And, first of all, we are going to start by explaining what we mean by the concept of stomachache? When we suffer from stomach pain, it is usually located in the upper and central part of the abdomenthat is, above the navel and below the ribs.
Dyspepsia, the medical term
The medical term we use to refer to stomach pain is dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a common disorder that affects a large number of people all over the world and that all of us have suffered at some point in life.
In Spain it is estimated that they can reach it suffer chronically between 10 and 30% of peoplebeing a common reason for consultation in the Digestive System.
Multiple causes of this pain
The causes that cause a stomach ache are multiple, from the most banal and fleeting as a indigestion o to menstruation even more serious causes such as stomach cancerwhich, luckily, is not the most common.
It is clear that what should worry us the most is that this pain becomes chronic and even affects our quality of life. Among the most frequent causes of dyspepsia we find the duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, taking certain medications (oral iron, bisphosphonates, etc.) and toxic substances (alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, cannabis, etc.).
Also other disorders outside the stomach can cause dyspepsia without the disease being inside the stomach, examples of this are the menstruation, pregnancy, migraine or cardiac ischemia.
What can I do to relieve stomach pain?
There are multiple tests to reach an accurate diagnosis of stomach pain, but the choice of one or the other will depend on a good clinical interview and physical examination. And what can I do to relieve stomach pain? The first thing is to get a definitive diagnosis and treat the cause. In the case of suffering an acute stomach ache or while waiting for a medical visit, I am going to share with you some tricks that can be useful to us.
Avoid stress, tobacco, alcohol and other tips
The first piece of advice is to modify our habits and lifestyle such as: avoiding stress, tobacco, alcoholic beverages and drugs, wearing tight clothes or belts and avoiding eating right before going to bed. Anti-inflammatories and aspirin are also discouraged.
As for the diet, it is recommended that it be divided: small meals more often, instead of large amounts and fewer times a day. Avoid all those foods and drinks that can aggravate the symptoms, such as: fat, fried, acidic, spicy, coffee, carbonated drinks, etc.
Foods that prevent stomach pain
On the other hand, I encourage you to consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. Also drinking enough water to stay hydrated helps us digest food better.
If the discomfort persists despite having followed all the above tips, then you could try a punctual antacidand although scientific evidence is currently scarce, taking certain infusions such as those of chamomile, peppermint or gingerThey could also help us.
It is important not to self-medicate, since we could be masking a serious illness. If you suffer from chronic pain or discomfort (more than two episodes a week), if nausea or vomiting appear, if you have lost weight, If you have had dark stools, or simply if the discomfort interferes with your quality of life, then you should consult your doctor.