3 Types of Stomach Pain and The Potential Culprits Behind Them

​Stomach pain certainly isn't something that people love to talk about, but it's a medical symptom that should never be ignored. Of course, knowing when stomach pain is serious can help a lot. Have you ever had an abdominal false alarm? Whether you have or not, here are a few common types of stomach pain and what could be the causes behind them. 

Upper Abdominal Pain 

Dull, upper abdominal pain is usually a sign of excess gas. It could be a result of eating too quickly, eating something that irritated your stomach, or even swallowing air by accident. If you suffer from this kind of abdominal pain, cutting out foods like soda, beer, and dairy might be worth considering. 

But there are other solutions too. Certain supplements like charcoal and lactose pills can help your body cope with different irritants. 

Lower Chest Pain 

If you're experiencing lower chest/upper abdominal pain, it's likely that you're suffering from heartburn. This condition is typically characterized by an acidic taste and a burning type of pain in the lower chest. 

Spicy foods and acidic drinks like coffee and alcohol are the most common culprits here. Antacids and cutting down on foods that irritate your condition are both excellent solutions in this case. 

Lower Abdominal Pain 

A sharp, shooting pain on the lower right side of your abdomen is indicative of appendicitis. This pain is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you're experiencing this kind of pain, it's important to seek out emergency services immediately. 

When to See a Doctor 

As previously mentioned, stomach pain is a symptom that absolutely shouldn't be ignored. If pain in any area of your stomach worsens or persists for an extended period of time, it's crucial that you go to an emergency room or an urgent care clinic. You go to these places for minor injuries and illnesses, so why not for stomach pain? 

If you go to the emergency room for abdominal pain, you're not alone. ER visits now number almost 110 million annually, and sometimes for things less severe than abdominal pain. Above all else, make sure you're not ignoring your symptoms or passing them off as nothing.