Chronic stomach pain lasting two weeks or more can be caused by conditions such as constipation, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease. Other potential causes include heartburn, ulcers, infections, and organ problems. Treatment may involve dietary changes, medication, and relaxation techniques.
Chronic stomach pain is any abdominal pain that lasts for two weeks or more. The discomfort may be constant or recurring during that time and may vary in intensity. The main symptom is the pain itself, but there may also be nausea, cramping, diarrhea or heartburn, depending on the cause of the stomach pain.
There are several conditions that can cause chronic stomach pain. One of the most common is constipation. Chronic constipation is usually caused by problems with a person’s diet. The pain of constipation concentrates around the belly button and can occur several times a day as the bowels contract, trying to free themselves. The pain will last 10 to 30 minutes before stopping again. Constipation can be treated by increasing your water and fiber intake and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Another condition that could cause repeated stomach pains is lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. If the body cannot digest dairy products properly, this could lead to abdominal pain. Lactose intolerance can also cause gas, diarrhea and cramping, especially after eating a dairy product. By limiting the amount of dairy products consumed, pain caused by lactose intolerance can be reduced. There are also some medications that can reduce this pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic stomach pain. IBS is a stomach upset that can cause gas, cramping, and a mix of constipation and diarrhea. It is caused by spasms in the intestines, can often be made worse by stress and unpalatable foods. IBS is not curable, but it can be treated by changing your diet, medications, and relaxation techniques.
Crohn’s disease can also cause abdominal pain. Crohn’s causes inflammation and discomfort all along the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. This is caused by the immune system attacking the digestive system for an unknown reason. There is a genetic link, and smokers are more likely to get Crohn’s disease than non-smokers. Other Crohn’s symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but it is partially manageable through diet and medication.
Other potential causes of chronic stomach pain include heartburn, ulcers, intestinal infections and, rarely, tumors or organ problems such as appendicitis. If your stomach pain is severe or lasts longer than a few weeks, it should be checked by a doctor. Most causes of stomach pain are treatable with dietary changes.
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