Stomach Pain? Why Your Gut Is Hurting & Medically Approved Next Steps

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Almost everyone experiences it at some point. Sometimes it's mild and passes quickly. Other times, it can be persistent, severe, or a sign of something more serious.

Understanding why your stomach hurts is the first step toward relief. Below, you'll find medically grounded information on common causes of stomach pain, warning signs to watch for, and practical next steps you can take today.

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What Is "Stomach Pain," Exactly?

Many people use the term stomach pain to describe discomfort anywhere in the abdomen — the area between your chest and pelvis. The pain may feel:

• Dull or sharp
• Crampy or burning
• Constant or coming in waves
• Mild or severe
• Localized to one area or spread out

Your abdomen contains many organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. That's why stomach pain can have many different causes.

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Common Causes of Stomach Pain

Most cases of stomach pain are not life-threatening. Here are some of the most frequent reasons your gut may be hurting:

1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Often triggered by:

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

You may feel burning, bloating, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

2. Gas and Bloating

Gas buildup in the intestines can cause:

• Cramping
• Pressure
• Sharp pains that move around
• Relief after passing gas

This is common and usually harmless.

3. Constipation

When stool moves too slowly through the intestines, it can cause:

• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Bloating
• Straining
• Hard or infrequent bowel movements

4. Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Often caused by viruses, symptoms may include:

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild fever

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

5. Acid Reflux (GERD)

Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can cause:

• Burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Symptoms after meals or when lying down

6. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A common digestive disorder that may cause:

• Recurrent stomach pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Bloating
• Symptoms that improve after a bowel movement

IBS is chronic but manageable with lifestyle and dietary adjustments.

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Causes That Require Medical Attention

While many causes of stomach pain are mild, some require prompt evaluation.

Appendicitis

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

Appendicitis is a medical emergency and usually requires surgery.

Gallstones

• Sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain after fatty meals
• May radiate to the back or shoulder

Pancreatitis

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

Kidney Stones

• Sharp pain in the side or back
• Pain that comes in waves
• Blood in urine

Ulcers

• Burning upper abdominal pain
• Pain that may improve or worsen with eating
• Possible nausea or black stools

Bowel Obstruction

• Severe cramping
• Vomiting
• Inability to pass stool or gas
• Abdominal swelling

These conditions should not be ignored.

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When Is Stomach Pain an Emergency?

Seek immediate medical care if you have stomach pain with:

• Severe or worsening pain
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Black or bloody stools
• Fainting or dizziness
• A rigid or hard abdomen
• Chest pain or trouble breathing

These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening condition. Do not delay care.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If your stomach pain is mild and you have no emergency symptoms, you can try these medically recommended steps:

✅ Rest Your Gut

• Avoid large or heavy meals
• Choose bland foods (rice, toast, bananas, broth)
• Eat small portions

✅ Stay Hydrated

• Drink water regularly
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, use oral rehydration solutions

✅ Adjust Your Diet

Consider reducing:

• Fatty foods
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks

For some people, limiting dairy or high-FODMAP foods may help.

✅ Manage Stress

The gut and brain are closely connected. Stress can worsen stomach pain. Try:

• Gentle movement
• Deep breathing
• Adequate sleep

✅ Over-the-Counter Options (If Appropriate)

• Antacids for acid-related pain
• Fiber supplements for constipation
• Simethicone for gas

If symptoms persist, don't rely on self-treatment alone.

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How Doctors Evaluate Stomach Pain

If you see a healthcare provider, they may:

• Ask about the location, duration, and type of pain
• Review your diet and bowel habits
• Check for fever or tenderness
• Order blood tests
• Recommend imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) if needed

Be ready to describe:

• When the pain started
• What makes it better or worse
• Any associated symptoms

Clear information helps guide diagnosis.

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Should You Do a Symptom Check?

If you're experiencing unexplained discomfort and want to better understand what might be causing it, using a free AI-powered tool to check your abdominal pain symptoms can provide clarity in minutes.

A structured symptom check can help you:

• Organize your symptoms
• Understand possible causes
• Decide whether you should seek urgent care
• Prepare for a doctor's visit

It's not a replacement for medical care, but it can be a helpful first step.

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Chronic or Recurring Stomach Pain

If your stomach pain keeps coming back, it's important not to ignore it. Ongoing pain may signal:

• IBS
• Chronic acid reflux
• Food intolerances
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Ulcers
• Gallbladder issues

Long-term symptoms deserve a proper evaluation. Chronic pain can often be managed effectively once the cause is identified.

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Special Considerations

In Children

Stomach pain is common and often mild, but seek care if:

• The child is lethargic
• Pain is severe or localized
• There is persistent vomiting or fever

During Pregnancy

Any new or severe stomach pain should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

In Older Adults

Abdominal pain may present less clearly but carry greater risk. Early evaluation is wise.

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The Bottom Line

Stomach pain is common — and most of the time, it's caused by something minor like indigestion, gas, or a temporary stomach bug. However, some causes are serious and require urgent medical care.

Pay attention to:

• The severity of your pain
• How long it lasts
• Associated symptoms
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fever, vomiting, or bleeding

If you are unsure, getting a fast assessment of your abdominal pain through a free online symptom checker can help you decide your next steps with confidence.

Most importantly: Speak to a doctor promptly if your stomach pain is severe, worsening, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. Life-threatening causes are uncommon, but early treatment can make a critical difference.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don't wait.