Stomach pains are quite common in winter but if they persist even after taking all precautions, these 4 reasons could be behind it.
Winter is here in its full glory and as the cold wave continues to send shivers across northern India, people are complaining of numerous health issues such as body pain, head ache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, acidity, bloating, viral fever and sore throat. Stomach pains are quite common in winter and are often referred to as ‘cold stomach’ as the blood vessels constrict during winters and can lead to stomach ache. However, if your stomach pain is persistent even after all precautions and keeping your body warm, then you must consult your physician to investigate other causes of your stomach pain.
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“With the changing season and sudden drop in temperature, many people are experiencing symptoms of cold, headaches, and stomach aches. Winter can cause a ‘cold stomach’ as the blood vessels constrict during winters creating pressure and pain. While it is a common problem during this time, it is important to understand that consistent pain and a burning sensation in the stomach can also occur for other reasons,” says Dr Ksheetij Kothari, Associate Consultant – Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi-Pune.
Here are some common causes of consistent stomach ache:
1. Stomach ulcer
Open sores occurring in the lining of the esophagus are known to cause a burning sensation and consistent pain in the abdomen region. It is usually treated by antacids or antibiotics. Developed or large ulcers can cause internal bleeding and may require an endoscopy for treatment.
2. Acid reflux
It can be a common occurrence in most people if it happens rarely, but if a person is experiencing it for many days, it could be a serious problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can irritate the lining of the esophagus causing bleeding and scarring if not treated on time. To treat GERD, doctors may suggest a variety of approaches, including certain dietary changes, medications, surgery, and endoluminal therapy.
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3. Gastritis
A burning sensation in the abdomen is one of the common symptoms of gastritis, along with heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. This is a mild condition that gets better quickly with rest and treatment.
4. Reaction to foods
Some foods, such as spicy food, alcohol, and milk products, can cause burning in the stomach. It can also happen if the food eaten is contaminated or made under unhygienic conditions, leading to an upset stomach.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW REASON FOR YOUR STOMACH ACHE
“It can be difficult to understand what can be causing a stomach ache during the winter season but ignoring it can make the symptoms worse and cause further complications. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the different causes that could trigger a stomach ache and take appropriate steps to tackle them. Long-term stomach ache for any reason can impact other parts of the body and trigger ulcers, inflammation, and some kinds of cancer,” says Dr Kothari.
