Stomachaches, medically known as abdominal pain, are a condition in which pain and cramping can be a sign of an underlying medical illness. Stomachaches can result from stress or consuming spicy foods or they can be the result of eating excessive amounts of fatty foods. Fortunately, the causes of stomachaches can be treated.
Peptic Ulcer
MedlinePlus says that peptic ulcers refers to a sore that occurs on the stomach and intestinal lining. Specific symptoms of peptic ulcer include stomachaches, hunger, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, bloody vomiting and bloody stools.
The most common cause of peptic ulcer disease is an infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Risk factors for peptic ulcer include smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking too much alcohol or taking aspirin or acetaminophen. Other risk factors include being ill and having radiation treatments.
Treating peptic ulcers involves taking such antibiotics as clarithromycin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, omeprazole or lansoprazole. Medications such as misoprostol or sucralfate can also treat to peptic ulcers.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Mayo Clinic says that irritable bowel syndrome refers to a disorder that affects the last portion of the digestive system: the colon. Symptoms of this medical condition include stomachaches, gas, constipation, diarrhea and a bloated feeling. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include mucus in the stool.
The specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome is not exactly known, but its triggers include such foods as alcohol, chocolate, stress, hormonal changes and illnesses such as infectious diarrhea.
Treating irritable bowel syndrome involves taking anti-diarrheal medications, fiber supplements, anticholinergic medications, antibiotics and antidepressants. Lubiprostone or alosetron are other medications that can be taken to manage irritable bowel syndrome.
Indigestion
Indigestion refers to a discomforting feeling associated with stomachaches, bloating, nausea, heartburn and a feeling of satiety. This is a common problem and typically triggered by drinking too much alcohol, eating too fast, gallstones, tobacco smoking, ulcers and emotional stress. Other triggers include drinking too much caffeine and taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treating indigestion involves eating slowly, chewing food completely and taking antacids to relieve indigestion. Sometimes, taking stronger medications such as ranitidine or omeprazole can manage indigestion.
