Have you ever experienced that awful feeling of having crampy, achy and discomfort in your tummy? As if your tummy has been tied into a knot? Stomach pain is a very common complaint and everyone might have experienced it one or twice in their lifetime. It is usually harmless and will resolve itself after a few days or so. However, chronic stomach pain that lasts for weeks to months may be a warning sign of some severe underlying health conditions.

People often refer abdominal pain as stomach pain, however, it is important for you to know that the our abdomen does not include stomach only, but other organs as well such as intestines, appendix, kidneys, gallbladder, liver, pancreas. 

How is the pain? Where is the pain?

The types and location of pain can vary greatly. It is important to identify the types and location of pain, and any other symptoms such as vomiting and nausea as they may suggest the cause of stomach pain. 

Stomach pain can be: 

• Dull or sharp pain

• Burning pain

• Cramping 

• Intermittent or constant pain

• Pain that is localized to stomach only or spread to other areas of the abdomen such as right or left abdomen 

• Pain that radiates to other body parts such as the chest, back, neck, shoulder

Common causes of abdominal pain

1. Gastroenteritis 

Gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some people name it ‘stomach flu’. It typically causes abdominal pain accompanied with nausea, vomiting and loose stools. For most of the cases, gastroenteritis will go away itself within a few days or so without any special treatment and rehydration is the mainstay of treatment here. 

2. Excessive gas

Certain foods such as beans, onions, broccoli are more prone to provoke intestinal gas. When the gas accumulates in your stomach, this can often lead to pain due to pressure and bloating. 

3. Constipation

When you have difficulty in passing stools, you will usually experience a lower abdominal pain due to the build-up of digested food in your intestines. 

4. Indigestion

Indigestion often results from acid reflux. It happens when one is overly eating, eating too quickly or taking too much spicy and greasy food. It usually causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, sometimes moving up to the throat. 

5. Gastritis 

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Factors that can cause gastritis include Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of NSAIDs medications, and excessive alcohol use. It usually causes pain at your upper abdomen, and may come along with nausea and vomiting. 

6. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix and it typically causes initial pain at the central stomach area which could radiate to the lower right side of the abdomen. 

Some other more severe underlying causes include kidney stones, gallstones, diverticulitis, colon cancer. Make sure to see a doctor promptly if the pain does not go away after a few days or so or if the pain is worsening.

Self-care tips that you can do when you have abdominal pain

• Drink plenty of water 

• Eat smaller portion of meals avoid laying down after meal

• Manage stress as stress can often lead to abdominal pain 

• You can place some hot water bag on top of your abdomen to make you feel better

• Limit alcohol and caffeine as can worsen the abdominal pain

• Avoid food that can lead to intestinal gas and indigestion such as fatty food, beans, onions

When to see a doctor?

• Pain that is getting worse and unbearable

• Pain that spreads to your chest, neck, shoulders

• Pain accompanied with shortness of breath

• Persistent vomiting for more than a day 

• Vomit blood

• Bloody or black stools

• Fever along with stomach pain

• Unable to urinate or pass stools

Take good care of your gut from today onwards !

A word from DOC2US

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References

1. Medical News Today - What causes upper stomach pain? 

2. Better Health Channel - Abdominal pain in adults

3. Health direct - Abdominal pain

4. Healthline - What's causing your abdominal pain and how to treat it

5. NHS - Stomach ache 

6. Medical News Today - 15 possible causes of abdominal pain 

Written by

Ms Li Vern Tan