1. Where Does It Hurt?
Pain can be felt in various areas of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and determining the location of your pain will help you identify the possible causes. Gas can cause pain anywhere in the abdomen. This pain can travel around, and it is possible to mistake it for other conditions, such as heart disease or gallstones, depending on the exact location of the pain. Gallstones typically cause pain in the upper abdomen area or on the right side of the abdomen. When related to heart disease, the pain tends to be in the general abdominal area rather than in a specific location.
Cramping pain is very non-specific and can be felt anywhere from your chest to your groin. It is difficult to use location as a way of identifying stomach cramps. Heartburn is felt in more specific locations. You will probably experience pain in your chest, just under your breastbone. Your might also feel discomfort in your throat and mouth.
2. Different Types of Pain
As you've probably noticed, stomach pain can be experienced in very different ways. By noticing the type of pain you are experiencing, you can help to distinguish between different GI conditions. A burning sensation in your chest is usually a sign of heartburn. You may also have a gnawing feeling in your stomach or tightness in your throat. Heartburn can sometimes cause difficulty swallowing.
Stomach cramps often cause spasms of pain and are felt as uncomfortable squeezing sensations in your abdomen. You may have diarrhea or vomiting along with the cramping. Gas tends to be felt as sharp, jabbing pains, but you may also experience cramping. If you have cramping that is caused by gas, you will probably notice that you are passing gas in the form of belching or flatulence.
3. Elusive Causes
It is not always possible to figure out what is causing your discomfort. However, if you are able to notice triggers for your stomach pain, it can help you identify the cause. Heartburn, gas and stomach cramping can all be caused by eating too much or by a particular food you've eaten. Heartburn is often triggered by foods like chocolate, acidic fruit, tomatoes, caffeine and fried, fatty, spicy dishes. Gas can be caused by high-fiber foods, such as legumes, broccoli and whole grains.
Dairy products are also culprits, with gas and stomach cramps being common symptoms of lactose intolerance. Food allergies can also cause cramping. For example, celiac disease, marked by an inability to digest gluten, often leads to stomach complaints. If you are experiencing stomach pain on a regular basis, notice whether there are any foods that are triggering your symptoms.
Your discomfort could be caused by a temporary health condition. For example, having diarrhea or constipation can lead you to experience gas. A urinary tract infection may be behind your cramping. Having a hiatal hernia can cause heartburn. One thing to remember, though, is that many conditions can cause more than one symptom. Pregnant women, for example, frequently experience both gas and heartburn. Food intolerances often lead to both gas and cramping. So identifying a cause is not always enough to distinguish between heartburn, gas and cramping. A doctor can help make a diagnosis based on the location, type and cause of the pain.
