Stomach aches and flatulence are not independent diseases, but rather two physical symptoms with which other basic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract express themselves. They can occur individually or simultaneously, the causes can be very diverse. Often, however, flatulence and stomach pain are caused by poor nutrition or stress, so they are usually harmless and only last a short time. However, if they are permanent or recurring and are accompanied by other complaints, both symptoms can also have organic causes, which should be clarified by a doctor.
Causes
The causes of stomach pain may be organic and may be caused by diseases of the stomach itself (gastritis, gastritis, gastric ulcers/ventriculitis, stomach tumors). However, it is also possible that certain diets as well as stress (stomach pain due to stress, stomach pain due to stress), anxiety, depression or nervousness may manifest themselves symptomatically in the form of stomach pain. Diseases of organs outside the gastrointestinal tract can also trigger apparent stomach pain (e.g. heart attack).
Flatulence can also be caused in a variety of ways. Food intolerances, an increased intake of fibre, legumes or cabbage and excessive air swallowing caused by hasty eating often play a role. Also the excessive intake of coffee and alcohol as well as psychological strain situation (fear, nervousness, stress) or even organic intestinal diseases (intestinal infection by bacteria or fungi, taking medication, chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases) can lead to flatulence.
If stomach pains occur together with increased flatulence, this often indicates an intolerance to foods such as lactose or fructose, histamine or gluten. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections, caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi ingested with food, can also trigger both symptoms at the same time. Excessive psychological stress, such as stress or anxiety, sometimes causes irritation syndromes in the stomach and intestines, which are caused by increased movement of the gastrointestinal muscles.
Whether a patient suffers from stomach pain and/or flatulence can usually be determined by the doctor on the basis of the patient’s medical history. Frequent questions asked during a visit to the doctor are those about regular medication, basic/preliminary illnesses of the gastrointestinal system, the diet in everyday life, increased stress and other symptoms. During the physical examination, pressure pain may occur when palpating the abdomen. In most cases, further examinations such as food intolerances (e.g. lactose tolerance test), blood and stool tests are sufficient to make a possible diagnosis and to avoid the need for more complex examination methods. However, if these tests and examinations are unsuccessful, an ultrasound or X-ray examination of the abdomen, as well as a gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy with possible tissue sampling, can continue.
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