(Natural News) Stomach pain and nausea are unpleasant health complaints that can happen to both children and adults. These conditions can be either acute (short-lived) or chronic (persistent).

Determining the exact cause of stomach pain and nausea can be difficult as they can be a result of many factors, from overeating to gastrointestinal disorders. Learning how to differentiate between the two types and identifying the symptoms can help you find the proper treatment.

Take care of your stomach for good health

It is quite common that stomach pain and nausea are associated with underlying conditions. Below is a list of causes for both chronic and acute stomach pain and nausea, as well as ways to prevent and treat these conditions.

Acute causes

The acute version of these conditions is typically caused by short-term inflammation of the stomach lining or side effects of certain medications like antibiotics. One of the most common causes of these conditions is viral gastroenteritis. Although it is commonly referred to as the “stomach flu,” this highly contagious disease is not related to the flu virus at all. It is caused by an infection that triggers inflammation of the intestines.

Different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis, depending on the season, with the most common ones being the rotavirus and the norovirus. The latter can affect anyone at any age and spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, water, or people who are already affected by the virus. The former, on the other hand, commonly affects infants and young children.

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, and fever. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, most cases of this infection last less than a week, and people can get better without serious medical treatment.

Chronic causes

One cause of chronic stomach pain and nausea is gastritis. It is the inflammation of the stomach lining commonly caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. While gastritis doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms in most people, it can still bring nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.

Another cause is obstruction in the intestine. This blockage can cause bloating, constipation, and stomach pain. It can also lead to more severe complications if one doesn’t receive immediate treatment.

Lastly, there is a group of disorders that prevent the gastrointestinal tract from working correctly. They are called functional gastrointestinal disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one example of these disorders, causing stomach cramps, bloating, and either diarrhea or constipation.

Prevention and treatment

Stomach pain and nausea are often short-term and get better without the need for medical attention. (Related: Top twelve natural stomach pain killers.)

As previously mentioned, viral infections are some of the more common causes of stomach pain and nausea. By practicing good hygiene, you can avoid the germs that cause these underlying health conditions and prevent the health issues that come with them. Wash your hands frequently and disinfect any surface you deem contaminated.

You can also speed up recovery by drinking plenty of fluids. Nausea usually induces vomiting, which means losing a lot of bodily fluids and electrolytes, which could lead to dehydration.

Ginger is also a good remedy to relieve an upset stomach. In traditional medicine, ginger has been used as a “cure-all” for a variety of diseases, which include stomach aches and nausea because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Relieve yourself from gastrointestinal discomfort with these remedies.