What Causes Stomachaches?

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a common condition, and most individuals will experience some kind of food poisoning at some point. In the most serious cases, food poisoning can cause life-threatening symptoms. Food poisoning occurs when individuals become infected by organisms in their food. Some might not have symptoms at all, but when symptoms occur, they can range from a mild stomachache to bloody diarrhea and severe dehydration. Other common symptoms are gas, bloating, fever, weakness, muscle aches, and abdominal cramps. Some bacteria that can cause food poisoning include listeria, e. Coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, and salmonella. One rare, serious kind of food poisoning is botulism. If an individual has botulism, they'll have symptoms in addition to a stomachache, including vomiting, muscle paralysis, dry mouth, muscle weakness, blurry vision, or slurred speech. Individuals with symptoms of botulism should call 911 to receive emergency medical treatment.

Gas

Stomachaches can be the result of gas, which is a natural part of the digestive process. As the digestive system breaks down food, it also produces gas. Gas is usually expelled through burping or flatulence. The majority of individuals expel gas around twenty times each day. Though the process is normal, it can be embarrassing or cause pain. The main two ways gas accumulates are through the breakdown of food and through swallowing air. When individuals drink and eat, they swallow air. As undigested food enters the large intestine, bacteria begin breaking it down, a process that creates methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen gas. Individuals most commonly get gas through consuming carbohydrates. Common gas-producing foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy products, soft drinks, whole grain foods, and fruit drinks.