Gnawing stomach pain at night. Nocturnal Stomach Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

07.09.202327.06.2023 by alexxlab

What causes stomach pain at night. How to identify the underlying condition based on symptoms. When is nighttime abdominal discomfort a sign of a serious problem. What are effective treatments for relieving nocturnal stomach pain.

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Common Causes of Nighttime Stomach Pain

Experiencing stomach pain at night can be both uncomfortable and concerning. While occasional abdominal discomfort is normal, persistent or severe pain may indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of nocturnal stomach pain and their associated symptoms.

Gas and Bloating

Gas is a frequent culprit behind nighttime stomach pain. Many people experience sharp, stabbing pains in their stomach and upper abdomen due to trapped gas. This discomfort often worsens when lying down, as the gas has difficulty moving through the digestive system.

Is gas pain more common at night? Indeed, gas tends to accumulate throughout the day, reaching peak levels in the evening and night. Additionally, the digestive system slows down during sleep, which can exacerbate gas-related discomfort.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine. While symptoms vary from person to person, many with IBS experience occasional stomach or abdominal pain, especially at night. Additional symptoms may include:

Bloating
Excessive gas
Diarrhea or constipation (or alternating between the two)
Changes in bowel movement frequency or appearance

Can IBS symptoms worsen at night? For some individuals, IBS symptoms may intensify during the evening and nighttime hours due to factors such as stress, eating habits, and circadian rhythm changes.

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, often cause a burning sensation in the stomach. This pain typically worsens when the stomach is empty or when stomach acid is present, making it more noticeable between meals and during the night.

Why do stomach ulcers cause more pain at night? The increased pain at night is due to two main factors: the absence of food to buffer stomach acid and the horizontal position while sleeping, which allows acid to come into contact with the ulcer more easily.

Digestive Disorders Contributing to Nocturnal Abdominal Pain

Several digestive disorders can lead to stomach pain that becomes more pronounced at night. Understanding these conditions can help in identifying the root cause of your discomfort.

Acid Reflux and GERD

Occasional acid reflux is often the result of overeating, consuming trigger foods, or lying down too soon after a meal. However, chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause more severe problems, including nighttime stomach pain.

How does acid reflux cause nighttime pain? When lying down, stomach acid can more easily flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential damage to the esophageal lining. This is why many people with GERD experience increased symptoms at night.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. This condition can cause significant abdominal pain, which may be more noticeable at night when there are fewer distractions. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:

Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Changes in bowel habits
Abdominal tenderness

Is nighttime pain a hallmark of diverticulitis? While diverticulitis can cause pain at any time, some individuals may notice increased discomfort at night due to changes in position and reduced activity levels.

Gallbladder Issues and Nocturnal Pain

Gallbladder problems, particularly gallstones, can be a significant source of nighttime stomach pain. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder.

Why do gallstone attacks often occur at night? Gallstone pain typically occurs after eating, especially following large or fatty meals. Since dinner is often the largest meal of the day, gallstone attacks are more likely to happen in the evening or during sleep.

Symptoms of a gallstone attack may include:

Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills (if infection is present)

Sudden-Onset Stomach Pain at Night: Potential Causes

While many causes of nighttime stomach pain develop gradually, some conditions can cause sudden, severe pain. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for knowing when to seek immediate medical attention.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause abrupt, excruciating pain that often begins in the back and spreads to the abdomen. This pain may intensify at night due to changes in body position and urine production.

How can you distinguish kidney stone pain from other types of abdominal pain? Kidney stone pain typically:

Comes in waves
Changes location as the stone moves
May be accompanied by urinary symptoms like frequent urination or blood in the urine

Viral Gastroenteritis

Commonly known as the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis can cause sudden onset of stomach pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches

Can viral gastroenteritis symptoms worsen at night? While symptoms can occur at any time, some people may notice increased discomfort at night due to dehydration and changes in sleeping position.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can cause sudden, severe stomach pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of consuming contaminated food, which may coincide with nighttime hours if the contaminated meal was eaten in the evening.

When Nighttime Stomach Pain May Indicate a Serious Condition

While most causes of nocturnal stomach pain are not life-threatening, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, can cause severe abdominal pain that often begins around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen. This pain may worsen at night and be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal swelling

Is appendicitis pain always on the right side? While the classic presentation of appendicitis involves pain in the lower right abdomen, the pain can sometimes be diffuse or located in a different area, especially in the early stages.

Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction occurs when something blocks the intestines, preventing the normal movement of digestive contents. This can cause severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by:

Inability to pass gas or have bowel movements
Abdominal swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Loud bowel sounds or no bowel sounds

Why is intestinal obstruction considered a medical emergency? If left untreated, an intestinal obstruction can lead to serious complications such as tissue death, perforation of the intestine, and severe infection.

Cardiac Events

While rare, some cardiac events can manifest as stomach pain. For instance, myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart) may cause abdominal discomfort in addition to more typical cardiac symptoms like:

Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Why is it important to consider cardiac causes for abdominal pain? Mistaking a cardiac event for simple indigestion can delay crucial treatment. Any unexplained chest or abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by other cardiac symptoms, warrants immediate medical evaluation.

Diagnosing the Cause of Nighttime Stomach Pain

Identifying the underlying cause of nocturnal stomach pain often requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

Medical History and Symptom Assessment

Your healthcare provider will likely ask detailed questions about your symptoms, including:

When the pain started
The location and nature of the pain
Any accompanying symptoms
Factors that worsen or alleviate the pain
Your diet and lifestyle habits
Any relevant medical history

Why is a thorough medical history crucial for diagnosis? Many conditions causing nighttime stomach pain have overlapping symptoms. A detailed history helps your doctor narrow down the potential causes and guide further testing.

Physical Examination

A physical exam may include:

Palpation of the abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or masses
Listening to bowel sounds
Checking for signs of dehydration or infection
Assessing overall health status

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may recommend various tests, such as:

Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities
Stool tests to detect parasites or other gastrointestinal issues
Imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to visualize internal structures
Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract directly
H. pylori testing if a stomach ulcer is suspected

How do these tests help in diagnosing nighttime stomach pain? These diagnostic tools provide valuable information about the structure and function of your digestive system, helping to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Nighttime Stomach Pain

The treatment for nocturnal stomach pain depends entirely on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment approaches for various conditions:

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

For many digestive issues, simple lifestyle modifications can provide significant relief:

Avoiding trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Not lying down immediately after eating
Managing stress through relaxation techniques
Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting regular exercise

How effective are lifestyle changes in managing nighttime stomach pain? For conditions like acid reflux, IBS, and minor digestive discomfort, lifestyle modifications can often provide substantial relief and may even be sufficient to manage symptoms in some cases.

Medications

Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor may recommend:

Antacids or acid suppressants for acid reflux and ulcers
Anti-spasmodics for IBS
Antibiotics for H. pylori infections or diverticulitis
Pain relievers for various conditions
Prokinetics to improve digestive motility

Are over-the-counter medications sufficient for treating nighttime stomach pain? While OTC medications can provide relief for minor issues, persistent or severe pain often requires prescription medications and professional medical guidance.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of nighttime stomach pain. Conditions that might require surgical intervention include:

Severe or complicated gallbladder disease
Appendicitis
Intestinal obstruction
Certain cases of diverticulitis
Severe GERD that doesn’t respond to other treatments

How is the decision made to pursue surgical treatment? The decision to undergo surgery is based on factors such as the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of other treatments, and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nighttime Stomach Pain

While occasional mild stomach discomfort at night is usually not cause for concern, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

Severe, persistent abdominal pain
Pain accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or dizziness
Blood in vomit or stool
Abdominal pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or chest pain
Sudden, severe headache along with abdominal pain
Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Why is it crucial not to ignore these warning signs? These symptoms could indicate serious conditions that require prompt medical intervention. Delaying treatment could lead to complications and potentially life-threatening situations.

In conclusion, nighttime stomach pain can have various causes ranging from minor digestive issues to more serious medical conditions. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing warning signs, and seeking appropriate medical care, you can effectively manage and treat nocturnal abdominal discomfort. Remember, persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stomach Pain at Night: Causes, Treatment, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Gas

Most people are familiar with gas and symptoms of gas. Stomach pain is one such symptom. Many people will experience sharp, stabbing pains in their stomach and upper abdomen.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Each person’s experience with IBS is very different, but many experience occasional stomach pain or abdominal pain.

In addition to stomach pain, you may also experience:

bloating
gas
diarrhea
constipation

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer, which is sometimes called peptic ulcer, often causes burning stomach pain. The pain may grow worse when your stomach is full or when stomach acid is present. That means the pain is often worse between meals and at night.

Diverticulitis

This condition causes small, bulging pouches of tissue to develop on the lining of your digestive system.

In addition to stomach pain, diverticulitis can also cause:

nausea
fever
upset stomach
changes in your bowel habits

Acid reflux

Occasional acid reflux is likely the result of:

eating too much
drinking too much
lying flat too quickly after a meal
eating a food that is more likely to cause acid reflux

This includes foods that are spicy, tomato-based, and sweet, among others. Chronic acid reflux, or acid reflux that occurs more than once a week, can cause bigger problems. These problems include inflammation and scarring of the esophagus, bleeding, and esophageal ulcer.

Gallstones

Stones that develop in your gallbladder can cause stomach pain if they block your gallbladder duct. They’re more likely to do this after a big or an especially fatty meal, which often occurs at dinnertime. That may mean you experience a gallstone attack at night, or while you’re asleep.

Occasionally, stomach pain can begin suddenly. In some cases, this pain might be severe. These four causes may explain sudden-onset stomach pain at night:

Kidney stones

Once a kidney stone starts moving around and enters your ureter, you may experience sudden, sharp pain in your back. That pain may quickly spread to the stomach and abdominal region. Pain caused by a kidney stone shifts and changes in location and intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

Viral gastroenteritis

If you’ve picked up this contagious virus from another person, you may experience stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, among other symptoms.

Food poisoning

Many people with food poisoning experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Most people experience these signs and symptoms within a few hours of eating the contaminated food.

Cardiac event

It may seem unlikely, and it’s very rare, but the symptoms of some cardiac events may include stomach pain. Specifically, people who have myocardial ischemia may experience stomach pain.

In addition to more classic cardiac symptoms like neck and jaw pain, quick heartbeat, and shortness of breath, some experience gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain with this cardiac event.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For example, acid reflux may be eased with an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid, and gas pains may clear up after the gas passes.

For other conditions, however, treatment from a doctor may be necessary. In addition to needing a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will need to determine a treatment that is most likely to ease your symptoms. Most common causes of unexplained stomach pain will require treatment from a doctor.

Learn more: Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? »

If you’re experiencing stomach pains more frequently, more than once or twice a week, you may be experiencing a symptom of a different condition. Try over-the-counter treatments like antacids and pain relievers.

However, if they aren’t successful or don’t provide enough relief after several days of symptoms, you should see a doctor. Many causes of stomach pain are easily treated, but you’ll need a doctor’s prescription and diagnosis.

Waking up at night because of pain isn’t a life-long sentence. You can and likely will find relief easily and quickly. But to get there, you need to make diagnosing the issue a bit easier for yourself and possibly your doctor.

Keep a journal

If you’ve been waking up with stomach pain frequently lately, start a nighttime journal. Write down what you had to eat, what symptoms you experienced during the day, and how you felt when you woke up. Keeping notes will help you and your doctor notice any patterns or detect any symptoms you might overlook in your sleepy state.

Try first-line treatments

OTC treatment options include antacids and upset stomach medications. Try those first. If they fail, it’s time to look for a different option.

Make lifestyle changes

If your stomach pain is the result of acid reflux, take stock of your behaviors that might be causing it. Overeating or drinking too much can contribute to the problem, as can being overweight or lying down to sleep too soon after a meal.

See a doctor

If the symptoms remain despite your treatments and lifestyle changes, it’s time to see your doctor. Likely whatever is causing your issues is easily treated, so don’t be afraid to get on your doctor’s calendar. The sooner you do, the sooner your nighttime stomach pain goes away for good.

Keep reading: How to recognize and react to signs of appendicitis in children »

Stomach Pain at Night: Causes, Treatment, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Gas

Most people are familiar with gas and symptoms of gas. Stomach pain is one such symptom. Many people will experience sharp, stabbing pains in their stomach and upper abdomen.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Each person’s experience with IBS is very different, but many experience occasional stomach pain or abdominal pain.

In addition to stomach pain, you may also experience:

bloating
gas
diarrhea
constipation

Stomach ulcer

Diverticulitis

This condition causes small, bulging pouches of tissue to develop on the lining of your digestive system.

In addition to stomach pain, diverticulitis can also cause:

nausea
fever
upset stomach
changes in your bowel habits

Acid reflux

Occasional acid reflux is likely the result of:

eating too much
drinking too much
lying flat too quickly after a meal
eating a food that is more likely to cause acid reflux

Gallstones

Occasionally, stomach pain can begin suddenly. In some cases, this pain might be severe. These four causes may explain sudden-onset stomach pain at night:

Kidney stones

Viral gastroenteritis

If you’ve picked up this contagious virus from another person, you may experience stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, among other symptoms.

Food poisoning

Many people with food poisoning experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Most people experience these signs and symptoms within a few hours of eating the contaminated food.

Cardiac event

It may seem unlikely, and it’s very rare, but the symptoms of some cardiac events may include stomach pain. Specifically, people who have myocardial ischemia may experience stomach pain.

In addition to more classic cardiac symptoms like neck and jaw pain, quick heartbeat, and shortness of breath, some experience gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain with this cardiac event.

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For example, acid reflux may be eased with an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid, and gas pains may clear up after the gas passes.

Learn more: Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? »

Keep a journal

Try first-line treatments

OTC treatment options include antacids and upset stomach medications. Try those first. If they fail, it’s time to look for a different option.

Make lifestyle changes

See a doctor

Keep reading: How to recognize and react to signs of appendicitis in children »

why the stomach hurts, what to do with acute and severe pain

What is stomach pain

Pain in the stomach is called gastralgia. It can be caused by many factors. These are serious pathologies of the internal organs, and a slight malaise of a temporary nature, for example, after too much food.

Pain in the stomach is easily confused with discomfort in other organs located in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space:

small and large intestines,
kidney,
appendix,
spleen,
gallbladder,
liver,
pancreas.

Stomach pain is often accompanied by other symptoms of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

How the stomach hurts

To determine that it is the stomach that hurts, you need to imagine its anatomy. The stomach is located in the abdominal cavity just below the diaphragm. Its shape and size are constantly changing depending on the amount of food eaten. Most of the organ is located on the left directly below the ribs, and the smaller part is located immediately below the sternum (Fig. 1). This area is called the epigastric region.

Figure 1. Where is the stomach in the human body. Source: MedPortal

The pancreas, spleen and upper part of the left kidney adjoin the back wall of the stomach.

Stomach pain is usually localized in the upper abdomen – epigastrium, but in the same area pain can appear with pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and even with myocardial infarction and aortic aneurysm (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Cause of pain depending on location. Source: MedPortal

Acute and severe “dagger” pain is characteristic of perforated gastric ulcer and peritonitis. In case of indigestion, pain is localized to the left under the ribs, a sign of chronic gastritis with low acidity is pain in the middle of the abdomen, with damage to the body of the stomach, complaints are associated with painful sensations above the navel.

But localization of pain is not an unequivocal sign of stomach diseases. For example, pain in the left side of the abdomen often occurs with osteochondrosis and cardiovascular pathologies. In women, such pain can appear with pathologies of the ovaries and uterus.

The most likely indication of stomach problems is pain that occurs after meals or when there is a long break between meals. But even in this case, it is possible to establish its cause only after a comprehensive examination.

Why the stomach hurts

Stomach pain can be caused by situational causes that do not threaten human health, and very serious pathologies of internal organs.

Situational factors include:

Flatulence (bloating) is a condition in which gases accumulate in the stomach, bursting the organ from the inside and causing pain. The accumulation of gases is usually associated with malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle.
Constipation. The causes of constipation are mainly associated with the use of a large amount of fatty foods and muffins, a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, and physical inactivity.
Premenstrual syndrome often causes pain, similar in character and localization to stomach pains.
Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders of the digestive tract.
Sprain during pregnancy.

Pain caused by situational factors is temporary and quickly disappears without the help of a doctor and medication. Prolonged pain is a signal that speaks of serious health problems.

Diseases that cause stomach pain:

Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the most common cause of pain. The disease is usually caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Exacerbation of the pathology and severe pain in the stomach may be associated with improper eating behavior, nervous strain, and taking certain medications.
A stomach and duodenal ulcer occurs against the background of chronic gastritis, problems with the blood supply to the gastric mucosa and some other diseases. An ulcer is manifested by pain in the stomach during long breaks between meals and at night (hunger pains).
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatic juice secreted by the gland neutralizes hydrochloric acid. With insufficient juice production, the acid irritates the stomach lining, causing pain.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory process in all parts of the intestine.
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. Violation of the outflow of bile is one of the causes of inflammation of the gastric mucosa and pain.
Damage to the gastric mucosa by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and other types of pathogenic microflora. Gastritis and stomach ulcers often develop as a result of infectious diseases of the digestive system.
Tumors of the stomach of any etiology. Severe pain is one of the symptoms of stomach cancer, but it can also be caused by benign formations – polyps, lipomas, neurinomas and others.

Pain can also be caused by diseases not related to the stomach itself: acute appendicitis, colitis, spasm of the diaphragm, thrombosis of the intestinal vessels, coronary heart disease, and others (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. Causes of pain in the upper and lower abdomen. GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Source: verywellhealth.com

Types of pain in the stomach

Pain in the stomach varies greatly in character and intensity depending on the causes that caused it. An accurate description of the pain syndrome greatly facilitates the diagnosis of pathology. But it must be remembered that the same factor can cause pain of varying intensity and nature. Our test will help you understand the causes of your own pain.

Acute pain

Acute strong cramps in the stomach are a sign of the development of a pathological process. Attacks usually pass quickly, but recur after a short period of time. The intensity of pain attacks depends on the degree of damage to organs and tissues.

Acute pain requires immediate medical attention, as the causes that caused it can lead to a tragic outcome. This symptom is typical for:

acute gastritis,
food poisoning, chemicals and toxic substances,
infectious lesions of internal organs,
peptic ulcer,
acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis,
acute appendicitis.

Acute pain in the stomach is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In addition to diseases of the stomach, acute pain in the epigastrium can cause pulmonary pathologies, diseases of the diaphragm, cardiovascular system, in particular, myocardial infarction.

Self-medication for acute pain in the stomach is contraindicated, the diagnosis can only be established by a doctor after a complete examination.

Severe

Severe pain appears in acute gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, poisoning, gastric and duodenal ulcers, acute pancreatitis.

The presence of concomitant symptoms is important for the correct diagnosis of the causes of severe pain. Nausea and vomiting are signs of acute gastritis, poisoning, biliary colic. Peptic ulcer is accompanied by heartburn and sour belching, irritable bowel syndrome – diarrhea and flatulence.

The intensity of pain is quite a subjective sensation, so a complete examination is necessary for a correct diagnosis.

Sharp

Sharp pain may be a sign of ingestion of harsh chemicals such as acids or alkalis. Spoiled food also causes a burn of the gastric mucosa.

This pain above the navel is a symptom of acute appendicitis. In addition, sharp pains sometimes occur with neoplasms in the stomach and pancreas, with complications of peptic ulcer, when adhesive processes develop in adjacent tissues.

Cutting

Dull cutting pain is characteristic of acute pancreatitis. If the pain covers the entire abdomen, and strong cramps are felt in the epigastric region, then with a high degree of probability, perforation of the ulcer can be assumed. Any movement at the same time causes increased pain, so the person takes the “fetal position”, bending his knees and pressing them to his chest.

Stomach cramps can be triggered by certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretics.

Aching

Aching pain after eating is a sign of increased acidity of gastric juice. Such pain often occurs with indigestion, malnutrition, too much food eaten.

The cause of aching pain can be chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer without an exacerbation period, infection or malignant tumor. Stomach aching after alcohol abuse, overeating, eating stale foods.

Drawing

Drawing pain often occurs in pregnant women due to pressure on the digestive organs by the growing uterus. Similar sensations are familiar to most nursing mothers. Such pain can also occur with gastritis and cholecystitis.

Persistent pain

Persistent pain is often present in advanced gastric cancers. Such complaints also occur with advanced gastritis, stomach ulcers and other inflammatory diseases. Constant pain in the stomach can be the result of prolonged stress, alcohol abuse, and malnutrition.

Periodic pain

Periodic pain may not be associated with gastric pathologies and may resolve without medical intervention. Sometimes abdominal pain occurs after eating unusual food, with bloating, constipation.

Pain before meals

Pain after a long break in eating is typical for duodenal ulcer. Also, if the pain occurs on an empty stomach, it can be assumed that there is an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane – gastritis or gastroduodenitis.

Nausea and pain

The combination of these symptoms is typical for food poisoning, alcohol intake, fatty foods.

Night pains in the stomach

Most often, the stomach hurts at night due to irritation of the mucous membrane with hydrochloric acid and pepsin, an enzyme of gastric juice. Night pains can be the result of overeating during dinner, prolonged stress, excessive physical exertion and inflammatory processes in the stomach.

Coronavirus stomach pain

Stomach pain is not a typical symptom of COVID-19, but in rare cases, problems in the digestive system begin when the virus enters the body by the oral-fecal route.

Approximately 10% of those infected report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. In isolated cases, the disease proceeds with symptoms similar to those of serous peritonitis. Stomach pain with coronavirus is typical for young patients.

When to see a doctor?

Any pain in the stomach requires consultation with a gastroenterologist, but in some cases it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance team (Fig. 4). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

severe pain after an injury;
high temperature;
bloody stools;
persistent nausea and vomiting;
sudden weight loss;
yellow skin;
pain when touching the abdomen.

Figure 4. When stomach pain is a medical emergency. Source: MedPortal

Important! Gastric cancer often, although not always, accompanied by specific symptoms:

Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool,
Persistent anorexia,
Unexplained weight loss,
Fatigue,
Zharom,
Anemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is aimed at finding out the causes of pain in the stomach and identifying the underlying disease.

First of all, the gastroenterologist collects an anamnesis, finding out:

localization of pain – the entire abdomen or restriction to a certain area;
the nature of the pain – stitching, cutting, constant, periodic, etc.;
when pain occurs: morning or evening, before or after meals, duration of attack, connection with alcohol or certain foods;
whether pain radiates to other organs;
what medications are taken;
whether there is pregnancy;
whether there were abdominal injuries.

Depending on the anamnesis, instrumental and laboratory research methods are prescribed:

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
gastric endoscopy;
radiography;
pH meter;
fecal analysis.

How to treat

Therapy for stomach pain is aimed at treating the underlying disease.

Conservative treatment includes symptomatic relief, pain relief and detoxification.

Surgical treatment is prescribed in the absence of the effect of taking drugs and in the detection of malignant tumors.

First aid for stomach pain

For stomach pain, it is better to stop eating for a while and lie down quietly. Do not immediately take painkillers, as they can cause irritation of the mucous membrane and aggravate the condition.

If you suffer from stomach pain:

replace meals with warm drinks and low-fat broth;
it is necessary to lie down, pressing as far as possible, knees to the stomach;
put a cold towel on your stomach;
massage the belly with circular motions;
in case of poisoning, take activated charcoal or other absorbents;
Drink plenty of plain, clean water.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Medications

Choice of medications due to cause of stomach pain. The doctor may prescribe:

acid-reducing antisecretory agents;
antacids that neutralize the environment of the stomach;
antispasmodics for pain relief;
prokinetics to stimulate intestinal motility;
gastroprotectors to protect the gastric mucosa from aggressive exposure.

Only a doctor can choose a treatment regimen based on the results of the examination.

Diet

Any pain in the stomach requires a sparing diet. No need to force yourself to eat if you have no appetite.

Eat regularly, avoid spicy, smoked and fried food, do not eat too hot food, be sure to have breakfast. The best foods for stomach pain are bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Diet rules for stomach pain. Source: MedPortal

Folk remedies

Decoctions and infusions of berries and vegetables help with stomach pain:

gooseberry infusion (pour several berries into glasses of water and boil for 15 minutes, drink every 2 hours),
potato juice (three times a day before meals),
infusion of mountain ash (a tablespoon before meals),
white cabbage juice, cucumber, pomegranate, quince juice (drink before meals),
ground oat decoction,
rye bran infusion,
dandelion syrup,
dill seed infusion,
white mistletoe decoction.

Pharmacies offer a wide range of herbal teas to normalize the functioning of the stomach, but before using any herbal remedy, you should consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain requires an individual approach. First of all, it is necessary to establish the cause of the ailment and strictly follow the medical recommendations. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent unwanted effects.

References

Hunt R., Quigley E., Abbas Z., Eliakim A., Emmanuel A., Goh K.L., et al. Coping with common gastrointestinal symptoms in the community: A global perspective on heartburn, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain/discomfort May 2013. J Clin Gastroenterol 2014; 48(7):567-78.
Vivas D.A. Diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain / David A. Vivas; Richmond University Hospital [Electronic resource]. – 2012. – http://www.downstatesurgery.org/files/cases/ ChronicAbdominalPain.pdf

Gastritis | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions with one common feature: inflammation of the stomach lining. Inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection by the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Regular use of certain pain relievers and drinking too much alcohol can also contribute to the development of gastritis. Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. However, in most people, gastritis is not serious and improves quickly with treatment.

Signs and symptoms of gastritis include:

Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen, which may get worse or better with food
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen after eating

Almost everyone had an attack of indigestion. Most cases are short-lived and do not require medical attention. If signs and symptoms of gastritis persist for a week or longer, see your doctor. Tell your doctor if you experience stomach discomfort after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, especially aspirin or other pain relievers. If you vomit blood, have blood in your stool, or stool that appears black, see your doctor right away to determine the cause.

A number of diseases and conditions can increase the risk of developing gastritis, including Crohn’s disease and sarcoidosis, a condition in which inflammatory cells grow in the body.

Factors that increase the risk of developing gastritis include:

Bacterial infection. Although Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common human infections in the world, few people with infection develop gastritis or other upper gastrointestinal disorders. Doctors believe that vulnerability to the bacterium may be inherited or may be caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet.
Regular use of pain relievers. Common pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) can cause both acute gastritis and chronic gastritis.