causes of stone in stomach - #13792
I am really worried about some issues I've been having lately. For the past few weeks, I've been feeling this weird heaviness in my stomach, like something's just not right. I kinda thought it was just indigestion at first, but then this sharp pain hit me, and it was the worst!! I even ended up in the ER where they did some tests, and they told me that they suspect it could be causes of stone in stomach or something similar. I mean, I've never had any problems like this before, and I honestly don't know how I would even get stones in my stomach?? I've been trying to figure out what the causes of stone in stomach could be. Is it diet? Stress? Or is it just one of those things that happen? I'm only in my 30's, and I feel like I should not be dealing with these kinda issues yet. It's embarrasing talking to my friends about it, but I need to know more. Has anyone else experienced this? What could be some common causes of stone in stomach that I could be overlooking? I can't shake this feeling that I need to do something before it gets worse. Please help!
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Doctors’ responses
Stones in the stomach, while less common than those in the kidneys or gallbladder, can occur, and there are several potential causes to consider. In clinical terms, these are known as bezoars when present in the stomach. They can form from undigested material. Depending on their composition, they might result from various sources like indigestible plant fibers (phytobezoars), hair (trichobezoars), or even certain medications that don’t dissolve properly in the gastrointestinal tract. Diet can indeed play a role, especially if you’re consuming high amounts of fiber or unprocessed plant material that doesn’t fully digest. People with slow gastric motility or previous gastric surgeries might be predisposed to bezoar formation. Additionally, some medications can exacerbate this, especially ones that impair gut motility or affect acid production such as proton pump inhibitors. Stress itself isn’t a direct cause, but it can influence digestive health overall, potentially altering motility and digestive processes. While lifestyle factors do contribute to overall health, for bezoars, it’s important to consider dietary patterns and potential underlying gastrointestinal issues. If a bezoar or gastric stone is suspected, working closely with a healthcare provider is crucial. They may use endoscopy to verify and potentially remove the obstruction, while also guiding you on diet adjustments to prevent recurrence. Try to manage stress through practical methods like exercise or meditation, ensure a well-balanced diet, and connect with a gastroenterologist if these issues persist or worsen. Ultimately, addressing these root causes helps prevent further complications.
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