What’s Causing the Discomfort in your Stomach?
Stomach discomfort is a common problem affecting many people with an estimate of 1 in 5 people experiencing this problem.
Stomach discomfort can greatly impair your quality of life and flare up when you least expect it, such as when you’re out having a meal with friends. It can cause problems with eating and drinking, interfere with your sleep, and affect your enjoyment of daily activities. Moreover, there are many different causes of stomach discomfort.
What are the common conditions causing stomach discomfort?
If you’ve been experiencing any form of stomach discomfort, chances are, it is probably a result of one of these common conditions: acid reflux, GERD, and stomach ulcers.
Acid reflux
In normal circumstances, our stomach produces acid to digest food. This acid is kept in the stomach, and prevented from moving up to the oesophagus by a circular muscle call the lower oesophageal sphincter. If this muscle does not tighten properly, acid will flow back to the oesophagus causing acid reflux.
People who smoke, drink alcohol, or are obese are more prone to developing acid reflux. Eating large meals or lying down within 2 – 3 hours. After eating a meal has also been linked to acid reflux. Consumption of carbonated drinks, chocolate, and acidic food and beverages may also increase your risk of developing acid reflux.
GERD
When acid reflux becomes a longstanding problem. It is call gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is diagnosed. When acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, or causes inflammation of the oesophagus.
Aside from the factors mentioned above that increase the risk for acid reflux, pregnancy and the intake of medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain pain relievers also increase your risk of developing GERD.
Stomach ulcers
An ulcer is a painful sore or wound in the lining of the stomach. Ulcers form when the protective mucus lining of the stomach becomes ineffective.
The most common causes of ulcers bacterial infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, and the frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are commonly used to relieve pain. But may cause ulcers when it disrupts the normal protective function of the stomach lining.
What are the symptoms associate with these conditions?
Acid reflux, GERD, and stomach ulcers โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที all lead to stomach discomfort. However, there are certain symptoms that can help you differentiate these conditions.
Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in your chest, often referred to as “heartburn”. Heartburn occurs when the acid goes back up to the oesophagus. Sometime, the sensation of liquid coming back up from the throat. Also known as regurgitation, can be felt. These symptoms are often worse after eating, and when lying down, as this makes it easier for the acid to travel back up the oesophagus.
GERD occurs when there is longstanding acid reflux. In addition to heartburn and regurgitation, GERD can also cause sore throat, bad breath, damage to teeth, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty in swallowing. Left untreated, GERD can increase your risk for oesophageal cancer.
Stomach ulcers can cause pain or a burning sensation in the stomach, particularly in the area between the navel and the breastbone. The pain usually occurs 2 – 3 hours after eating. It can sometimes be severe enough to wake you up at night. If the ulcer is bleeding, the presence of blood can blacken your stools.