Imagine you decide to spend a few days staying in Beaverton, OR to explore the nearby attractions like Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Nike World Headquarters, or the Broadway Street Art Walk event. While you’re out seeing the sights, you’re suddenly struck with stomach pain. You gain a little relief when the pain subsides for a little while, but it comes back after a few minutes and continues to come and go for most of your day. That’ll put a damper on your stay for sure. Whatever adventure you choose, don’t let your stomach pain limit you from enjoying every moment of your visit by getting the help you need.
Schedule an appointment today.
Stomach pain is one of the most common ailments of the body caused by a slew of potential issues. It can be as harmless as gas buildup, but it can also be a symptom of an illness that requires proper medical attention. From bladder infections to even mental conditions like anxiety, stomach pain is a warning sign that should be treated with care. Stomach pain is often temporary but prolonged pain, either constant or with ebbs and flows, may signal a more serious issue in the body.
Common causes of stomach pain that comes and goes
Gas
Gas builds up in your digestive tract in many ways, from simply swallowing air to digesting carbohydrates. Consuming certain foods like beans, cabbage, and even carbonated drinks produces gas during digestion, and when there is a buildup in the digestive tract, distension and bloating may set in. This could cause discomfort or pain in the abdomen, also putting pressure on organs around the stomach. In some cases, excessive gas production can be a symptom of underlying digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance. Discomfort from this buildup can be relieved by belching or flatulence but if those don’t work, further medical assistance may be required.
Constipation
If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, you may be constipated. This may cause you to experience stomach pain as well as hard, dry stools, pain and difficulty passing stool, or not being able to pass all your stool. Lack of fiber in one’s diet, as well as a lack of fluids and even exercise are all common causes of constipation. Changes in diet and exercise play a big role in solving the issue, however, some more extreme cases may require medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is brought on by stomach acid buildup in the esophagus – the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach – over time. The repeated wash of acids into the esophagus can cause the lining to become irritated. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time, however, when acid reflux happens repeatedly, it can cause GERD.
Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and medications. However, some rare cases may need surgery to ease symptoms. Common symptoms to watch out for are heartburn, which could be worsened at night or while lying down, backwash or regurgitation, difficulty swallowing or dysphagia, and the feeling of having a lump in your throat. Acid reflux issues that most commonly occur at night could also manifest as an ongoing cough, inflammation of the vocal cords or laryngitis, and new or worsening asthma. Get medical help immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain to avoid a heart attack.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is severe cramping during your menstrual period and can be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and headache. The cramps could cause a throbbing or sharp pain in the lower abdomen and could grow to be so severe that it prohibits one from carrying out daily activities. Causes could include endometriosis or uterine fibroids. The intensity of the cramps tends to lessen with age and even after childbirth. See a medical professional if the cramps affect your everyday activities continuously each month, your symptoms worsen, or the cramps began to affect you after the age of 25.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A functional but chronic gastrointestinal disorder, IBS affects about 12% of the American population. Multiple symptoms including changes in bowel movements occur together, causing recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Managing diet, lifestyle, and stress levels tend to be natural solutions for normal cases but more severe cases should be medically treated. Consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible should you experience weight loss, diarrhea at night, bleeding from your rectum, iron deficiency anemia, unexplained vomiting, and constant pain.
Other causes include Braxton-Hicks or labor contractions, muscle strain, gallbladder issues, norovirus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even stomach cancer. Read more about these here.
Is anxiety causing my stomach pain?
If you suffer from anxiety, particularly chronic or severe anxiety, it may affect you physically as well as mentally. Abdominal discomfort or pain is a common manifestation and is classified as a “psychosomatic” symptom, or where mental or emotional stress can lead to physical symptoms. Muscle tension, digestive upset, and hyperventilation are some of the usual ways you may experience stomach pain as a result of anxiety.
If you're experiencing persistent or severe abdominal pain, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss potential treatment options for managing anxiety-related symptoms.
Treatment
Figuring out why your stomach is in pain and recognizing the signs of different causes is important for quick recovery. There are many at-home solutions you can use but if your stomach pain refuses to subside, it’s important to be proactive and prioritize getting the professional help you need. Here at AFC Urgent Care Beaverton, we are prepared to treat your stomach pain, so consider scheduling an appointment with us or simply walking into our clinic any day of the week for a comprehensive assessment and caring treatment.
