Overview
Conditions that affect digestion or cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen are often perceived and described as stomach problems, although the stomach may not always be involved. Most stomach problems are related to the digestive tract, although symptoms may also be due to conditions of the body wall, blood vessels, urinary tract, reproductive organs, or organs of the chest.
Causes
Stomach problems, including gastritis, and gastric ulcers usually caused by helicobacter pylori infection and cancer.
Symptoms
The first sign of problems in the digestive tract often includes one or more of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding.
- Bloating.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Heartburn.
- Incontinence.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pain in the belly.
- What are stomach problems symptoms?
- Abdominal pain (intermittent or constant burning, or gripping or gnawing pain) nausea, and vomiting. Loss of appetite. Bloating, burping, and belching.
Five common diseases of the digestive system include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Celiac disease.
- Diverticulitis.
Get medical help immediately if: you have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools.
When pain is present, stomach problems may be due to the organs near the site of the pain, such as the stomach or gallbladder in the upper abdomen, or the appendix in the lower abdomen. Generalized stomach problems may be associated with diet, infection or inflammation. In women, stomach problems may be related to the menstrual cycle or to infection or other conditions of the reproductive organs.
Stomach problems that are severe or that do not improve within a day or two can be symptoms of serious medical conditions. Seek immediate medical care . For severe pain that comes on suddenly, an inability to have bowel movements, bloody stool, vomiting blood, abdominal rigidity, breathing difficulties, or pain in the neck, chest, shoulders, or between the shoulders. You should also seek immediate care if you have stomach problems and have cancer or might be pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramps.
If your stomach problems are persistent or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care
