Unconscious Bias: Why it Happens and How to Unlearn It

Image
Before you finish reading this paragraph, your brain has already made a judgment about someone.  Their accent , their appearance , their profession, or the way they expressed an idea.  You did not consciously choose to judge — and that is exactly how unconscious bias works. Unconscious bias refers to the automatic assumptions and mental shortcuts our brains use to process the world quickly. These biases are shaped by culture, media, upbringing, education, and personal experiences. They exist everywhere — across countries, professions, and social systems . The uncomfortable truth is this: even kind, educated, well-intentioned people have unconscious bias. What matters is not pretending we don’t have it, but learning how to recognize and unlearn it. “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” This article explores common examples of unconscious bias seen globally and practical ways anyone can overcome them. What Is Unconscious Bias?  Unconscious bias is not ...
Post a Comment

Not All Stomach Pain Is Just Gas: Know When to Worry

Why abdominal pain is one of the most misunderstood symptoms — explained by a doctor...

Intro

Almost everyone has experienced stomach pain at some point. We blame it on gas, acidity, stress, or something we ate, took an antacid, and move on.

Most of the time that’s fine.

But sometimes, stomach pain is your body’s warning sign — and ignoring it can delay diagnosis of serious conditions.


This article explains:

- Common causes of stomach pain.

- When it’s harmless.

- When it’s NOT just gas.

- Red flags doctors take seriously

- Practical tips to protect your gut health



Why Do We Get Stomach Pain So Often?

The abdomen contains many organs packed closely together and each one of them has their own function:

- Stomach

- Intestines

- Liver

- Gallbladder

- Pancreas

- Appendix

- Kidneys

- Reproductive organs (in women)


Pain from any of these can feel similar — which is why people tend to go for self-diagnosis which  is risky.



Common Harmless Causes of Stomach Pain

Most abdominal pain is benign and temporary.

1. Gas & Bloating

- Crampy pain

- Relief after passing gas

- Often after heavy meals


2. Acidity / Gastritis

- Burning pain

- Worse on empty stomach

- Improves with food or antacids


3. Constipation

- Dull lower abdominal pain

- Feeling of fullness

- Infrequent bowel movements


4. Stress & Anxiety

Yes, stress can cause real physical pain by affecting gut nerves.



When Stomach Pain Is NOT “Just Gas”

Doctors become alert when pain has specific patterns.

🚨 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

Seek medical attention if stomach pain is associated with:

- Severe or worsening pain

- Persistent pain lasting more than 24–48 hours

- Fever

- Vomiting (especially green or bloody)

- Black or bloody stools

- Unintentional weight loss

- Loss of appetite

- Night pain that wakes you up

- Pain after meals consistently



Location of Pain Matters (A Lot)

Right Lower Abdomen

⚠️ Possible appendicitis

- Pain starts near navel → moves right

- Fever, nausea, loss of appetite

- Right Upper Abdomen


⚠️ Gallbladder disease

- Pain after fatty meals

- Radiates to right shoulder

- Upper Central Abdomen


⚠️ Pancreatitis or ulcer

- Severe pain radiating to back

- Worse after eating

- Lower Abdomen (Women)


⚠️ Gynecological causes

- Ovarian cysts

- Pelvic infections

- Ectopic pregnancy (emergency)



Why Painkillers Can Be Dangerous in Stomach Pain

Many people take painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac for stomach pain.

⚠️ This can:

- Worsen gastritis (NSaids are contraindicated in gastritis! )

- Can cause ulcers

- May mask serious conditions

- Delay diagnosis

- Doctors prefer diagnosis before pain relief.



Why Scans and Tests Are Sometimes Necessary

Patients often say:

Doctor, can’t you just give medicine without tests?

But abdominal pain can be deceptive.

Doctors use:

- Blood tests (infection, liver, pancreas)

- Ultrasound

- CT scan

- Endoscopy

Not because they want to over-test... but because missing a diagnosis can be life-threatening.



Why Pain Feels Severe Even When Tests Are Normal

This frustrates patients.

Possible reasons:

- Functional bowel disorders (IBS) mostly in stress conditions.

- Visceral hypersensitivity

- Stress-induced gut spasm

- Very early disease not yet visible on scans

- Pain is real even when reports are normal.



Practical Tips to Prevent Common Stomach Problems

✔ Eat Mindfully

- Avoid overeating

- Chew slowly

- Reduce spicy and fried food intake.


✔ Stay Hydrated

Dehydration worsens the constipation and acidity.


✔ Manage Stress

Gut and brain are very closely connected.


✔ Avoid Self-Medication

Especially painkillers and antibiotics.


✔ Don’t Ignore Recurrent Pain

Repetition means investigation



When to See a Doctor Immediately

Go to emergency or consult urgently if:

- Pain is sudden and severe

- Pain is  with fever and vomiting loose stools or absolute constipation.

- Abdominal pain during pregnancy

- Pain with fainting or dizziness



Final Thoughts: 

Listen to Your Body



Frequently Asked Questions About Stomach Pain❓ 

Question 1

Q: Is stomach pain always caused by gas?

A: No. While gas is a common cause, stomach pain can also result from gastritis, ulcers, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, infections, or stress-related gut disorders.


Question  2

Q:  can I tell if my stomach pain is serious?

A: Stomach pain is considered serious if it is severe, persistent, worsening, associated with fever, vomiting, weight loss, blood in stool, or pain that wakes you at night.


Question 3

Q: When should I see a doctor for abdominal pain?

A: You should see a doctor if pain lasts more than 24–48 hours, keeps recurring, or is accompanied by red flag symptoms like fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite.


Question 4

Q: Can stress really cause stomach pain?

A: Yes. Stress and anxiety affect gut nerves and digestion, leading to real abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel changes even when tests are normal.


Question 5

Q: Is it safe to take painkillers for stomach pain?

A: Painkillers such as ibuprofen can worsen stomach conditions like gastritis and ulcers. It’s safer to consult a doctor before taking them for abdominal pain.


Question 6

Q: Why do doctors order tests for stomach pain?

A: Tests help rule out serious conditions because many abdominal diseases present with similar symptoms. Early diagnosis prevents complications.


Question 7

Q: Can stomach pain occur even if scans are normal?

A: Yes. Conditions like IBS, functional gut disorders, and stress-related pain may cause symptoms even when imaging and blood tests appear normal.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The First Week of Residency: Expectations vs Reality

From Dreams to the First Day of Reality Getting selected for general surgery training at a renowned and famous private institute felt like a dream come true .  The journey to that point was not easy, and I had already shared the detailed struggle, sacrifices, and perseverance in a previous blog ( https://faithfatigueandthefuture.blogspot.com/2025/11/starting-over-my-journey-from-different.html ).  Like many young doctors, I walked into this new phase with hope in my heart and ambition in my eyes. I believed this was the place where my professional identity would finally take a shape. However, the first week of postgraduate (PG) training taught me a lesson that no textbook or entrance exam ever could: expectations can be beautiful, but reality can be brutally honest.  “Sometimes what you imagine as a breakthrough turns out to be a breakdown before growth.” My Expectations Before Joining Surgical Training Before starting my training, I had a picture in my mind of how t...
Read more

Why Dislike Turns Into Obsession: The Psychology Behind It

The Psychology Behind Why We Get Stuck on Certain People Have you ever noticed that sometimes the people you dislike the most end up taking the most space in your mind? You don’t love them, you don’t admire them, you don’t even want to be close to them — yet somehow, their actions, words, and presence feel impossible to ignore. Recently, I realized how dislike can pull us into a strange emotional involvement — sometimes even deeper than love.  Love makes us think about someone with warmth. Dislike? It makes us think about someone with intensity  And intensity is powerful. Why Do We Become So Curious About People We Dislike? During my medical school years, I had a batchmate I couldn’t stand. She felt toxic to me — manipulative, controlling, always trying to stay ahead of everyone else. My dislike for her slowly grew into a weird fascination. What was she doing? Who was she talking to? How was she manipulating people? Soon, my friends and I bonded over our shared irritation with...
Read more

Your Life Feels Heavy Because You’re Exhausted, Not Lazy

One question always comes to my mind...  Why modern burnout has nothing to do with motivation — and everything to do with how we live. If you feel constantly tired, overwhelmed, or mentally drained , you’re not alone. Most people blame themselves: “I’m lazy .” “I lack discipline .” “Others manage, why can’t I?” But what if the problem isn’t you — it’s the lifestyle you’re trying to survive? Let me tell you why modern life exhausts us, how burnout quietly develops, and what small changes can restore energy, clarity, and emotional balance . Burnout Is Not Just a Work Problem Burnout isn’t limited to doctors, office workers , or students. It affects: - Stay-at-home parents - Creators - Entrepreneurs - Caregivers - People doing “nothing at all stressful” Burnout happens when mental load exceeds recovery . “You don’t burn out because you do too much. You burn out because you recover too little.” Signs You’re Burnt Out (But Don’t Realize It) Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Some...
Read more