Every human has experienced a stomach problem at some time or another. Fortunately, most stomach ache symptoms can be treated with self-care. There are six main types of stomach problems and options of how they can be treated. However, sometimes a stomach ailment can be more serious and must be treated with a doctor’s care and prescription medication.
The first stomach problem is heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn, which is scientifically known as dyspepsia, results from stomach acids backing up into the esophagus, a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Indigestion is less easy to describe, but most people can recognize the upset feeling in the stomach. Causes of heartburn and indigestion include alcohol caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, fried and fatty foods, tomato, over-eating, stress, medications and being overweight.
Some ways to avoid heartburn and indigestion include eating smaller meals more frequently during the day. Heartburn can sometimes be prevented by not laying down for four hours after eating or raising your head, while lying in bed. Over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec to treat heartburn and indigestion have become more available over time. Some neutralize acid while other work as an acid reducer.
Sometimes heartburn may be a more serious condition. Gastro esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates, or backs up, into the esophagus. This liquid can damage and inflame the lining of the esophagus in some, but very few, sufferers. The reflux of the stomach’s liquid is common in people. But when people suffer from acid reflux disease, the liquid contains acid more often and the acid remains in the esophagus longer.