To understand stomach pain, a type of pain felt in the abdomen; it is essential to general knowledge of the stomach. The stomach is a hollow, muscular organ in the upper left part of the abdomen, located between the end of the esophagus and the beginning of the small intestine (small intestine). The stomach expands to store swallowed food. It also helps the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. In the stomach, food becomes liquid. The liquefied food moves to the small intestines and the other digestion stages are continued.

What is stomach pain?

Stomach pain is the term used to describe cramps or mild pain in the abdomen. Stomach pain is usually short-lived; it can go away on its own; however, if the stomach pain complaint is repeated frequently, it would be beneficial to apply to a health institution.

For stomach pain that does not go away, it is crucial to know where the discomfort is coming from and other symptoms. Here are some of the common causes of stomach pain:

Constipation

Those who suffer from constipation may experience stomach pain very often. Constipation, also known as constipation, is the name given to the condition of defecation every three days or infrequently due to slow bowel movements. Constipation is common among intestinal disorders, which causes adverse conditions such as defecation difficulty, incomplete emptying of stool, painful defecation, and bloating. Constipation can affect people of all ages. To avoid constipation, you should drink plenty of water and make sure you have plenty of fiber in your diet.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition in which stools are more runny than usual. An increase in the desire to go to the toilet due to impaired bowel movements is one of the complaints that accompany loose stools. Watery stools more than three times a day are considered diarrhea. In severe diarrhea cases, one can lose up to 13-14 liters of fluid per day. A stomach infection or another serious condition can cause diarrhea.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a prevalent condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting. A bacterial or viral infection usually causes it. Other signs and symptoms include fever, nausea, and headache. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor. You may need medical attention to treat the infection and possible dehydration (excessive fluid loss).

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (; is a symptom that occurs together, including stomach pain, cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome can negatively affect the quality of life.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning; occurs due to eating poisonous, contaminated, or spoiled food, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Food poisoning is usually triggered by one of the following three factors:

Bacteria: Salmonella is the most common cause of severe food poisoning; other bacteria that cause food poisoning include E. coli, listeria, Campylobacter, and C. botulinum.

Parasites: The most common parasite that causes food poisoning is toxoplasma, often found in cat litter. Parasites may go unnoticed in the gut for years; however, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are at risk.

Viruses: Some viruses that cause food poisoning are norovirus, sapovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus.

Other causes of stomach pain include; obesity, H. pylori infection, hernia, overeating, stomach cancer, stomach tumor, smoking and alcohol consumption, stress and psychological diseases, allergic reactions, irregular and unhealthy diet, hormonal changes.

The location of the pain in your stomach can also determine the possible cause:

Upper right: Gallstones, cholecystitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis

Upper middle: Heartburn/indigestion, hernia, epigastric hernia, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis

Upper left: Functional dyspepsia, gastric ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis

Middle right: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation

Mid-center: Umbilical hernia, appendicitis, gastric ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis

Center-left: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation

Bottom right: Appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, pelvic pain

Subcentre: Bladder infection, prostatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inguinal hernia, pelvic pain

Bottom left: Constipation, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic pain, inguinal hernia.

This chart also shows the types of abdominal pain you may have, depending on the location of the pain.

What are the parts of the stomach?

The stomach has five parts:

Cardia: The first part closest to the esophagus

Fundus: The upper part of the stomach next to the cardia

Corpus: The central part of the stomach, between the upper and lower parts

Antrum: The lower part where food mixes with gastric juice (near the gut)

Pylorus: The last part of the stomach that acts as a valve to control the emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine

Stomach pain is a type of pain felt in the abdomen. Stomach pain can be caused by many different causes, from simple indigestion to severe ulcers. If you are experiencing problems other than stomach pain or very severe pain, if the pain is concentrated in a particular area, you should consult a doctor without delay.

What are the symptoms of stomach pain?

Symptoms of stomach pain often include:

• Nausea and heartburn
• An unpleasant odor in the mouth
• Frequent need to pass gas
• Frequent hiccuping with cough
• The feeling of bloating in the stomach
• Symptoms that may not be seen as mild stomach pain

Cramping pain with diarrhea or constipation

Low “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating, diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome.

Upper abdominal pain between the rib cage

It could be a heart problem if you develop stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdomen just below the ribs.

Severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen

Sudden onset of pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of appendicitis. Fever may accompany this pain. If there are complaints of vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea along with the pain, consult a doctor without delay.

Right or left lower abdominal pain in women.

The sudden onset of right lower abdominal pain or lower left lower abdominal pain may signify a ruptured ovarian cyst in a woman in the middle of her menstrual cycle. This type of pain can also occur due to ovarian torsion (rotation of the ovary and part of the fallopian tube).

Pain that feels like stabbing in the lower abdomen

Pain in the lower part of the stomach, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills can signify kidney stones.

Pain in the lower left abdomen that may get worse with movement

Pain in the lower-left area of ​​the core may indicate diverticulitis, which are small pockets in the colon that can become blocked and perforated.

What is good for stomach pain? How does stomach ache go?

First of all, a balanced and healthy diet is essential for stomach pain, which causes discomfort and reduces the quality of life. Exercising along with adequate water consumption is among the factors that are good for stomach pain. Consuming certain foods to relieve stomach pain can be beneficial. Some of the natural methods that can be good for stomach pain can be listed as follows:

Consuming yogurt
Consuming yogurt can relax your stomach, as it contains beneficial bacteria and high levels of probiotics. However, the consumption of yogurt has a vital role in strengthening the immune system and preventing infections.

Consuming lots of water
Consumption of plenty of water is of great importance for the body to function healthy and for the proper digestion in the stomach. It is recommended to consume an average of 2 liters of water per day.

Raw potato juice
Among the foods that can be good for stomach pain, there is also raw potato juice.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed, rich in omega-three content and high fiber, can also be suitable for stomach pain.

Drinking chamomile tea
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea, which helps to relax the muscles in the stomach, relieve stomach spasms, and, therefore, stomach pain, has an essential role in preventing stomach disorders.

Clove
Clove contains many active substances that reduce gas in the stomach. Cloves also help reduce nausea. In light of all these, consuming powdered or ground clove juice mixed with honey or boiling the clove in water helps to reduce the pressure and to cramp complaints that may occur in the stomach.

Licorice root
Licorice root can reduce indigestion and help prevent stomach ulcers.

Ginger consumption
Ginger is one of the foods that should prefer to relieve stomach pain caused by indigestion with natural methods. Consuming ginger, which contains gingerol and shogaol chemicals, accelerates digestion on the one hand. On the other hand, it helps reduce ailments that can cause stomach pain, such as nausea and diarrhea. Can consume ginger by adding to foods or drinking tea.

Mint
Consumption of mint can help relax the intestines and reduce stomach pain. Mint leaves can be consumed raw or cooked.

Avoiding alcohol and cigarette consumption
Smoking and drinking alcohol have many harmful effects on the stomach. Since alcohol is difficult to digest, alcohol consumption can cause some digestive problems and stomach pain. Not consuming cigarettes and alcohol is good for stomach pain. On the other hand, eating late before going to sleep can result in reflux and stomach pain, so we should abandon this habit.

Note:   should keep in mind that serious problems that can cause cannot cure stomach pain with natural methods that can apply at home. If you have severe stomach pain, it is essential to consult a doctor.

First of all, the history of the patients’ disease who apply to the doctor with stomach pain complaints that do not go away listens. A detailed examination and examination process is carried out. If necessary, the endoscopy method determines the cause of stomach pain, and appropriate treatment planning is carried out.

Our health contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.