There are dozens of causes for mild stomach pain, and determining the root cause of the pain is essential in treating it. The list of possible causes for abdominal pain published by the National Institutes of Health is extensive and it ranges from common illnesses that are relatively easy to treat to conditions that require immediate medical attention and could be potentially life threatening. Below are some of the most common diagnoses associated with mild to moderate stomach pain.
Ulcers
Ulcers are lesions that form on the mucous membrane in the lining of the stomach and can cause mild to severe pain. Doctors use a two-pronged attack when fighting ulcers that includes antibiotic treatment in addition to reducing the acid to allow the ulcer to heal, according to the Mayo Clinic. A combination of antibiotics as well as the use of acid blockers, antacids or proton pump-inhibiting drugs to reduce acid in the stomach usually works well to relieve the pain and heal the ulcer.
Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, happens when the acidic contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, causing what is commonly referred to as heartburn. This can lead to a burning sensation in the stomach, chest and throat. Treatment for this relatively common condition can involve changes in the diet, prescription medication and sometimes surgery.
Eating high acid-content foods, spicy foods and foods that cause you excessive gas should be avoided with a GERD diagnosis. Over-the-counter acid-blocking medications, along with this lifestyle change, will improve on 80 to 90 percent of cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Stomach Flu
Viral Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines that can lead to mild to severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people have experienced or know someone who has experienced the stomach flu, and the treatment for it is fairly standard.
Since viruses do not respond to antibiotics, most of the treatment is simply preventing dehydration and getting proper rest. Avoiding food and substances such as alcohol, caffeine, dairy and excessively fatty foods also helps in recovery. There are over-the-counter medicines that may provide relief from stomach flu symptoms, but be cautious when taking medications like ibuprofen or aspirin as they may worsen stomach pain in some people.
Other Possibilities
Other conditions that may lead to stomach pain, or what is perceived as stomach pain, are appendicitis, bowel obstruction, kidney stones, urinary tract infections and others. If you aren't comfortable with a self-diagnosis, see a physician. Your pain may worsen and indicate a more serious problem.
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