What are some causes of stomach discomfort?

Causes of stomach discomfort include intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, eating foods that cause gas, and urinary tract infections, according to Healthline. Other causes include gallstones, acid reflux, endometriosis and thyroid problems.

Stomach discomfort can occur from irritable bowel syndrome, which is a disorder that affects the colon. This condition can also lead to cramping, bloating and constipation. Causes include abnormalities in the gastrointestinal nervous system and strong contractions of the walls of the intestines, notes Mayo Clinic.

Foods such as beans, onions, broccoli and carbonated beverages cause gas in some people, resulting in abdominal discomfort. Other causes include intestinal inflammation from Crohn’s disease, infections in the urinary system, and a blockage of the intestines that prevents digested material from moving through the digestive tract, states Healthline.

Formation of gallstones in the gallbladder can block the duct into the intestine, causing abdominal pain, particularly after a fatty meal. Acid reflux is another cause, where the valve between the esophagus and the stomach becomes weak, allowing food and stomach acid to splash upward. In women, cells from the lining of the uterus can grow in other body parts, causing discomfort and bleeding. Additionally, overproduction of the thyroid hormone can speed up the digestive tract, causing diarrhea and abdominal cramps, Health.com explains.