What that stomach ache may mean

Stomach aches can be the most painful and uncomfortable experiences. However,they are not always the same. There are different causes of stomach ache and it can occur in different places along your digestive track. Dr. Fatima Kaigama of Garki Hospital, Abuja, shared how to pinpoint exactly what the pain in your stomach may be telling […]

Stomach aches can be the most painful and uncomfortable experiences. However,they are not always the same. There are different causes of stomach ache and it can occur in different places along your digestive track. Dr. Fatima Kaigama of Garki Hospital, Abuja, shared how to pinpoint exactly what the pain in your stomach may be telling you.

Upper abdomen: This means you have excess gas in your stomach and you may feel bloated, burp incessantly or feel the need to release gas more often than usual. Foods like beans, dairy products and carbonated drinks are the main culprits for such stomach aches.

Lower chest: Heartburn is a common experience. It’s basically a persistent pain felt right up to your throat, caused by acid refluxes. Spicy and oily food can be a great contributing factor.

Upper stomach: A severe, sharp pain in your upper stomach is a sign of ulcers, which basically means your stomach lining has become perforated with excessive use of painkillers or an ulcer-causing bacteria called helicobacter pylori.

Rumbling and running of the stomach: This is caused by stomach flu, which happens when a virus or bacteria enters the digestive system. Due to the accompanying diarrhea, staying hydrated is important, or else dehydration may occur, making things more complicated

Lower right abdomen: If the pain is accompanied with vomiting and fever, then there’s a big chance you may have appendicitis, depending on the severity of the appendix in question. It can be treated with strong antibiotics. Otherwise, appendectomy (a surgery to remove the infected appendix) may have to be done.