Constant Stomach Ache

Men, women, small children, and even infants can suffer from constant stomach ache. It is a symptom of a large number of health disorders. Many of them are related to digestive problems, but there are other underlying diseases that can trigger this painful condition as well.

The intensity of the pain often vary from mild to severe, depending upon the underlying cause. In some cases, it is a constant dull pain, and in others, it is experienced as a stabbing pain that occur intermittently.

Most of the time, the stomach ache is accompanied by other symptoms which help us identify the exact cause. Here, we have discussed its causes and characteristics.

This kind of pain is felt after eating fatty or spicy foods, or overeating. Usually, it is a case of indigestion caused by gastric disorders. Initially, the pain is felt in the abdominal area that lies between the ribs and the navel. Later on, it may get extended to the chest region and you feel a burning sensation. Sometimes, it is a symptom of stomach ulcer where the stomach lining is irritated after the intake of food and you get a stomach ache.

Common bacterial infection like food poisoning and some viral infection trigger constant stomach ache and diarrhea. These two symptoms last for a few days as long as the infection is there. The identifiable symptom in this condition are abdominal cramps, high fever, loss of appetite and vomiting.

If there is excessive loss of water from the body, then it can lead to dehydration. Diarrhea along with abdominal pain can also occur because of food intolerance as the body is unable to digest a particular food component.

In small children, constipation is the main cause that leads to abdominal pain. Apart from the usual digestive problems, children suffer from this pain due to infection by roundworms, side effects of certain drugs like antibiotics, and sometimes, due to stress. Roundworm infestation is more common in those children who live in unhygienic condition. When stomach ache is because of stress, children complain about headache too.

There are some forms of stomach ache that are found only in women and are not related to any digestive disorder. Menstrual pain mostly affect teenage girls and women who are in the age group of thirties and forties. The pain is mainly confined to the lower part of the abdomen and they also feel stomach cramps and nausea.

Constant stomach ache in pregnancy is often a matter of serious concern. It could be a sign of complications like ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm labor, preeclampsia, urinary tract infection, and so on.

If you are getting stomach ache constantly for more than two days, then pay a visit to your doctor now. In case, it is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc., then consult the doctor before the symptoms worsen any further. After physical examination of the abdomen, they can identify the actual reason. Otherwise, some laboratory tests like stool, urine and blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound are conducted to ascertain the cause.

Suitable medicines are given to treat stomach infections and acidity. You will be advised to take rest in order to cure the infection faster. Changes in diet are also suggested in all kinds of stomach problems. Those who have food intolerance have to stay away from the particular food that they cannot digest.

Stomach ache in children can be relieved temporarily by applying heating pad for a few minutes. However, no medicines should be given to them without consulting a doctor. Give them fluids from time to time to improve bowel movement.

If they have diarrhea, then do not give solid foods as they may throw up. Stomach ache during pregnancy should not be taken lightly and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

You can prevent constant stomach ache with some minor changes in your habits and lifestyle. Follow a healthy diet that consists of high fiber foods and stay away from foods that can cause gas. Eat small meals at a time and chew the food properly so that it can be easily digested. Take your dinner two hours before bedtime. Taking a walk after eating is also very helpful.