Stomach Pain: Common Causes & When to Seek Care

Stomach pain is common, but the term "stomach pain" can describe pain anywhere in the abdomen. Causes range from gas, indigestion and constipation to infections, kidney stones, gallstones, appendicitis and other conditions that may require medical treatment.

The location, pattern, duration and associated symptoms are often more useful than pain intensity alone when deciding how urgently someone should be assessed.

What can cause stomach or abdominal pain?

Common causes include:

• Gas and bloating
• Indigestion or acid reflux
• Constipation
• Food poisoning or gastroenteritis
• Food intolerance
• Muscle strain
• Menstrual cramps

Other causes can include:

• Appendicitis
• Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hernia
• Pancreatitis
• Gynecological conditions
• Other conditions affecting abdominal organs

Because many different organs are located in the abdomen, identifying the cause may require a clinical history, physical examination and, in some cases, blood or urine tests or imaging.

Why does the location of pain matter?

The location of abdominal pain can provide useful clues, although it does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Upper abdominal pain

Pain in the upper abdomen can occur with indigestion, reflux, ulcers, gallbladder problems and several other conditions. Upper abdominal symptoms can occasionally overlap with chest or heart-related problems, so associated symptoms matter.

Lower abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain can occur with constipation, bowel problems, urinary conditions and, depending on the person, gynecological conditions. Pain that becomes localized to the lower right abdomen can occur with appendicitis and deserves medical assessment, particularly if it is worsening.

Pain that moves to the back or groin

Pain radiating toward the back or groin can occur with conditions such as kidney stones or gallbladder problems, but several other causes are possible.

What can you do for mild abdominal discomfort?

If the discomfort is mild and there are no warning signs, some simple measures may help depending on the suspected cause:

• Drink adequate fluids.
• Eat smaller, simpler meals if heavy meals worsen symptoms.
• Avoid foods that repeatedly trigger your symptoms.
• Limit alcohol if it aggravates the discomfort.
• Rest if the symptoms occur during an otherwise mild illness.
• Keep track of foods, bowel movements and symptoms if the problem recurs.

Medicines for indigestion, constipation or other symptoms may be appropriate in some situations, but the correct treatment depends on the cause. Avoid repeatedly treating unexplained abdominal pain without medical assessment.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical advice if:

• The pain does not improve or keeps coming back.
• The pain is becoming more severe or frequent.
• You have persistent bloating.
• You have ongoing diarrhoea or constipation.
• You have pain or burning when urinating.
• You have unexplained weight loss or prolonged poor appetite.
• You have persistent vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down.
• You develop fever together with abdominal pain.
• You are pregnant or could be pregnant and have abdominal pain.
• The pain repeatedly occurs after meals or interferes with daily activities.

When is stomach pain an emergency?

Stomach pain with vomiting or diarrhoea

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. The main concern in significant cases is dehydration.

Seek medical advice if vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down, urine becomes markedly reduced, symptoms are severe, there is blood in the stool or vomit, or the illness is not improving as expected.

Stomach pain on the lower right side

Pain that becomes focused in the lower right abdomen can occur with appendicitis. Appendicitis may also cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever or difficulty passing gas, although not everyone has every symptom.

Do not try to diagnose appendicitis yourself. Worsening or severe localized abdominal pain should receive prompt medical assessment.

Stomach pain during pregnancy

Abdominal or pelvic pain during pregnancy can have many causes, some harmless and others requiring urgent evaluation. Significant, persistent or worsening pain during pregnancy should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

What information helps a doctor assess abdominal pain?

If you seek medical advice, it can help to note:

• Where the pain started and where it is now
• Whether the pain is constant or comes in waves
• When the pain began
• Whether it is getting better, worse or staying the same
• Whether the pain moves to the back, shoulder or groin
• Relationship to meals or bowel movements
• Vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
• Fever or chills
• Urinary symptoms
• Menstrual or pregnancy-related information when relevant
• Medicines and supplements you are taking
• Any recent injury or unusual food exposure

Frequently asked questions

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This article is for general educational information and does not replace professional medical evaluation. Doctor24 is not an emergency service. If you have a medical emergency, seek immediate in-person emergency care.