Having a stomachache can happen in many situations, and for many causes. So, there is not always reason to panic. However, for good health, experts recommend avoiding a particular behavior, whatever the cause.
"I have a stomachache." This phrase comes up a lot in life. Whether you have your period, are stressed, have eaten too much, or have a medical problem... It's quite simple: abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms doctors' encounters.
However, it sometimes takes time to find out what's behind the pain. "There are many causes of stomach pain," admits gastroenterologist Dr. Sunina Nathoo to HuffPost, "such as gallstones, ulcers, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, etc." The list goes on. When stomach pain occurs, it can sometimes take several tests to find out the cause.
The Thing You Should Never Do When You Have a Stomachache
But there's one thing doctors say they never do (and you should never do) when it comes to stomach pain: ignore the pain, especially if it's sudden.
“If you are experiencing stomach pain that doesn’t feel normal, I recommend seeing a GP and a gastroenterologist to determine what is going on quickly,” says Dr Nathoo.
If you can't see a gastroenterologist right away, experts recommend seeing your GP, to at least prevent this situation from causing other problems. Especially if it's a new symptom, or if the pain persists for several days.
If the pain is intense and sharp, however, head to the emergency room. " We might worry that the pain is due to a cause that requires urgent intervention," explains Dr. Nathoo. In short, we don't hang around with it.
Pain could be hiding a more serious case
It's also important to take any pain or symptoms seriously if you have a family history of stomach, esophageal or colon cancer, says Baltimore gastroenterologist Dr. Ekta Gupta. Colorectal cancers have been increasing in younger patients under the age of 55, so it's a problem everyone should take seriously and keep in mind.
Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and blood in the stool are all signs of the disease, so it is important to report any bowel-related symptoms to a doctor.
The idea is not to panic at the slightest stomachache, but to react to put a word on the cause (and a treatment). From gallstones to menstrual cramps to colon cancer, appendicitis and much more, the causes of abdominal pain are very numerous, which means that it is always wise to consult a doctor. Because, no, simply complaining will not give you the answer to your problem. A doctor will.