Six Common Stomach Problems
Just about everyone has stomach trouble at one time or another. Fortunately, you can treat many symptoms yourself. Six common stomach problems, their causes and what to do for them follow.
1. Heartburn and Indigestion
Description: Heartburn (dyspepsia) results from stomach acids backing up into the esophagus (which connects the mouth to the stomach). Indigestion is that hard-to-describe upset feeling in your stomach.
Causes: Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, peppermint, fried and fatty foods, overeating, stress, some medications and being overweight
Self-Care: Avoid or moderate your indulgence of the above items and eat smaller meals more frequently. For heartburn, do not lie down for four hours after eating and raise the head of your bed four to six inches. Try an over-the-counter neutralizing antacid (e.g., generic Maalox or Mylanta), or an acid reducer (e.g., Pepcid, Tagamet or Zantac).
When to Seek Medical Advice: If it doesn’t respond to self-help efforts, persists for more than two weeks or if you have significant pain or weight loss, seek medical help from your health care provider.
2. Vomiting
Causes: Viruses, bacteria, food poisoning, alcohol, stress and/or pregnancy
Self-Care: Let your stomach rest. Refrain from eating or drinking until you feel better (two to four hours). Then start with tiny sips of clear fluids that are not carbonated (e.g., flat ginger ale, 7-Up or Gatorade) for another few hours. Rest until you feel better.
Watch for the following: Dehydration (excessive loss of water from the body). Symptoms can include decreased urine, dry mouth, dizziness while standing and/or fatigue.
Seek Medical Advice: If vomiting doesn’t stop within six to eight hours, you have fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache or abdominal pain, seek medical help from your health care provider.
3. Diarrhea
Definition: Frequent and watery bowel movements
Causes: Viruses, bacteria, food poisoning, stress
and/or specific food sensitivities
Self-Care: Drink clear fluids and limit your foods
to BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). Avoid over-the-counter
medications and let the illness run its course. If symptoms persist,
try Imodium AD.
Note: If you’re traveling, bring a more specific treatment (such as a prescription antibiotic) with you.
Watch for the following: Dehydration, fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, severe pain (not just cramps) and/or bloody stools
Seek Medical Advice: If any of the above conditions are present, or the diarrhea hasn’t stopped within three days, seek medical attention from your health care provider.
4. Stomach Pain
Definition: Sharp or cramping pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen
Causes: Gas, constipation, menstrual cycle, stress, medications (e.g., erythromycin), peptic ulcer and/ or other potentially serious conditions
Self-Care: Rest, antacid and heat
Watch for the following: Fever or worsening pain
Seek Medical Advice: For pain that is severe or persistent, seek medical help from your health care provider.
5. Constipation
Definition: Excessively hard and infrequent stools
Causes: Insufficient water and fiber (whole wheat, bran, vegetables, prunes), improper diet (e.g., too much rice, cheese), lack of exercise, occasionally medications (e.g., prescription pain and cough medicine)
Self-Care: Increase fluids and fiber
Watch for the following: Severe pain or rectal bleeding
Seek Medical Advice: If constipation persists despite self-care, seek medical help from your health care provider.
6. Gas
Causes: Specific foods (e.g., beans, cabbage, broccoli), too much fiber, carbonated beverages and/or chewing gum
Self-Care: Avoid the above items. Try products containing simethicone (e.g., Mylicon, Gas-X).
Seek Medical Advice: If gas persists, seek medical attention from your health care provider.