Dull pain in the stomach can be caused by a wide variety of different factors, including gastritis, ulcers, and urinary tract infections. In more severe cases, a hiatal hernia or miscarriage can also cause this type of pain. Someone suffering from a persistent dull ache should see a medical professional so that serious causes can be ruled out.
Gastritis is one of the most common causes of dull stomach pain. This term is used for inflammation of the stomach or, more specifically, inflammation of the lining of the stomach. There are many different factors that can cause gastritis, such as bacterial infection, ingestion of poisons, and some medications. Food allergies, stomach trauma, and even physical stress from the flu can also cause inflammation. If left untreated, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers.
A stomach ulcer, or peptic ulcer, is another leading cause of dull pain in the stomach. This is a painful sore on the stomach lining and can cause heartburn between meals, heartburn, and vomiting. Many ulcers will heal on their own, but they can cause serious digestive problems, bleeding, and even create a hole in the stomach wall if not taken care of properly.
One of the more serious conditions that can cause a dull stomach pain is a hiatal hernia. This is when the upper part of the stomach is squeezed through an opening in the diaphragm. This opening is supposed to allow the esophagus to pass through, but if there is too much pressure on the stomach and the opening is weak, it can cause a hernia. Muscle weakness can be caused by overexertion, poor nutrition, or smoking, and stomach pressure is often caused by constipation, obesity, or constant coughing or sneezing.
Menstrual cramps can also cause stomach pain, although it usually occurs more in the lower abdomen and can spread to the lower back. It can be chronic pain or come in waves. Other symptoms that may be present with menstrual cramps are bloating, nausea, and fatigue. There are many options available to treat menstrual cramps, including over-the-counter medications, heating pads, and exercise.
A dull stomach ache could be a sign of a miscarriage. If stomach pain occurs during pregnancy or if there is a possibility of pregnancy, a medical professional should be consulted immediately. Bleeding is usually the first symptom of a miscarriage, followed by abdominal pain that can be a dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping similar to menstrual cramps.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also cause stomach pain and can affect the urethra and bladder; In more severe cases, the bacteria can pass to the kidneys. If this is the case, the pain will usually be accompanied by frequent or uncontrollable urges to urinate and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, patients should probably see a medical professional. This is particularly important if the person also has a fever, vomiting, constipation, shortness of breath, or pain or frequent urination. If the pain lasts for several days or occurs during pregnancy, there is cause for concern. Anytime there is blood in the stool or vomit, the person should seek immediate medical attention.
Treatment for a dull stomach ache depends on the cause and can be as simple as adjusting the patient's diet and exercise habits and reducing stress. Medications for infections and inflammation may be prescribed. In some cases, such as a hernia, surgery may be required.