Common Causes of an Upset Stomach

An upset stomach isn’t an uncommon occurrence. It happens, or has happened, to most of us. The severity of an upset stomach can range from mild to severe, be acute or chronic, come on suddenly, worsen over time, be short-lasting or long-lasting. There are also many reasons why an upset stomach can occur, which can range from non-severe to life-threatening. The most common reason why someone may develop an upset stomach, however, is due to the foods they eat – particularly if they are not fully cooked, contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, a type of food you’re not used to eating, or a type of food that is known to cause stomach upset.

Food Poisoning

When it comes to bacteria-contaminated foods that cause stomach upset, this is known as food poisoning, which can occur as a result of certain foods – such as meats – not being cooked thoroughly, being improperly stored, leaving foods at room temperature for prolonged periods of time, or eating food that has expired. In addition to meats, foods that are susceptible to becoming contaminated with bacteria include poultry, eggs, raw shellfish, unpasteurized milk, and ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats or sandwiches.

To prevent food poisoning, remember the four C’s of food hygiene:

• Cleaning (certain foods may need to be washed or rinsed thoroughly with water before cooking tor consumption)
• Cooking (ensure all foods are cooked thoroughly before you eat them, and if you are going to reheat foods then it should be done at a temperature of at least 75°C)
• Chilling (some foods are required to be stored in a refrigerator for preservation/to prevent spoilage, as well as to prevent the growth of bacteria)
• Cross-contamination (keep raw/uncooked foods separate from foods that are cooked to avoid cross-contamination)

If you develop food poisoning, its symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days – including nausea, upset stomach and/or stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. These symptoms, while unpleasant, will usually go away on their own, but may be relieved with over-the-counter nausea medication. If your symptoms worsen (i.e., you develop a high fever or have frequent vomiting), signs of hydration, diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days, or notice blood in your stools, then it’s important you see a doctor.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition that affects an estimated 5 million Canadians, with an estimated 120,000 being diagnosed with it every year, therefore making it one of the most common disorders to affect the digestive system. While IBS can affect anyone at any age, most of those diagnosed with it tend to be under the age of 50. It also affects people differently depending on symptoms and severity.

The most common symptoms associated with IBS include abdominal pain and cramping, upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, changes in bowel movement habits, gas/bloating, intolerance to certain foods, and it can also have an impact on one’s menta health – leading to things like anxiety or depression, as well as causing one to have difficult falling asleep. Because IBS can have an impact on your quality of life, it’s important to speak with your doctor if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. He or she will be able to provide you with better guidance on how to manage those symptoms, as well as likely refer you to a gastroenterologist.

As for what causes IBS to develop, there are several contributing factors. It can come on after a bout of gastroenteritis due to a virus or bacteria, bacteria overgrowth, and even those who are stressed find they have symptoms of IBS. Certain foods such as fried and fatty goods, foods filled with fibre, as well as chocolate, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and foods that contain fructose or sorbitol are all known to trigger IBS attacks, and these are things you should try to avoid.

Appendicitis

This is another common condition that can develop and lead to upset stomach or stomach pain. It occurs when the lining of the appendix becomes blocked, resulting in the rapid multiplication of bacteria, and ultimately leads to the appendix becoming swollen, infected, and pus-filled.

Along with stomach-related symptoms, appendicitis can also cause things such as nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, and high fever. If left untreated, appendicitis can result in the appendix bursting, causing bacteria to spill out into the abdominal cavity and lead to inflammation of the abdominal cavity (also known as peritonitis), which can not only cause one to have serious health problems, but could also be fatal.

The most common method of treating appendicitis is through a surgical procedure known as an appendectomy, in which the appendix is removed.