Stomach Bloating and Pain

Stomach Bloating and Pain

Stomach bloating and pain are very uncomfortable, and can represent numerous causative factors.

This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of stomach bloating and pain.  Stomach pain, otherwise known as “abdominal pain”, is pain felt in the region between the chest and groin.

Stomach bloating and pain can originate from any number of abdominal organs, including the primary digestive organs (the stomach, the esophagus, the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and both the small and the large intestine.  It can originate in the large blood vessel called the aorta which runs along and inside of the abdomen.  The appendix may also be a source.  Stomach pain can also come from the spleen, or the kidneys.

In some cases, the pain may come from the pelvis, or chest, and be felt in the abdominal area.

What causes stomach bloating and pain?

A number of circumstances can result in this uncomfortable condition.  Please note that the severity of the pain or discomfort does not always reflect the seriousness of the situation.  For example, gas can result in severe stomach pain.  In other cases, the pain may be mild, yet caused by colon cancer, early appendicitis or other life threatening diseases or disorders.

What does stomach bloating and pain feel like?

• The pain can be generalized, which means that it is felt in over fifty percent of the abdominal area.  Typical causes include indigestion, a stomach bug or gas.  In severe cases, it may represent an intestinal blockage.
• The pain can also be localized, meaning that it is found in one part of the abdomen.  Typically, this sort of stomach pain represents a problem with one of the organs, such as appendicitis or stomach ulcers.
• Stomach cramps can be very uncomfortable and likely signal stomach bloating and gas.  Diarrhea may follow.  If the stomach bloating and pain last for more than a day (24 hours) and have a fever alongside, seek medical attention.
• “Colicky” stomach pain is typically severe; it is described as pain that sweeps in and recedes quickly, in “waves”.  This type of stomach pain is commonly caused by kidney and gallstones.

Other ways of describing pain in your abdomen include:

• Pain may be generalized, meaning that it is present in more than half of your belly. This is more typical for a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas. If the pain becomes more severe, it may be caused by a blockage of the intestines.
• Pain that is localized is found in only one area of your belly. This type of pain is more likely to be a sign of a problem in one of your organs, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach (ulcers).
• Cramp-like pain is usually not serious, and is more likely to be due to gas and bloating. It is often followed by diarrhea. More worrisome signs include pain that occurs more often, lasts longer (more than 24 hours), or has a fever with it.
• Colicky pain is pain that comes in waves, usually starts and ends suddenly, and is often severe. Kidney stones and gallstones are common causes of this type of belly pain.