Stomach ache, tummy troubles, bellyache- whatever you call it; we’ve all experienced the agony of a stomach ache at some point in our lives. Some even mistake their gut disturbances for butterflies in the stomach. Of course, this isn’t about lamenting how much it hurts when your digestive tract doesn’t cooperate with you, but rather what’s considered normal duration before seeking medical attention.
While most of us are resilient and can get over minor stomach issues quickly without any significant health concerns, the question remains - how long should one tolerate severe or persistent signs of discomfort? In this article below is everything to help answer that query efficiently.
What Causes Stomach Problems?
Before diving into “when” is it safe to seek medical attention regarding undulating pains and cramps within your gastrointestinal system. Let’s take a glance back on what triggers them?
Overindulgence
Biting off more than one can chew may sound like an ordinary phrase describing excessive boasting or thinking too highly of oneself's abilities. But sometimes indulging exceptionally on foods such as chocolate cake, greasy fast food (or anything covered with cheese) every day may induce episodes showing pain complaints.
Consuming Something Irritating
The desire to try new cuisines gets us all excited; albeit introducing something new into our body could end up having unpleasant side effects if not accustomed properly.
Undercooked meat containing bacteria infestations such as E.Coli does so much damage once ingested leading to frequent diarrhea/constipation accompanied by intermittent abdominal pain.
NSIDS
Aspirin and Ibuprofen two among many Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory medications which are widely used worldwide due to their relieving qualities when combatting mild fevers/muscle soreness post-workouts/exercises etc.. However, frequent misuse may lead to development of a stomach ulcer leading worsening abdominal pain and even bleeding.
Time Elapsed During Stomach Discomfort
It can be perplexing sometimes between deciding how long one should wait whilst the body sorts its self out naturally or instead take action with professional intervention. For instance, did you know that an average adult visits primary care at least 3 times annually due to digestive problems?
With almost half of patients undergoing symptoms lasting less than two days; while for some, it could take weeks or months!
Indigestion
Sources suggest that dyspepsia frequently results in underlying medical conditions causing symptoms like bloating major discomfort feeling full after eating just a few mouthfuls regardless of circumstances highlighting more severe reasons such as liver disease/celiac disease/pancreatic insufficiency.
Patients with indigestion- which is described as unwelcome uncomfortable sensations felt in the upper abdomen typically immediately after meals - are said to relieve quickly by grabbing antacids coupled with lifestyle changes including dietary modification.
Acute Diarrhea
One possible cause resulting from visiting countries where water sanitation practices aren’t regulated strictly or food hygiene issues infestation might occur urging swift interventions basically rehydration therapy using ORS formulae approved by health officers followed up taking antibiotics prescribed.
Gastroenteritis /food poisoning
Gastrointestinal infections are most commonly caused due to bacterial/viral contamination through consuming undercooked meat, dairy products fruits, vegetables contaminated by untreated fecal matter and improper handling specifically chances double during summer when they’re left outside for overextended periods without refrigeration measures.
The incubation period between the initial ingestion phase all through developing symptoms present usually lies within hours-a day indicative signs accompanying cramps-multiple vomiting episodes/severe diarrhea prompting require immediate hospitalization/traveling restrictions until rectified via medicinal routes.
When Should One See A Doctor?
Tolerating too long stomach comes to relieve naturally might be detrimental to overall health, depending on an individual’s ability and immunity of the body. It is therefore advised that if any one specific symptom persists for more than 5 days, a doctor should immediately be consulted.
Abdominal Bloating
Sometimes people report having sudden bloating with reformed bowel habit pointing towards colorectal cancer among other things
Constipation
Chronic stool obstruction means not being able to empty bowels regularly leading to residual manure staying in intestinal tracts rotting away generating harmful toxins resulting in excruciating pain- tenderness when touching abdomen coupled up vomiting
Acid Reflux
Alternatively known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), mainly impacting adults causes contents within the stomach returning upwards/burn sensation chest area swallowing difficulties nauseousness all while trying constant coughs/wheezing endangering sleep.
While most people have mild acid reflux at some stage where it can cause fearsome nightmares others could face serious onset waves permanently damage esophagus leading up significant nervous symptoms.
Final Verdict
It's always better err on the side of caution lest wait till it's too late then practically nothing will ameliorate your condition let alone treat underlying ailments arising from ignorance or postponements furthermore consulting suitable digestive health professionals makes accepting further treatments based well-informed decisions.
Get checked early before matters turn into life-threatening situations.