In this article which continues a series of articles regarding the numerous anxiety physical symptoms we are going to discuss pain in Stomach or general abdominal pain and discomfort.

Anxiety and strong emotions are among the most common causes of stomach pain. To be able to manage your abdominal pain, the first step a person needs to take is identify the nature and causes of such pain or discomfort. Stomach ache, pain or general discomfort is a common anxiety physical symptom, but since there are many medical conditions associated with abdominal pain and stomach pain, it is necessary to seek professional help before assuming that anxiety is the cause of such pains or discomfort.

Some of the possible causes of stomach pain or abdominal pain are the following:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria gets into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, they cause a UTI. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection which is also often called cystitis. Another kind of UTI is a kidney infection, known as pyelonephritis, and is much more serious. Although they cause discomfort, urinary tract infections can usually be quickly and easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of UTIs in infants.

• Appendicitis: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. It is a medical emergency. All cases require removal of the inflamed appendix, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Untreated, mortality is high, mainly because of peritonitis and shock. Reginald Fitz first described acute and chronic appendicitis in 1886, and it has been recognized as one of the most common causes of severe acute abdominal pain worldwide.

• Endometriosis: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a medical condition in women in which endometrial cells are deposited in areas outside the uterine cavity. The uterine cavity is lined by endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial cells deposited in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) continue to be influenced by these hormonal changes and respond similarly as do those cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often exacerbate in time with the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years; it has been estimated that it occurs in roughly 5% to 10% of women. Symptoms depend on the site of implantation. Its main but not universal symptom is pelvic pain in various manifestations. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility.

• Hernia: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: A hernia is a protrusion of a tissue, structure, or part of an organ through the muscle tissue or the membrane by which it is normally contained. The hernia has three parts: the orifice through which it herniates, the hernial sac, and its contents.

  By far the most hernias develop in the abdomen, when a weakness in the abdominal wall evolves into a localized hole, or "defect", through which adipose tissue, or abdominal organs covered with peritoneum, may protrude. Another common hernia involves the spinal discs and causes sciatica.

  Hernias may or may not present either with pain at the site, a visible or palpable lump, or in some cases by more vague symptoms resulting from pressure on an organ which has become "stuck" in the hernia, sometimes leading to organ dysfunction. Fatty tissue usually enters a hernia first, but it may be followed by or accompanied by an organ.

  Most of the time, hernias develop when pressure in the compartment of the residing organ is increased, and the boundary is weak or weakened.

• Crohn's disease: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: (also known as granulomatous colitis and regional enteritis) is an inflammatory disease which may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, or weight loss, but may also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis and inflammation of the eye.

  Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease, caused by the immune system attacking the gastrointestinal tract and producing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract; it is classified as a type of inflammatory bowel disease. There appears to be a genetic link to Crohn's disease, with the highest risk occurring in individuals with siblings who have the disease. Males and females are equally affected. Smokers are three times more likely to develop Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease affects between 400,000 and 600,000 people in North America. Prevalence estimates for Northern Europe have ranged from 27–48 per 100,000. Crohn's disease tends to present initially in the teens and twenties, with another peak incidence in the fifties to seventies, although the disease can occur at any age.
  

  There is no known drug or surgical cure for Crohn's disease; treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, maintaining remission and preventing relapse.

• Ulcerative colitis: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis, a disease of the intestine, specifically the large intestine or colon, that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon. The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset. Ulcerative colitis is, however, believed to have a systemic etiology that leads to many symptoms outside the intestine. Because of the name, IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome ("IBS"), a troublesome, but much less serious condition. Ulcerative colitis has similarities to Crohn's disease, another form of IBD. Ulcerative colitis is an intermittent disease, with periods of exacerbated symptoms, and periods that are relatively symptom-free. Although the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can sometimes diminish on their own, the disease usually requires treatment to go into remission.

  Ulcerative colitis occurs in 35-100 people for every 100,000 in the United States, or less than 0.1% of the population. The disease tends to be more common in northern areas. Although ulcerative colitis has no known cause, there is a presumed genetic component to susceptibility. The disease may be triggered in a susceptible person by environmental factors. Although dietary modification may reduce the discomfort of a person with the disease, ulcerative colitis is not thought to be caused by dietary factors. Although ulcerative colitis is treated as though it were an autoimmune disease, there is no consensus that it is such. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppression, and biological therapy targeting specific components of the immune response. Colectomy (partial or total removal of the large bowel through surgery) is occasionally necessary, and is considered to be a cure for the disease.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: also called spastic colon, is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any organic cause. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

  Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments which attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important.

  Several conditions may present as IBS including coeliac disease, mild infections, parasitic infections like giardiasis, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation, and chronic functional abdominal pain. In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, though the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as balloon insufflation testing. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The most common theory is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, although there may also be abnormalities in the gut flora or the immune system.

  IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. But it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms, and it increases a patient's medical costs, and contributes to work absentism. Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs produces a disease with a high societal cost. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer's life.

   

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (or disorder) (PID): The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a generic term for inflammation of the female uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries as it progresses to scar formation with adhesions to nearby tissues and organs. This may lead to tissue necrosis and sometimes abscess formation. Pus can be released into the peritoneum. Two thirds of patients with laparoscopic evidence of previous PID were not aware they had PID. PID is often associated with sexually transmitted diseases, as it is a common result of such infections. PID is a vague term and can refer to viral, fungal, parasitic, though most often bacterial infections. PID should be classified by affected organs, the stage of the infection, and the organism(s) causing it. Although an STD is often the cause, other routes are possible, including lymphatic, postpartum, postabortal (either miscarriage or abortion) or intrauterine device (IUD) related, and hematogenous spread.

• Diverticulitis: The definition that we found in Wikipedia is the following: is a common digestive disease particularly found in the colon (the large intestine). Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed or infected. The colon can become infected with craters of food stuck inside, which causes abdominal pain.

As with any other pain If you are getting persistent stomach pain that is unbearable then an ER visit may be needed.

Stomach pain or abdominal pain is Like all other anxiety physical symptoms, these pains can be stopped.

Some of the most common ways that have been usually advised to control stomach and abdominal pains are the following:

• Change in diet
• No Smoking
• No Drinking Alcohol
• Vitamins
• Medication
• Exercise
• Relaxation

To tell you the truth, in general I am not a fan of medication, and I am more into the last two option, but when real pain is hitting hard, we first need to get rid of the pain and then look into longer term solutions.

We hope that we have provided you with a good explanation on stomach pain and abdominal pain.

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