It is believed that everyone has experienced “stomach pain” at some point, whether it comes and goes, is severe or mild, which varies from person to person. Many people suffer from stomach pain without knowing the cause and buy medication on their own, which causes the “stomach pain symptoms” not to improve or even worsen because the problem is not addressed correctly. Therefore, before taking any medication or undergoing treatment, we must first know the cause of the stomach pain or the exact disease.
What diseases can different types of stomach pain indicate?
Besides the fact that “stomach pain symptoms” come in various forms, the location of the pain can also indicate what disease we might have. However, a diagnosis must be made before treatment.
- Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer has a major risk factor of H. Pylori infection, a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers or gastritis, leading to indigestion. It may also result from regularly consuming carcinogenic foods over a long period, such as processed foods and grilled foods.
In the early stages of stomach cancer, patients often show few symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it may cause stomach pain similar to other diseases such as peptic ulcers or viral gastritis.
Symptoms
- Indigestion, feeling uncomfortable in the stomach
- Bloating after eating
- Nausea to the point of loss of appetite
- Burning sensation in the chest area
Those who frequently experience these symptoms may be considered by doctors for detailed examinations such as a barium swallow X-ray to detect abnormalities inside the abdomen, or may need an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and CT scan to precisely locate and assess the spread of the disease.
- Colorectal Cancer
This cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. Besides genetics being a factor, consuming high-energy foods, especially fats and sugars, is an important cause that should not be overlooked.
Symptoms
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Chronic bloating, indigestion
- Blood in stool, black stools
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue
- Palpable abdominal mass, constipation, or alternating constipation and diarrhea
Screening can be done by stool tests for blood contamination, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and diagnostic imaging.
- Pancreatic Cancer
This cancer is rare because the pancreas is located behind the peritoneum, making diagnosis difficult. Symptoms usually appear when the cancer has advanced. The exact cause is unknown, but smoking, high intake of animal fats, and genetic abnormalities may be contributing factors.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite, jaundice, or sometimes no symptoms at all
Doctors diagnose based on history, symptoms, physical examination, pancreatic examination revealing a mass via ultrasound, and CT scan.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
The main cause is acid and digestive enzymes damaging the stomach lining. Other factors include aspirin use, arthritis medications, smoking, stress, spicy food, and alcohol consumption. Peptic ulcers do not turn into cancer even if they come and go for years, unless the ulcer is initially caused by stomach cancer.
Symptoms
- Indigestion, fullness under the sternum or upper abdomen, commonly occurring when hungry or on an empty stomach, so symptoms appear only at certain times of the day
- Intermittent abdominal tightness, with symptom-free intervals lasting quite long, e.g., pain for 1-2 weeks, then gone for several months before returning
- Midnight abdominal fullness after falling asleep, often chronic for years
Patients with complications such as severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, indigestion, significant weight loss, or passing fresh blood or black stools should see a doctor immediately. Currently, clear diagnostic methods include barium swallow X-rays and gastroscopy, which can detect ulcers, collect tissue samples for cancer cell examination, and test for bacteria causing peptic ulcers.
- Chronic Pancreatitis
Results from continuous inflammation of the pancreas, possibly due to unresolved inflammation because the cause persists, such as continued alcohol consumption.
Symptoms
- Chronic intermittent abdominal pain
- Constant or occasional pain
- Gray or pale stools, possibly with fat, weight loss, etc.
- Progressive weight loss despite normal eating due to malabsorption from lack of digestive enzymes, leading to malnutrition and fatigue. Patients must avoid alcohol and high-fat foods and be cautious with certain medications that may have toxic side effects on pancreatic cells, such as:
- Fat-soluble vitamin supplements (oral or injection)
- Regular use of painkillers for menstrual pain
- Anti-anxiety medications
Chronic pancreatitis is a severe gastrointestinal disorder, and patients should see a specialist as soon as possible.
- Chronic Cholecystitis
Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder results from gallstones blocking or infection in the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing into the small intestine. Excess bile in the gallbladder increases pressure inside, causing swelling and inflammation.
Symptoms
- Chronic intermittent abdominal pain
- Difficult to distinguish from abdominal pain caused by other conditions
Gallbladder surgery is usually performed after infection control with antibiotics and symptomatic treatment such as pain relief, anti-nausea medication, and intravenous fluids when oral intake is poor, depending on the doctor’s judgment.
It can be seen that “stomach pain symptoms” are symptoms of many diseases, but we can never be sure what disease we have. If abnormal symptoms occur, you should promptly see a doctor for a thorough diagnosis to identify risks or hidden diseases and receive proper treatment.
When experiencing suspicious “stomach pain”
“Specialist doctors” can provide the best answers for us !!!
