What does the term stomach upset encompass?
Stomach upset can mean discomfort from the entire abdomen or more specific symptoms from the esophagus, stomach and intestines. It can include burning, pressure, cramps, gas, nausea or changes in bowel habits.
Symptoms that come and go over a long period of time may be due to functional dyspepsia or IBS. These conditions involve altered sensitivity and function without always having visible tissue damage.
Learn more about stomach ache and abdominal pain when pain is the dominant symptom.
Common causes of stomach upset
Functional dyspepsia can cause heartburn, upper stomach pain, bloating and early satiety. Reflux often causes heartburn and acid regurgitation.
IBS can cause abdominal pain along with diarrhea, constipation, or loose stools. Infection, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and medications are other possible causes.
Gallstones, liver and pancreatic disease often give a more specific pattern. Stress can worsen symptoms but does not rule out concurrent physical illness.
When should stomach problems be assessed by healthcare professionals?
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience sudden severe abdominal pain, a hard and distended abdomen, bloody vomiting, black stools, fainting, severe shortness of breath or a rapidly worsening condition.
Contact healthcare if there is blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, jaundice, fever or a clear change in previously stable symptoms.
Planned assessment is also appropriate when the symptoms are long-lasting and affect eating, sleep or everyday life.
Seek emergency care if you have severe or rapidly increasing abdominal pain, bloody vomiting, black stools or clear general symptoms.
How are long-term stomach problems investigated?
The healthcare provider asks about the location of the symptoms, relationship to meals and bowel movements, medications, alcohol, weight, and family history. The abdomen is examined for tenderness, tension, and any lumps.
Blood tests, liver tests, inflammation markers, celiac disease tests and stool samples are examples of tests. Helicobacter pylori can be tested for certain upper stomach complaints.
Gastroscopy shows the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Colonoscopy shows the lining of the large intestine and can take tissue samples.
When are abdominal ultrasound, CT and MRI used?
Ultrasound is common when gallstones are suspected and can assess multiple abdominal organs. CT is quick and is often used for acute abdomen, intestinal problems, and other structural issues.
MRI abdomen used when detailed soft tissue imaging is needed and can be particularly useful for certain questions about the liver, biliary tract, and other organs.
MRI does not show the mucosa in the same way as gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Therefore, a normal MRI does not rule out all causes of stomach problems.
How can you prepare an accurate assessment?
Keep a simple diary of meals, pain, bloating, and bowel movements. Note if symptoms wake you up at night and if your weight changes.
Avoid very restrictive diets without guidance, as they can cause nutritional deficiencies and make it more difficult to find the cause. If celiac disease is suspected, gluten should not be removed before testing without medical advice.
Bring a list of medications, including over-the-counter medications. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can affect the stomach lining.