Stomach Pain? Why Your Stomach Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps

Stomach pain is one of the most common health complaints. Almost everyone experiences it at some point. Sometimes it's mild and goes away on its own. Other times, it can signal a more serious problem.

Understanding why your stomach hurts — and what to do next — can help you respond calmly and wisely.

This guide explains common causes of stomach pain, when to seek medical care, and safe, medically approved next steps.

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First: What Do We Mean by "Stomach" Pain?

When people say "stomach pain," they usually mean pain anywhere in the abdomen — the area between your chest and pelvis.

This area contains many important organs:

• Stomach
• Small and large intestines
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas
• Appendix
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Reproductive organs (in women)

Because so many organs are located here, stomach pain can have many different causes.

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Common Causes of Stomach Pain

Most stomach pain is not dangerous, but identifying patterns helps determine the cause.

1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Very common and often linked to:

• Eating too quickly
• Overeating
• Spicy or fatty foods
• Alcohol
• Stress

Symptoms may include:

• Burning sensation
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Feeling overly full

This type of stomach pain is usually temporary.

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2. Gas and Bloating

Gas can cause:

• Sharp or cramp-like stomach pain
• A feeling of pressure
• Relief after passing gas

This is uncomfortable but generally harmless.

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3. Stomach Virus (Gastroenteritis)

Often called the "stomach flu," though it is not influenza.

Symptoms:

• Cramping stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild fever

Most cases improve within a few days with rest and hydration.

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4. Constipation

When stool builds up in the intestines, it can cause:

• Lower stomach pain
• Bloating
• Hard stools
• Straining

Increasing fluids, fiber, and movement often helps.

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5. Acid Reflux or GERD

Acid from the stomach moves upward into the esophagus.

Symptoms:

• Burning in the upper stomach or chest
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Pain after meals or lying down

Lifestyle changes and medications can improve symptoms.

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6. Food Intolerance

Some people have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as:

• Dairy (lactose intolerance)
• Gluten
• High-fat foods

This can trigger stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhea after eating specific foods.

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More Serious Causes of Stomach Pain

While less common, some causes require urgent medical care.

Appendicitis

• Pain often starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side
• Worsens over hours
• May include fever, nausea, vomiting

This is a medical emergency.

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Gallstones

• Sharp pain in the upper right stomach
• Often after eating fatty meals
• Pain may spread to the back or shoulder

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Pancreatitis

• Severe upper stomach pain
• Pain radiates to the back
• Nausea and vomiting

This requires urgent medical evaluation.

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Stomach Ulcers

• Burning stomach pain
• Worse when the stomach is empty
• May improve temporarily after eating

Untreated ulcers can bleed.

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Kidney Stones

• Severe side or lower stomach pain
• Pain comes in waves
• May cause blood in urine

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department if stomach pain is accompanied by:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Pain lasting more than several hours and getting worse
• High fever
• Vomiting blood
• Black or bloody stool
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Fainting
• A rigid or hard abdomen
• Pregnancy with severe pain

Do not ignore severe stomach pain. While many causes are mild, some conditions can become life-threatening if untreated.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If your stomach pain is mild and you have no emergency symptoms, consider these medically supported steps:

✅ Rest Your Stomach

• Avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy foods.
• Eat smaller meals.
• Stick to bland foods (rice, toast, bananas).

✅ Stay Hydrated

• Drink water in small sips.
• Oral rehydration solutions can help if you have diarrhea.

✅ Apply Gentle Heat

• A heating pad may relieve cramping.

✅ Avoid NSAIDs (Like Ibuprofen) if Unsure

These medications can worsen certain stomach conditions like ulcers.

✅ Track Your Symptoms

Note:

• Location of the stomach pain
• Timing (after eating? at night?)
• Associated symptoms (fever, nausea, diarrhea)

Patterns help doctors make accurate diagnoses.

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Should You See a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Stomach pain lasts more than a few days
• It keeps coming back
• You experience unexplained weight loss
• You have persistent vomiting
• You are over 60 with new stomach pain
• You have chronic medical conditions

Even if symptoms seem mild, recurring stomach pain deserves medical attention.

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A Helpful First Step: Online Symptom Review

If you're unsure what might be causing your symptoms, a free AI-powered Abdominal pain symptom checker can help you understand your condition better and determine your next steps.

A structured symptom review can help you:

• Clarify possible causes
• Decide how urgent your situation may be
• Prepare for a conversation with a healthcare provider

This does not replace medical care, but it can help you take informed next steps.

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How Doctors Diagnose Stomach Pain

If you visit a healthcare professional, they may:

• Ask detailed questions about your stomach pain
• Perform a physical exam
• Order blood tests
• Recommend imaging (ultrasound, CT scan)
• Suggest stool or urine tests

In many cases, diagnosis is straightforward once patterns are clear.

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Preventing Future Stomach Pain

While not all stomach pain is preventable, these habits can reduce risk:

• Eat balanced meals
• Avoid overeating
• Limit alcohol
• Stay physically active
• Manage stress
• Wash hands regularly (to prevent stomach viruses)
• Avoid smoking

Small lifestyle adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

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The Bottom Line

Stomach pain is common — and most of the time, it is not serious. Causes like indigestion, gas, mild infections, or constipation often resolve with simple care.

However, severe or persistent stomach pain should never be ignored. Certain symptoms require urgent medical attention.

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.

• Monitor your symptoms.
• Consider using an Abdominal pain symptom checker to better understand what you're experiencing.
• And most importantly, speak to a doctor if your stomach pain could be serious, life-threatening, or simply not improving.

Your health is too important to guess.

Clear information, timely care, and professional medical guidance are the safest path forward.