6 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts part 2

Gluten intolerance

Some people react badly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease.

“The gluten causes damage in the small intestine,” explains Dr. Alaradi. “The small intestine doesn’t work normally, it doesn’t absorb nutrients.” Experts and patients are becoming more aware of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, which causes gas, bloating, mild-to-severe pain, and fatigue.

The small intestine’s inability to absorb nutrients may lead to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and even malnutrition.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis only affects women. It’s a condition that occurs when cells from the lining of the uterus escape and start to grow in other parts of the body, usually somewhere in the pelvis.

Pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility can result. Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose, says Dr. Kaul, and often requires a referral to a gynecologist and a pelvic ultrasound.

If the endometriosis is confined to one small area, surgery may help. Otherwise it is treated with pain medication and hormone therapy, as the menstrual cycle tends to drive painful symptoms.

Thyroid problems

Even though the thyroid gland is located in the neck, it can cause problems lower down in the body.

“The thyroid regulates several functions in the body and the digestive tract is one of the systems,” explains Dr. Alaradi.

If the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), it speeds up the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal cramps, he says.

On the other hand, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows down the digestive tract, potentially leading to pain from constipation and gas.

Parasites

No one wants to think that stomach symptoms are due to a parasitic worm or other creature. But it happens.

There are many types, but the most common in the U.S. are Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which you can get by swimming in contaminated pools or lakes or drinking contaminated water. (Or in some outbreaks, unpasteurized cider). The tiny protozoa cause cramps, diarrhea, and nausea about 2 to 10 days after exposure (for Crypto) or 1 to 3 weeks later (for Giardia). Other types of parasites can be picked up in undercooked or contaminated food.

Appendicitis

Most people who have appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, experience sudden pain that’s bad enough to warrant an emergency room trip.

Appendicitis is more common in children and young adults (though it can happen to older adults) and usually starts with pain in the mid-abdomen, progressing into the lower right part of the abdomen. (Check out 9 Symptoms of Appendicitis.)

If the appendix isn’t removed, it can burst, leading to potentially life-threatening peritonitis.

Ulcers

Peptic ulcer disease, or ulcers in the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), is a common source of abdominal pain, says Dr. Alaradi.

Pain usually strikes the mid-upper abdominal area and sometimes occurs after meals, he adds. People with duodenal ulcers can wake in the middle of the night due to pain.

NSAID medications and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria are major causes. Antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs are often used to treat ulcers caused by bacteria.
 http://www.health.com

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