Stomach pain, at times also called stomach ache, gastritis or dyspepsia, has several causes. It is important to determine the cause, as each type of stomach pain should be handled differently. It's important to see a doctor if you have severe or chronic stomach pain, as it may signify something serious.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress can cause stomach pain. In a study published in 2008 in Depression & Anxiety, patients who reported symptoms of muscle pain, headache or stomach pain were two and a half to 10 times more likely to have panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or a major depressive disorder. A 2007 article in the Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences stated that stress in children can manifest in headaches and stomach pain. "The pain these kids are feeling is real, not psychosomatic," said Dr. Robet Sege, chief of general pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Tufts University.
Acid Indigestion and Ulcers
Eating irregularly, eating too quickly, not chewing sufficiently and eating when anxious can all lead to a feeling of heaviness and stomach pain, including acid indigestion, according to a 2006 article in New Life Journal: Carolina Edition. Peptic ulcers can cause stomach pain in those infected with H. pylori.
Celiac Disease
According to a 2006 article published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, celiac disease is associated with maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins. For those with this condition, eating gluten-containing food such as wheat and rye can lead to symptoms including stomach pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Heavy Metals
Chronic exposure to the heavy metal antimony can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach ulcers, according to a 2009 article in the Indian Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Lactose Intolerance
Those who have trouble digesting the sugar lactose can experience stomach pain and bloating when they consume dairy products.
Parasites
Trichinosis is caused by a larval-worm parasite. It is often associated with eating undercooked pork and wild game animals. Mild cases of trichinosis cause nausea and stomach pain, and severe cases can be deadly.
Smoking Cessation
Nicotine replacement therapy that is taken in the form of gum or lollipops is associated with adverse effects including stomach pain, according to a 2008 article in Disease Management & Health Outcomes.
References
- "Indian Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine"; The exposure to and health effects of antimony; . Cooper, Ross and Harrison, Adrian; April 2009, Vol. 13 Issue 1, p3-10
- "New York Times"; Parasites: 'Tropical' Diseases Are Common In Arctic Dwellers, a Survey Finds; McNEIL Jr., DONALD; 1/26/2010, p6
- "Disease Management & Health Outcomes"; Successful Smoking Cessation, Huber, Gary and Mahajan, Vijay; October 2008, Vol. 16 Issue 5, p335-343
- "Scand J Caring Sci"; Stress in childr...;Brobeck;Marklund;Haraldsson;Berntsson;Mr2007,21(1),3-9
- "Depression & Anxiety"; Relationships...; Means-Christensen;Roy-Byrne;Sherbourne; Craske;Stein;2008, 25(7), p593-600
