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What is Chronic Stomach Pain?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Chronic stomach pain is any abdominal pain that lasts for two weeks or more. The discomfort may be either constant or recurring during that time, and may be varying in intensity. The main symptom is the pain itself, but there can also be nausea, cramping, diarrhea, or heart burn, depending on the cause of the stomach pain.

There are several conditions that can cause chronic stomach pain. One of the most common is constipation. Chronic constipation is usually caused by problems with a person’s diet. The pain from constipation centers around the belly button, and may occur several times a day as the bowels contract, trying to clear themselves. The pain will last from 10 to 30 minutes before stopping again. Constipation can be treated by increasing water and fiber intake, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

An illustration of a human stomach.
An illustration of a human stomach.

Another condition that could cause repeated stomach pain is lactose intolerance, or a milk allergy. If the body cannot correctly digest dairy products, this could cause abdominal pain. Lactose intolerance can also cause gas, diarrhea, and cramping, especially after eating a dairy product. By limiting the amount of dairy consumed, the pain caused by lactose intolerance can be reduced. There are also some medications that can reduce this pain.

Pain can originate from a number of different sources.
Pain can originate from a number of different sources.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic stomach pain. IBS is a gastric disorder which can cause gas, cramps, and a mix of constipation and diarrhea. It is caused by spasms in the bowel,It can often be aggravated by stress and disagreeable foods. IBS is not curable, but it is possible to treat with changes in diet, medication, and relaxation techniques.

IBS can cause chronic stomach pain.
IBS can cause chronic stomach pain.

Crohn’s disease can also cause abdominal pain. Crohn’s causes inflammation and discomfort throughout the digestive track, from mouth to anus. This is caused by the immune system attacking the digestive system for an unknown reason. There is a genetic link, and smokers are more likely to get Crohn’s disease than non-smokers. Other symptoms of Crohn’s include diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but it is partially manageable through diet and medication.

Dairy can cause digestive upset in individuals with lactose intolerance.
Dairy can cause digestive upset in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Other potential causes of chronic stomach pain include heartburn, ulcers, intestinal infections, and, rarely, tumors or organ problems such as appendicitis. If the stomach pain is severe, or lasts longer than a few weeks, it should be checked by a doctor. Most causes of stomach pain are treatable with changes in diet.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal TheHealthBoard writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon348290

Does singing cause pain in the stomach between the ribs?

I am confused because I have had constipation for many years already. There are so many possibilities for my pain.

blackDagger

@ Anon128797 – Hi! There usually isn’t this kind of symptom without a real problem. But it could possibly be that the problem is arising from psychological causes.

Have you thought about, or has your doctor suggested, nervous indigestion?

This is a real condition where a person can have bad stomach pain, bloating, and even indigestion all directly related to stressful conditions and poor diet habits. I myself have suffered from it for years, and I can assure that the pain is not pretend.

Maybe you should suggest this to your physician.

Hope you feel better soon!

Domido

My dad suffered from chronic stomach pain, and it was eventually discovered that he needed his gall bladder removed. Now, as soon as he did this we thought that the burning stomach pain would subside.

No such luck, and another batch of tests revealed that he also had diverticulitis. That was quite an ordeal, and ended up with him eating a very specialized diet.

The doctor at the hospital that he was at told him to eat a certain amount of fiber a day, and that eating this fiber rather than taking a supplement was the best way to go. (I can't remember the exact amount, but it really was a lot.)

So here goes my daddy, bless him, constantly eating random things like whole grain products and high fiber vegetables – stuff he’d never even touched before just trying to get the fiber he needed.

It was nothing unusual to see him go walking by with like a piece of broccoli hanging out of his mouth and another stalk in his hand.

Then, he had another bout with the diverticulitis where it was finally revealed to him that you would literally have to eat fiber filled foods all day, every single day to get the recommended amount!

Now, he is settling for taking his supplement without complaint.

anon128797

where there is no illness, what can be done for severe stomach pain?

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    • An illustration of a human stomach.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach.
    • Pain can originate from a number of different sources.
      By: PictureP.
      Pain can originate from a number of different sources.
    • IBS can cause chronic stomach pain.
      By: Kalim
      IBS can cause chronic stomach pain.
    • Dairy can cause digestive upset in individuals with lactose intolerance.
      By: lidante
      Dairy can cause digestive upset in individuals with lactose intolerance.
    • Chronic stomach pain can cause distress and disrupt daily life.
      By: xalanx
      Chronic stomach pain can cause distress and disrupt daily life.
    • Chronic stomach pain can be caused by appendicitis.
      By: joshya
      Chronic stomach pain can be caused by appendicitis.
    • Certain food allergies can cause chronic stomach pain.
      By: sattriani
      Certain food allergies can cause chronic stomach pain.
    • A stomach ulcer is one possible cause of chronic pain.
      By: decade3d
      A stomach ulcer is one possible cause of chronic pain.