{"id":40074,"date":"2025-05-13T09:23:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T14:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/benefits\/?p=40074"},"modified":"2025-09-19T14:15:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:15:44","slug":"whats-causing-yout-tummy-troubles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tamus.edu\/benefits\/whats-causing-yout-tummy-troubles\/","title":{"rendered":"Whats causing your tummy troubles?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Why does your stomach hurt? It\u2019s a good question \u2014 and a common one. Millions of Americans have at least one type of digestive problem. Some problems come and go, while others can upset your whole life.<\/h2>\n

There are many different kinds of digestive problems, and that\u2019s part of why it isn\u2019t always easy to get to the cause of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Trouble?<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to know what\u2019s causing the issue so you can treat it. But the answer may not be so simple to find.<\/p>\n

To get to the bottom of what\u2019s causing the problem, you may need to play detective. Paying attention to how you feel \u2014 and when \u2014 can help. What symptoms are you having and when are you having them? What have you been doing when you have them? What and how much have you been eating or drinking when you have symptoms? Are you stressed out? What medicines are you taking?<\/p>\n

Once you have some information gathered about your symptoms, your doctor can help you figure out the problem and what to do.<\/p>\n

Two of the common causes of stomach issues are peptic (stomach) ulcers and acid reflux.<\/p>\n

Peptic ulcers<\/strong>\u00a0are sores on the lining of your stomach. The most common symptom is a dull or burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen, especially when your stomach is empty. Symptoms may also include bloating, nausea, vomiting and low appetite.<\/p>\n

Ulcers are usually caused by long-term use of certain medicines or by the H. pylori bacteria. Smoking can also contribute to ulcers and make symptoms worse. Food and drinks cannot cause ulcers, but they can make symptoms worse. Avoid drinking alcohol if you have an ulcer.<\/p>\n

Ulcer pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours at a time. The pain will come and go over a period of weeks or months. Eating or taking antacids can briefly lessen the pain.<\/p>\n

If you think you may have an ulcer, even if your symptoms are mild, you need to see your doctor. If not treated, an ulcer will continue to get worse. Tests are needed to find out for sure if you have an ulcer.<\/p>\n

Ulcers are usually treated with medicine. The medicine that is prescribed depends on the type of ulcer you have.<\/p>\n

Heartburn, or acid reflux<\/strong>, is one of the most common stomach issues. It happens when the acid in your stomach meant to break down food comes back up your esophagus and irritates the lining. In many cases, it may be caused by GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.<\/p>\n

A mild case of GERD isn\u2019t generally a cause for worry, and many find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Here are some other things you can try on your own:<\/p>\n