Ah, the ever-annoying stomach pain. Remember those days when you used to fake it to get away from school? Those were the glorious days of childhood. However, it’s not so magnificent when you’re experiencing stomach pain as an adult.
Problems in the digestive tract usually cause stomach pain. It includes the stomach and intestines. Liver problems may also cause distress in the upper abdomen. Women may experience abdominal pain due to conditions related to the reproductive system.
You may experience stomach pain when standing up as a change in posture may elevate the extent of the pain. In this article, we will be explaining the probable causes behind your pain and how to tackle it.
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Stomach Pain When Standing Up
Stomach pain is quite a common phenomenon. However, it can vary from person to person. The pain can be similar to cramps that radiate from one single point. Cramps can be pretty hard to deal with. They may end up hampering your day-to-day activities.
The pain can also be dull and blunt. Such pain isn’t usually consistent. They come and go from time to time. Even though stomach pain can happen at any time of the day, it is observed that the pain is usually most noticeable during the morning.
Related: Stomach Pain After Drinking Water
It can be due to acid reflux or intestines preparing for bowel movement. You can experience stomach pain when standing up as it changes your posture and orientation. It can contribute to the incidence of pain. However, there can be an underlying cause for the pain.
Causes of Stomach Pain When Standing Up
In this part of the article, we have discussed a few probable causes behind your stomach pain.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix is known as appendicitis. The appendix is a small finger-like structure extending from the large intestines. It is situated in the lower right corner of the abdomen.
Appendicitis can cause swelling of the appendix, which can lead to severe pain in the abdomen. The pain may arise while changing positions like standing up or getting up from bed. It’s quite a common condition. About 5 to 10% of the population faces appendicitis at some point in their lives. Even though it is a common condition, you should not take it lightly.
If the inflammation progresses, the appendix might rupture, which is a grave medical emergency. So, If you’re experiencing stomach pain when standing up in your lower right abdomen, we suggest you contact your doctor immediately.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, commonly known as PID, is the inflammation of the female reproductive organs. It is usually caused due to bacterial infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia may lead to such conditions.
Sexually active women with multiple partners are more prone to this condition. The pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge with a foul smell, pain during urination, bleeding or spotting during sexual intercourse.
If the condition progresses, the patient might develop a fever. PID is usually treated with antibiotics to tackle the infection. You should keep in mind that you need to complete your course of antibiotics suggested by your doctor, even if you’re feeling better.
Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are wounds or sores that have developed on the stomach wall. They can be pretty painful and irritable. It can cause burning pain that extends from mid-chest to a few inches above the belly button.
The pain is usually exaggerated after meals as the acid content in the stomach increases. The acid irritates the wounds. You might experience stomach pain when standing up or changing positions.
Related: Should Yoy Worry About Stomach Pain after Fasting?
It is better to visit your doctor if you’re having burning stomach pain. The doctor might order some tests like ultra sonograms to locate the ulcers. Over-the-counter antacids usually provide some comfort.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome(Ibs)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition concerning the large intestines. Its symptoms include diarrhea, mucus in stool, indigestion, and constipation. If you’re suffering from Irritableble bowel syndrome, you might experience abdominal pain on the lower left or right side of the stomach.
IBS can be triggered by certain foods, stress, or movement. It is better to avoid oily and fatty food, dairy, and carbonated drinks. You should also eat in moderation while having spicy food. Stress management and enough fiber in your diet should help you keep the condition at bay.
It is better to consult your doctor, who might prescribe you anti-diarrheal medication and fiber supplements.
Indigestion
Indigestion is one of the most common causes of stomach pain. The medical term for indigestion is dyspepsia. It can be characterized by a burning feeling on your upper stomach. The burning sensation can spread to your chest and mouth.
It is usually triggered while taking acidic foods. You may experience acid reflux due to the high acid content in your stomach. Hence, you feel the burning pain. To manage the condition, over-the-counter medicines are highly effective.
You just have to be mindful of what you eat and make sure you get enough movement for digestion. However, if you’re experiencing frequent indigestion, it is better to consult your doctor. They might be able to identify the underlying causes.
Muscle pain
The source of your stomach pain might be related to the abdominal muscles. You might have acquired muscle injury from trauma or spasms. It might lead to having stomach pain when standing up or making abrupt movements.
You might strain your abdominal muscles while exercising, which might lead to abdominal pain. You should stretch and prepare yourself before performing strenuous exercises.
Pancreatitis
The inflammation of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. It might lead to upper abdominal pain. The pain can radiate to your back. It can be exaggerated after eating. Abrupt movements after meals might lead to pain.
Nausea, vomiting, and fever are some of the symptoms that can accompany abdominal pain. Mild pancreatitis is usually resolved on its own. Over-the-counter painkillers typically help with pain management. However, if the pain persists, you should consult your doctor.
Anti-inflammatory medication and enzyme supplements usually help tackle the condition. Try to watch your diet and avoid oily food. Include more fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain in your daily meals.
Constipation
If you have had less than three bowel movements in a week, then you may have constipation. Constipation may lead to severe lower abdominal pain, which is due to gas buildup. The stomach cramps can get worse with movement.
You might experience stomach pain when standing up or making abrupt movements. Other symptoms that you might experience are feeling full all the time, straining to pass bowel, e.t.c. A sedentary lifestyle usually leads to constipation. An active lifestyle with a proper diet would help avoid constipation.
Treatment and Prevention
The best way to treat your stomach pain is to get a proper diagnosis first. If you visit your doctor, they will identify the underlying cause and give you proper instructions.
Over-the-counter pain meds usually help with cramps and pain. If you’re experiencing acid reflux, then antacids would help with the acidity. You can treat muscle cramps in the abdomen with heating pads or hot water bags.
The heat helps relax the muscle and slowly relieves the pain. Antibiotics may be used to treat infections. But, make sure to check up with your doctor and follow through with the treatment regime.
But one of the most effective ways to tackle stomach pain when standing up is to have a healthy lifestyle. Monitor what you eat. Stay active. Exercise daily. By that, I don’t mean hardcore cardio or weight lifting.
Just 30 minutes of regular walking or freehand exercise can do wonders for your health. But make sure to stretch before exercising, or else you might pull a muscle. That wouldn’t be so great for your stomach pain.
Make healthier food choices. Eat at least 2 hours before bedtime. It would give your body some time to digest. Avoiding fatty and greasy food would help tackle acid reflux. Include enough fiber and fruits in your diet. This would fight off constipation.
It’s also a good idea to stay away from that extra bottle of beer. Limiting alcohol consumption has proven to decrease the possibility of stomach cancer. In a nutshell, if you make healthier life choices, it’ll be easier for you to tackle your stomach problems.
When to Visit Your Doctor
If you have been experiencing persistent stomach pain for more than a week, you should get checked by a physician. If the pain is hampering your day-to-day activities and limiting your movements, it is best not to wait for the check-up.
If you have a fever, difficulty breathing, change in bowel movement, weight loss, pain that does not subside with medication, severe cramps, swelling, bleeding with stool, then you might need immediate medical attention.
Extreme symptoms might indicate serious underlying conditions. However, the possibility is quite rare. But, you can never be too careful. So it is best not to delay your visit to the doctor.
FAQs
- Why does my stomach hurt when I get up from lying down?
Stomach pain when getting up is usually related to digestive problems. It can be constipation, acid reflux, indigestion, GERD, etc.
- How to get rid of stomach pain in 5 minutes?
Heating pads can help get rid of abdominal cramps. Antacids can help with acidity. Over-the-counter pain meds can help with the pain. But it is best to consult your doctor before self-medicating.
- How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
If your stomach pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding with stool, weight loss, inflammation, or swelling, it might lead to a severe cause. You should visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Final Words
If you are experiencing stomach pain when standing up, there can be several underlying causes. But, the most probable cause might be indigestion. Over-the-counter meds can provide temporary relief. But a change in lifestyle and food habits would be the best option to follow.
