Increased stomach pain can be a sign of peptic ulcers, acute gastritis, eating a lot of fried foods, or drinking alcohol.
Stomach pain is characterized by a dull, burning pain in the upper abdomen, which can be short-lived or severe and prolonged.
Dr. Hoang Dinh Thanh, a specialist in Endoscopy and Endoscopic Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the following factors can worsen stomach pain.
Peptic ulcers are the leading cause of stomach pain. They can be caused by factors such as the use of pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria, Crohn's disease, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and others.
Acute gastritis and duodenitis often occur suddenly after consuming large amounts of alcohol, eating spicy foods, or using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Indigestion can cause burning or stinging pain in the epigastric region (above the navel) or a feeling of fullness and bloating after eating. Typically, a doctor will order a gastroscopy to determine the condition of the gastric mucosa – whether it is normal, atrophic, or has progressed to ulcerative gastritis.
Doctor Thanh examines a patient in December 2023. Photo: Tam Anh Hospital
Unhealthy eating habits such as irregular meals, eating too late at night, eating too quickly or until completely full, waiting until you're very hungry to eat, and eating while reading or watching TV can worsen stomach pain. People who consume a lot of fried, spicy, sour foods, alcohol, and smoke are also more prone to stomach pain. This condition tends to be more severe during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Prolonged stress and anxiety release hormones and neurotransmitters in the body, negatively affecting bowel motility and stomach contractions. Patients may experience abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, etc. Stress also disrupts the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to stomach pain.
Side effects of medications such as over-the-counter painkillers, antibiotics, cancer treatments, and iron supplements can cause stomach discomfort and other digestive problems.
Some possible side effects include heartburn, stomach irritation, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, etc.
Stomach pain can be a side effect of medication. Photo: Freepik
Other causes of stomach pain include allergies and intolerances to foods such as milk, soy, peanuts, wheat, shellfish, clams, and fish roe. Dr. Thanh advises that people experiencing this condition should see a doctor for advice on a suitable diet.
Worsening stomach pain can also be a symptom of other serious conditions such as acute pancreatitis, partial bowel obstruction, gallstones, pancreatic tumors, pyloric stenosis, etc.
Dr. Thanh Dau stated that stomach pain is a common symptom that can occur at any age and may lead to serious health complications. He advises that people experiencing severe, sudden pain accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, vomiting that is coffee-colored or contains blood, and unexplained weight loss should seek medical attention promptly. Depending on the specific cause, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Prevent illness by drinking enough water, avoiding allergenic foods, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet, especially with Tet (Lunar New Year) approaching.
Le Thuy
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