in the case of a chronic stomach pain, which occurs above the age of 50 and which is accompanied by weight loss and palenesswhich may indicate a reduction in hemoglobin values, a quick assessment is always necessary medical”.
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