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Stomach Aches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Care

Stomach aches, also called abdominal pain, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain caused by various conditions, including gas, indigestion, infections, or serious issues like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Recognising the cause, location, and severity of pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is a Stomach Ache?

A stomach ache refers to pain occurring anywhere between the chest and the pelvic region. It can feel sharp, dull, intermittent, cramp-like, or achy. Although people call it a stomach ache, the pain doesn’t always come from the stomach—it can be linked to other organs such as the intestines, gallbladder, liver, urinary tract, or reproductive organs.

👉 Learn more about digestive disorders and symptoms (external link).

Types of Abdominal Pain

Localized Pain

This pain affects one area of the abdomen, often linked to issues like stomach ulcers, where open sores form on the stomach’s lining.

Cramp-like Pain

Crampy pain is often associated with gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. In women, it may relate to menstrual cramps, miscarriage, or reproductive health conditions.

Bacterial or Parasitic Infections

Infections such as food poisoning, Salmonella, or intestinal parasites can trigger severe stomach pain, often accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever.

General Abdominal Discomfort

Sometimes the pain feels widespread. It can result from conditions in the digestive tract, chest organs, urinary tract, or reproductive system.

Common Causes of Stomach Ache

Digestive Disorders

Conditions such as acid reflux (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and hiatal hernia can cause stomach pain, especially after eating or lying flat.

👉 Related: GERD and acid reflux management tips (external link).

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to viral or bacterial infection causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and cramps.

Salmonella Infection

According to the CDC, Salmonella causes over 1.2 million infections annually in the U.S., mostly from contaminated food or water.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs often cause burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain. Women are more prone to UTIs than men.

👉 Read: How to prevent urinary tract infections (external link).

Prostatitis

In men, inflammation of the prostate gland can cause abdominal, groin, and lower back pain along with urinary problems.

Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis)

Gallstones or infections may cause upper right abdominal pain, nausea, and fever, especially after fatty meals.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

In women, PID caused by STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse.

Appendicitis

A common and serious cause of stomach aches, appendicitis starts with pain in the lower right abdomen that worsens over time. Surgery is usually required.

Symptoms That May Accompany a Stomach Ache

Abdominal swelling or bloating
Belching or gas

Constipation or diarrhoea
Nausea or vomiting
Bloody stool (black, tarry, or red)

Indigestion or cramping

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seek urgent care if you experience:

Sudden, severe stomach pain
Vomiting blood or passing bloody stool
Inability to pass stool or gas

Chest, shoulder, or neck pain with abdominal pain
Stomach pain during pregnancy
History of cancer with new abdominal pain

👉 For emergencies, visit your nearest emergency care centre (external link).

Lifestyle Tips for Preventing Stomach Aches

Eat a high-fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Avoid overeating and late-night meals
Drink plenty of water to support digestion
Wash your hands before eating to prevent foodborne infections

Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep daily

👉 Related internal article: Best foods for digestion and gut health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the most common causes of stomach aches?

The most common causes include indigestion, gas, gastroenteritis, ulcers, urinary tract infections, and appendicitis.

2. How can I tell if my stomachache is serious?

If you experience severe pain, vomiting blood, bloody stool, or persistent pain lasting more than 2 days, seek immediate medical care.

3. Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger indigestion, bloating, and cramp-like abdominal pain.

4. What home remedies help with stomach aches?

Drinking warm fluids, applying a heating pad, avoiding caffeine, and eating light meals can provide relief.

5. Should I see a doctor for recurrent stomach aches?

Yes. Frequent stomach pain could indicate underlying issues like IBS, ulcers, or gallbladder problems that require medical evaluation.

Conclusion

A stomach ache can be a mild inconvenience or a sign of a serious health issue. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and when to seek care is essential for proper treatment. By following a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of recurrent abdominal pain.

✨ If you experience ongoing or severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare professional.

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