• Question: why do we get tummy aches

    Asked by Benny to Kate, Pip, Reka on 17 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Reka Nagy

      Reka Nagy answered on 17 Nov 2016:

      There can be lots of reasons – like eating too much food, eating food that has gone bad, or swelling in our stomachs or guts due to a disease or an injury are some examples of why we can get tummy aches. In most cases these are not serious but if the pain lasts for several days or is very intense, you should go see a doctor!

    • Photo: Pip Millington

      Pip Millington answered on 18 Nov 2016:

      The gut has its own nerve supply called the enteric nervous system. This can provide information like pain, discomfort or stretch but it’s pretty vague and difficult to localise compared to information from nerves in your skin. That’s why things like appendicitis, food poisoning, and trapped wind can all start off with the same kind of tummyache!

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