We all experience digestive discomfort at some point in our lives. Maybe we ate too much, or consumed something that didn’t sit right; regardless of cause, we’ve all had bloating, gas, abdominal pain and constipation.
Generally, we can pinpoint the cause of our digestive discomfort, and then we just shrug it off because we know we shouldn’t have had those two scoops of ice cream! But, sometimes, certain pains are actually signaling a serious concern. These types of pain should never be ignored as they can lead to something quite severe. Below are symptoms of the types of pain which you should most likely seek medical attention for.
4 stomach pains you should never ignore
Sudden pain on the right side
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You’re suddenly stricken with pain which appears to start on the right side of your abdomen, but then begins to radiate outward toward other parts of your stomach or even back. Potential culprits for this style of pain are gallstones or gall bladder inflammation.
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids which form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder contains bile which is released into the small intestine.
If gallstones are symptomatic, a doctor will usually remove the gallbladder but if they are symptomless it can remain. If you notice the pain is worse after eating greasy food, go see your doctor.
Sudden sharp pain
Although you can feel a sudden sharp pain just about anywhere, if it begins at the lower ribs and shoots down to the groin you could be facing kidney stones. If the pain is linked with a fever, then a kidney or bladder infection could be to blame.
If kidney stones are small, increasing your water intake will allow them to easily pass; however, if the stones are quite large you may require surgery.
To prevent the excruciating pain associated with kidney stones, ensure you are always keeping hydrated. You may also want to minimize sodium and make certain you are receiving adequate calcium in order to prevent kidney stones from forming.
Reoccurring mild pain and discomfort
If you have a nagging pain that comes and goes, don’t just assume you have to live with it. You could have a chronic condition which needs treatment, like an undiagnosed food intolerance or even an ulcer.
The reoccurring pain may also be accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating. Document your symptoms when they commonly occur so you can give your doctor a better picture of what to look out for. They may require numerous tests to get to the bottom of your issues and make a diagnosis.
Sudden pain with an underlying medical condition
If you have high blood-pressure or are a smoker and you experience sudden pain, it could be a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
The aorta is a major blood-vessel in the body which transports blood. Because the aorta runs through the abdomen it can cause an abdominal aortic aneurysm which is potentially life-threatening.
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Seniors are at higher risk of experiencing an abdominal aortic aneurysm especially if they smoke. If you experience this style of pain, you should seek out medical attention immediately.
Pain can be mild and it can be severe, but understanding the root cause of your pain will better allow you to manage it. These are just four types of pain which you shouldn’t ignore; however, any unexplainable pain should always be checked out.
Related: Lower abdominal pain in women: Causes and treatments
