5 reasons why you often have stomach aches

Almost everyone experiences a stomach ache at some point. But if you get stomach aches often, the following reasons may be the cause of your stomach pain.

Abdominal pain can be caused by endometriosis or dairy intolerance. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr. Vivek Kaul, MD, at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester (USA), shares on the Health page about the possible causes of abdominal pain.

Gallstones

Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder. They cause swelling and can block the passageway into the intestine, causing pain. Gallstone pain tends to occur on the right side of the upper abdomen, especially after a fatty meal.

Such meals trigger the gallbladder to contract. “If the gallbladder is inflamed, any contraction will be amplified and cause pain for the patient,” says Dr. Kaul.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can cause burning pain in the upper or mid abdomen. “Some people even have pain in their back,” says Dr. Kaul.

According to Osama Alaradi, a gastroenterologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit (USA), when pancreatitis attacks, patients can lean forward or lie on their side to reduce pain, nausea and vomiting.

Lactose intolerance

Millions of people around the world are likely to be intolerant to lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. In fact, in some parts of the world, there are more people who are lactose intolerant than those who can digest lactose.

Patricia L. Raymond, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School (USA), said this type of food allergy causes mild to severe abdominal pain depending on the body's tolerance. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, belching, gas, indigestion and vary depending on each person's sensitivity.

The solution to this health problem is to skip dairy products, like milk and cheese, and be wary of packaged foods.

Packaged foods often contain dairy products, says Raymond. If you are lactose intolerant, you can also drink Lactaid milk or take Lactaid tablets to prevent stomach pain and upset.

Side effects of the drug

No medication is without side effects, and sometimes symptoms include stomach pain. “A medication can erode or slow down the emptying of the stomach, causing pain,” says Dr. Raymond.

Pain medications called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are corrosive and can cause stomach irritation and may even lead to ulcers.

Oral bisphosphonates, a common medication used to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis, can cause swelling—and therefore pain—in the lower esophagus, says Dr. Kaul. Anesthetics and blood pressure medications relax the stomach walls and allow food to ferment in the stomach, contributing to abdominal discomfort.

Endometrium

Endometriosis only affects women. It is a condition that occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus break away and start growing in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvis.

Pain, abnormal bleeding, and infertility can occur if you have endometriosis.

"Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose and often requires a pelvic exam and ultrasound to find the disease," says Dr. Kaul. "If the endometriosis is limited to a small area, surgery may help. If a woman tends to have painful periods, it can be treated with pain medication and hormone therapy."

According to TNO