How Do I Know If My Stomach Pain Is Serious? Topic Guide

I know what to do to avoid an upset stomach; eat light, control portion size, etc. The problem is, I can never pace myself at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I always get too full and have problems like acid reflux and just general abdominal pain. What should I do for an upset stomach after the holidays?

Indigestion (dyspepsia, non-acid dyspepsia) is a description for a feeling of fullness and/or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Symptoms of indigestion can include heartburn, belching, bloating, and nausea. Causes of indigestion can be disease, conditions, medication, and lifestyle factors. Treatment of indigestion depends on the cause.

Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites.

Various over-the-counter remedies can treat bloating -- Beano can help digest gas-causing vegetables, lactase supplements can address dairy issues and Pepto Bismol or simethicone can relieve gas. Dietary changes are the best way to prevent bloating, however.

Food poisoning and a "stomach bug" or "stomach flu" (gastroenteritis) are digestive illness. Causes of food poisoning include drinking or eating food contaminated with fecal matter, and/or other bacteria, viruses, toxins, and fungi. Gastroenteritis or "stomach bug," "stomach flu" can be contagious, and is spread from person-to-person when an individual does not use proper hand washing  techniques after having a bowel movement or after handling soiled diapers. Generally, neither food poisoning or a stomach bug need to be treated with antibiotics. Natural home remedies may help food poisoning and a stomach bug symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is most commonly caused by viruses and bacteria like Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, parvovirus, and Astrovirus. Bacteria causing gastroenteritis include Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, salmonella, shigella, Campylobacter, and C. difficile. Other causes may be due to chemical toxins. The stomach flu is contagious because it caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. You get the stomach flu from contaminated food and drinks from poor hygiene (not washing your hands after using the toilet). Common symptoms of the stomach flu are; mild to moderate diarrhea, abdominal cramping, abdominal bloating,and low grade fever. Home remedies to treat the stomach flu include rest and hydration to avoid dehydration. Over-the-counter or prescription medicine may be necessary to treat the signs and symptoms of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). The stomach flu can be prevented by using proper hygiene when using the bathroom.