Don’t take stomach pain and discomfort lightly. The main differences between the two are as follows:
1. Gas Trouble/Bloating
Gas trouble occurs when the air in the intestines cannot escape while digesting food.
Symptoms: Bloating, frequent belching, stomach noises, constipation.
Causes: Eating too quickly, excessive consumption of legumes and tubers, lack of exercise.
2. Peptic Ulcer
Ulcers are sores that form on the inner wall of the stomach or small intestine.
Symptoms: Burning pain in the upper abdomen (below the chest). The pain increases when you are hungry and decreases when you eat (the opposite can happen in some people).
Cause: ‘H. Bacterial infection called H. pylori, excessive use of painkillers, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Avoiding excessive spicy and sour foods will provide relief from both ulcers and gas. Be sure to eat your meals on time and drink plenty of water. Although gas problems can be treated with lifestyle changes, ulcers require regular medical checkups and medications.