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Main symptoms and causes of stomach irritation

Stomach irritation can occur due to many causes

Stomach irritation occurs when a person feels pain or discomfort in his or her stomach. The pain may not be necessarily be associated with problem in the stomach alone. Sometimes, it may be that the neighboring organs like esophagus or duodenum are not functioning properly and can cause stomach irritation, or, it can also be due to gastric abnormality or abdominal disturbance. However, correct and thorough diagnosis is required to determine the actual cause of stomach irritation.

Our stomach is like a hollow sac filled with muscles. It lies between the esophagus and small intestine. The stomach has a mucosal lining that produces digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid which help in digestion. The mucus lining protects the stomach from getting damaged by excess acid or enzymes. Stomach has the capability of churning the food into small particles and then passing it into the small intestine, where the food is churned even more. The entrance and exit of food and fluid through the stomach is controlled by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Symptoms

Any damage or dysfunctional performance of the associated organs near or around the stomach can cause stomach irritation. Our eating and drinking habits may also cause stomach irritation. Bloating, which occurs dues to overeating or taking carbonated drinks, results in stomach irritation.

A person suffering from stomach irritation can experience the following symptoms:

1. Stomach pain

2. Heartburn or burning sensation in the chest

3. Indigestion

4. Nausea

5. Bloating

6. Excessive belching

These symptoms may or may not be associated with stomach alone and can be due to other organs.

Causes

Some of the causes for stomach irritation are as follows:

1. Gastritis

Gastritis occurs due to the inflammation of the mucus lining in the stomach. As the mucus lining becomes inflamed, it produces less enzymes and less acid which results in gastritis and further causes stomach irritation.

The main cause for gastritis is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, that affects the stomach lining. This bacteria usually originates from contaminated food or water. People who live in poor sanitary conditions are also affected by H. pylori. Gastritis can also be caused if a person takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as, aspirin and ibuprofen for a long time. Excessive use of alcohol, cocaine, and exposure to radiation can also result in gastritis.

A person suffering from gastritis normally experiences shooting pain, nausea, vomiting (including blood), and bloating. The pain tends to become severe at nights.

2. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis occurs due to inflammation in the stomach and small and large intestines. It is mainly due to viral or bacterial infection, often found in contaminated food or water. This type of gastroenteritis is commonly called as stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis. The common symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting. The person may also have headache and abdominal cramps. Another form of gastroenteritis occurs due to the exposure to bacterial toxins, including food and water. This is called food poisoning.

Gastroenteritis is contagious and can be spread by using common utensils, or, having a close interaction with the affected person.

3. Ulcers

Stomach ulcers occur when the stomach walls develop open sores. Ulcers are another form of gastritis, but more complicated. Ulcer more commonly occurs in the duodenum of the small intestine, but it can sometimes arise in the esophagus as well.

The person suffering from ulcer usually experiences pain in the stomach, more severe during the night and especially when the stomach is empty and weight loss. Chronic gastric ulcer can also lead to stomach cancer.

Ulcer is caused due to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can also be caused due to excessive smoking, drinking alcohol, leading a stressful life and eating spicy food.

4. Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid takes a backward flow and enters the esophagus. Though acid reflux is not considered a disease, it is normally associated as one of the causes for stomach irritation. Acute reflux may be caused due to overeating, exercising after a heavy meal, excessive alcohol consumption and hanging upside down after a meal.

However, there is another type of acid reflux known as chronic reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly. GERD may damage the lining of esophagus causing inflammation in the stomach. People often experience heartburn or burning sensation in the chest, difficulty in swallowing, and sore throat.

5. Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal Hernia is usually protrusion of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax due to a tear in the diaphragm. It can be present right from the birth when the child is born with abnormally large diaphragmatic opening, or, can be caused due to an injury. People suffering from Hiatal Hernia experience heartburn, nausea, and belching.

Rare causes

Some other rare causes for stomach irritation are:

1. Stomach polyp: This occurs due to growth in the layers of the stomach, that protrudes above the surface of the surrounding mucosa (stomach lining).

2. Stomach cancer: This occurs when a malignant tumor develops in the stomach.

3. Achalasia: This occurs due to malfunction of esophagus muscles, which prevents the food from entering the esophagus and stomach.

4. Esophagitis: It occurs due to the swelling of esophagus, which leads to inflammation of the stomach.

5. Esophageal stricture: This is caused due to an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus.

6. Gallstone: Sometimes, bile produces a sediment that turns into a pebble. This can be a cause of stomach irritation.

7. Cholecystitis: This is caused due to the inflammation of gallbladder.

8. Pancreatitis: This is caused due to the inflammation of pancreas.

9. Hepatitis: This is caused due to the inflammation of liver.

Thus, there can be many causes for stomach irritation. The doctor must analyze all the options and investigate thoroughly before determining the actual cause.

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