Don’t underestimate the importance of seeking treatment for stomach concerns! The first step to overcoming the crippling discomfort of stomach aches is figuring out the cause of the pain. The abdomen contains many different organs, and different problems can often appear with similar symptoms.

What is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain is classified as discomfort that develops between the chest and groin. This is a broad area of concern, so abdominal pain is not a significant diagnosis in itself. Just about everyone develops abdominal pain at some point, whether it is as a result of spoiled milk, anxiety or flu.

Differentiating abdominal pain is important, and this is done by describing the type of pain that you are experiencing along with the specific region of the stomach that is affected.

• Generalized abdominal pain means that the discomfort is felt in more than half of your stomach. This type of pain is often related to a stomach virus, indigestion or gas, though it could also be related to more serious conditions of the digestive tract. This type of stomach pain is often linked with other symptoms like nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
• Localized pain refers to discomfort that is found at a specific point of your stomach. Localized abdominal pain is often sharp, and could be related to a problem with an organ, such as the appendix, the gallbladder or the stomach tissue.
• Stomach cramps often develop due to gas, and are usually not a serious problem. Many people develop gas from dietary triggers, while others experience cramps due to anxiety or nervousness. Cramps are often accompanied by bloating, and in many cases are followed with diarrhea. However, if cramps last longer than 24 hours or are accompanied by a fever then they could be a sign of a more serious concern.
• Colicky pain refers to discomfort that comes in waves, almost spasm-like. This type of pain will start and end rather suddenly, and is often acute. Colicky pain will sometimes develop as a result of kidney stones or gallstones, so it is important to speak with your physician if you are experiencing this type of stomach issue.

Abdominal pain is a common ailment and for many people it is considered rather embarrassing, but that does not mean it is something that you have to keep to yourself. Talk with your doctor about your stomach problems so that you can find the cause of your discomfort and begin feeling healthy again.

In conjunction with medical treatment, many people find relief from their heartburn by making small changes in the way that they live their lives every day. While simple dietary changes are generally known to be beneficial, a lot of simple habits are too often overlooked. One lifestyle habit that may be a good supplement to your GERD treatment is the use of relaxation techniques.

Relaxation Therapy

Relaxation techniques are designed to help calm anxiety and nervousness that could be encouraging further GERD symptoms. Though not medically proven to help relieve heartburn, many people do find that participating in different forms of relaxation therapy help them to cope with the discomfort of heartburn and acid reflux.

• Guided Imagery: This relaxation technique uses directed thoughts and suggestions to guide your imagination to a more relaxed, focused state. Guided imagery uses happy thoughts and pleasurable experiences to shift attention from your pain to more agreeable thoughts. Proponents of guided imagery argue that by shifting your focus your brain will become less aware of the pain that you are experiencing, which could potentially enhance your quality of life while coping with the disease.
• Acupuncture: This ancient form of Chinese medicine is popular among a lot of alternative medicine proponents, and many GERD patients claim that it helps them to cope with the discomfort of frequent heartburn. Acupuncture should only be attempted under the direction of a professional, and only with the approval of your GERD physician in conjunction with medical treatment. Acupuncture is said to relieve GERD discomfort because the thin needles inserted during the therapy alter the secretion of acid, but this is unproven. This form of therapy is a form of relaxation, and so like other types of therapy could adjust the way you perceive your pain, potentially enhancing your quality of life.

Relaxation therapy should not be used instead of medical attention, as it is not a proven way to treat GERD symptoms. Instead, these techniques are only intended to supplement medical treatment as a way to relieve discomfort that develops as a result of heartburn and acid reflux. Always check with your physician before starting any form of supplemental therapy.

A hernia is a small tear that develops in the abdominal wall that permits intestines or other tissues to protrude out of the abdominal cavity. This condition often develops as a result of a previous surgical procedure, but may also occur due to an injury, persistent cough or weight gain. The purpose of surgical hernia repair is to reinforce the abdominal wall by placing mesh over the weekend area.

A recent study evaluated 600 patients who were undergoing surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. The majority of participants in this study were men who averaged an age of 55 years. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either the Lichtenstein repair open procedure or the total extra peritoneal (TEP) laparoscopic operation.

One month following the procedure, 32% of participants who underwent the open surgery experienced pain in comparison to 23% of those who underwent the laparoscopic operation. After five years, 28% of participants who underwent the open procedure still felt pain in relation to their hernia, compared to only 15% of the laparoscopic participants. Of those who had the open surgery, 22% experienced incidents of numbness of a loss of sensitivity compared to only 1% of laparoscopic participants.

For both groups of participants the rate of short term complications was low, as was the likelihood of the patient developing a recurring hernia. Patients who underwent the laparoscopic operation were able to return to work quicker following their procedure and did not have as large of a scar as a result of the operation.

Ultimately, undergoing surgery for hernia repair is beneficial for the treatment of inguinal hernias, but this study reveals that laparoscopic surgery does surpass traditional, open methods in most aspects of quality of life and health following surgical hernia repair.

The most common surgical procedure performed for GERD is fundoplication. This minimally invasive operation prevents future acid reflux by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus and suturing it into place. This helps to strengthen the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. Most individuals who suffer from severe GERD have a weak splinter that does not close properly, allowing acid to backup into the esophagus.

With the TIF EsophyX procedure, the sphincter is repaired without any incisions being made into the abdomen. Instead of operating on the sphincter through small incisions into the abdomen, as laparoscopic surgery would require, the EsophyX procedure is a Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), named such because the procedure is conducted through the mouth with the use of an endoscope.

The incisionless nature of the EsophyX procedure provides many benefits when compared to other types of surgical options for the treatment of GERD, including:

• Reduced hospital stay
• Quicker recovery period
• No visible scars
• Reduced patient discomfort

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with heartburn, chest pain, and uncontrollable belching. These symptoms result from a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that normally keeps stomach acid confined to the stomach and small intestine. While the stomach and intestinal lining is thick enough to prevent damage from acid, the rest of the body has no protection. As the muscle becomes weaker, small amounts of acid may escape without any noticeable symptoms. Though it’s not felt, acid is causing damage to the tissues.

Frequent exposure to acid reflux can cause erosion to your tooth enamel. By breaking apart this protective coating to the teeth, acid reflux can increase your risk for cavities, and can also cause damage to your gums. This means that those who suffer from acid reflux may be experiencing much more than a sour taste in their mouth.

If caught early, GERD can often be treated with simple lifestyle changes, but in certain situations surgical intervention is necessary to repair the LES that is permitting acid to leave the stomach.

Here are some ways you can get some of that stress-reducing exercise that can make your condition a more manageable:

• First and foremost, listen to your body. With any health condition there are times when exercising is just not a good idea. When your condition is in a flare-up state, you should wait for the flare-up to pass and exercise another time.
• Choose very low-impact exercises to keep from jarring your body. For example, walking would be a much preferred exercise over running. If you need to increase the difficulty, try walking on more inclined surfaces.
• Exercise well before or well after a meal. Combining physical activity with a full stomach may make your workout more difficult.
• Be especially cautious with exercises that can increase abdominal pressure like sit-ups and push-ups. Weight lifting is okay, but you should use lighter weights and do more reps and sets.
• Yes, you’ve probably had enough talks with your doctor, but definitely check in with your doctor on picking up a new exercise program. They will be most aware of your condition and can give you the best advice.

Besides helping to reduce stress, exercise can also help you lose weight. Be smart in your exercise choices and listen to your body. By following these tips, exercise can be a great tool to help you get to a better place with your GI disorder.

Ginger is a popular remedy for heartburn. It is used to alleviate discomfort from a variety of digestive problems. It has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to absorb excess acid in the stomach. It works fast to provide relief, and preparation is easy.

Only a small amount of ginger is needed, and it is often prepared in tea form. Try placing one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger in a tea ball or strainer. Steep it in boiling water for several minutes. Sip the tea throughout the day, either hot or cold. Discomfort can be well-managed when ginger tea is taken on a daily basis.

Ginger may also be helpful for a variety of stomach issues. Nausea, acid indigestion, and flatulence all benefit from the medicinal properties of the herb. Side effects, which are not common, include throat irritation and diarrhea. Keep daily intake to four grams or less per day to avoid side effects.

Other herbs that help ease the pain of heartburn include slippery elm, licorice, and goldenseal. These herbs work to heal the lining of the stomach and have anti-inflammatory properties. Upset stomachs may benefit from fennel, lemon balm, and peppermint leaves. These herbs aid in the digestion of fats and help get rid of excess gas.

Chamomile has been known to relieve the irritation in the throat caused by acid. While this herb is available in pill form, sipping chamomile tea is the most effective in soothing the esophagus. Ginger and chamomile can be combined into a single tea for an ultimate pain-relieving tonic.

This does not mean that Barrett’s esophagus patients have a green light to start drinking, as alcohol may still be a risk factor in the progression of cancer. Alcohol did not seem to contribute to the progression of cancer among Barrett’s esophagus patients who were studied. It does mean that if a Barrett’s esophagus patient smokes, he or she should quit smoking immediately or seek help through a smoking cessation program if he or she is unable to quit without assistance.

During the course of this study, 3,000 Barrett’s esophagus patients around the world were observed from 1993 to 2005. 117 of those patients developed cancers of the stomach or esophagus, or dysplasia. The length of the study meant that researchers were able to gather data on smoking habits of Barrett’s esophagus patients from the time that they were diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus to correlate it with data on symptoms years later. This means that the research had much less bias than studies that rely on information provided by patients about their smoking habits in the past.

The number of cigarettes smoked made little or no difference in whether a Barrett’s esophagus patient developed esophageal cancer, meaning that cutting down on tobacco consumption is ineffective. The only effective way to reduce the risk is to stop smoking completely.

Symptoms of achalasia often include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain and regurgitation of food. Sometimes it is mistaken for acid reflux because the two disorders have similar symptoms.

Achalasia can be very painful, and it tends to worsen progressively. Doctors have used medication to treat it with varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, the medications often cause negative side effects, and they eventually stop working in many patients. Botox injections and esophageal dilation are other methods used to treat the disorder, but most patients under medical care for this problem will eventually face surgery.

There is one alternative to unpleasant medications, risky surgery and other invasive procedures. Many patients have found relief through acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine. The goal of acupuncture is to restore and balance the energy of the body, which is known as chi. A qualified acupuncturist manipulates the body’s chi by inserting extremely thin needles into various parts of the skin to unlock the flow of energy. The acupuncturist carefully chooses the areas of insertion because they correspond to certain organs of the body.

Most patients who undergo acupuncture report a feeling of light pressure that is sometimes accompanied by minor itching or numbness. Acupuncture can help calm the esophagus muscles and offer a good deal of relief when administered by a knowledgeable, licensed practitioner, and may be a recommended form of supplemental treatment to your existing medical treatment for achalasia or esophageal reflux. However, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your physician prior to beginning any sort of secondary treatment.

One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of a peptic ulcer is abdominal pain. Pain from an ulcer takes on a burning sensation which is typically felt above the navel. This pain can be intensified during times when your stomach is empty, or sometimes after eating foods that can irritate the stomach, such as spicy foods, or beverages like alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Pain may also be worse at night before bed. Burning may be constant, or may disappear for a few hours or days, only to come back.

With severe cases, other more serious symptoms can develop. These symptoms include vomiting blood, bloody stools, nausea, changes in appetite and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible for both an accurate diagnosis as well as options to help treat the problem.

Treatment for your symptoms can vary depending on how severe the sore is. Over-the-counter acid blockers or antacids can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. However, the relief from these products is only temporary. For more permanent relief, your doctor can prescribe other medications, such as antibiotics for ulcers associated with the H. pylori bacteria. Prescription acid-blockers may also be used to help reduce stomach acid to encourage faster healing.