Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. Most stomach pain comes from causes that are not serious, such as gas, indigestion, mild infections, food intolerances, and muscle strain. Sometimes more serious issues like appendicitis, ulcers, gallstones, or Braxton-Hicks contractions in pregnant women can also cause abdominal discomfort.
The location and type of pain can offer important clues about what might be happening inside the body. Stomach pain can be sharp, dull, constant, or come and go, and it may be linked to other symptoms like bloating, nausea, or changes in appetite. Knowing when to get medical help is important, especially if the pain is severe, starts suddenly, or comes with other concerning symptoms.
Definition of Symptom
Stomach pain, often called abdominal pain, is discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. It can feel like aching, cramping, sharp, or dull pain. People may feel this pain in one spot or spread out across the belly. Common ways people describe stomach or abdominal pain include:
- Cramping: Feels like muscles are squeezing tightly.
- Burning: A hot or stinging feeling.
- Stabbing: Sudden sharp pain, like being poked.
- Aching: A steady, dull pain.
| Type of Pain | Description | Possible Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cramping | Muscle tightness | All over, lower belly |
| Burning | Hot, stinging | Upper or middle belly |
| Sharp/Stabbing | Sudden, intense | One spot, all over |
| Aching | Dull, steady | Any area |
Abdominal pain is not a disease itself but a sign that something could be wrong in the digestive system or nearby organs. It can signal minor issues like gas or serious conditions like appendicitis. Doctors often ask for details about the pain, such as location, how bad it feels, and what makes it better or worse. This information helps figure out the cause, since different problems lead to different types of pain.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many things can cause stomach pain. Some are mild, while others signal a serious problem. Digestive conditions often lead to stomach pain. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach ulcers and peptic ulcers
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Food-related issues can also cause pain. Conditions such as lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and food poisoning may lead to stomach pain, bloating, or cramps. Infections often trigger pain.
The stomach flu (often caused by norovirus) and infections from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some cases happen because of inflammation or organ problems:
- Gallstones and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
- Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation).
- Appendicitis (inflamed appendix), which can be sudden and severe.
- Diverticulitis (inflammation of colon pouches).
- Colitis (colon lining inflammation).
Below is a table of some possible conditions:
| Condition | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Ulcerative colitis | Diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| GERD | Burning, upper stomach pain |
| Gallstones | Sharp right-side pain |
| Esophagitis | Pain with swallowing |
| Crohn’s disease | Cramps, diarrhea, fatigue |
| Pancreatic cancer | Ongoing pain, weight loss |
| Hiatal hernia | Chest or stomach pain |
Other rare causes include intestinal ischemia (blocked blood flow), esophageal cancer, and side effects from some medications.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all stomach pain comes from a disease. Sometimes, daily habits or normal body changes cause discomfort. Gas and bloating often cause stomach pain. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when people swallow air or eat certain foods. This can cause cramping or sharp pains that move around the belly.
Heartburn and indigestion often happen after eating spicy or fatty foods. These can cause burning or aching pain in the upper stomach. Acid reflux happens when acid from the stomach moves up into the esophagus, leading to similar discomfort.
Some pain comes from medications. For example, using NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can irritate the stomach lining and cause pain or indigestion, especially with long-term use. Menstruation can also cause stomach pain. Menstrual cramps are common in females and usually occur in the lower abdomen.
Sometimes, ovarian cysts or ovarian torsion may cause similar pain, but these are less common and usually more severe. Doctors may use tests like an abdominal ultrasound to find out what is causing the pain if it does not go away.
How It Causes the Symptom
Problems in the digestive system or nearby organs can lead to stomach pain. When tissues get stretched, blocked, or irritated, the body sends pain signals to the brain. Common triggers include:
- Infection, like a stomach virus or food poisoning.
- Gas or bloating stretching the intestines.
- Inflammation from conditions such as gastritis or ulcers.
- Blockage or pressure, as in constipation or gallstones.
- Chemical irritation from acid reflux.
Some conditions make the body react strongly. For example, infections often prompt the body to remove germs by causing vomiting or diarrhea. Both can lead to cramps or sharp pains as the intestines work harder to push out harmful substances. Below is a quick table showing some main causes and how they lead to stomach pain:
| Cause | Body Reaction | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Virus | Irritation, swelling | Pain, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Food poisoning | Inflammation, toxin reaction | Pain, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Ulcers | Tissue damage, acid exposure | Burning pain, sometimes bleeding |
| Blockage | Stretching intestine or duct | Cramping pain, bloating |
| Inflammatory disease | Swelling, tissue irritation | Persistent pain, bloody diarrhea |
Severe inflammation can damage blood vessels. This sometimes leads to bloody diarrhea, especially with infections or chronic diseases like colitis. The location and type of pain—cramps, bloating, sharp or dull—often depend on the cause.
Possible Complications
Stomach pain may sometimes point to more serious health problems. If left untreated, it can cause further complications, especially if accompanied by a high fever, vomiting, or blood in stool. Some possible complications include:
- Dehydration: Severe vomiting or diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration. Common signs are dry mouth, dizziness, and dark urine.
- Infection: Infections in the digestive system may spread to other organs or cause abscesses.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Blocked intestines can cause sharp pain, swelling, and possible tissue damage if not treated.
- Ulcer Perforation: Stomach ulcers may create holes in the stomach lining, causing sudden and intense pain.
- Hernia Complications: If part of the intestine gets trapped, it may lose blood supply, leading to tissue death and infection.
| Symptom | Possible Complication |
|---|---|
| High fever | Infection, inflammation |
| Blood in stool | Ulcer, cancer, infection |
| Ongoing vomiting | Dehydration, blockage |
| Severe sharp pain | Perforation, obstruction |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Stomach pain is common, but sometimes it needs quick attention. Some symptoms mean a person may need urgent medical care. Signs that need immediate attention include:
- Severe or unbearable pain
- Pain that does not go away after 30 minutes
- Bloody stools or vomit
- High fever
- Trouble breathing
- Pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the right side
People should also seek help if the pain comes with these symptoms:
- Abdominal swelling that is getting worse
- Vomiting for several hours
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Unable to pass stool or gas
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Sharp, sudden pain | Appendicitis, gallstones, obstruction |
| Blood in stool/vomit | Internal bleeding, infection |
| Fever | Infection, inflammation |
| Severe tenderness | Bowel problem, infection |
If you have severe, new pain or any of these warning signs, contact a doctor or go to the emergency room. Anyone unsure about their symptoms should check with a healthcare provider, especially if the pain feels different than usual or keeps coming back.
