What stomach pains should you never ignore?

What Stomach Pains Should You Never Ignore?

Stomach pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point. Most of the time, it's mild, short-lived, and linked to everyday causes like indigestion, gas, stress, or a stomach bug. However, some types of stomach pain can signal a serious medical problem that needs prompt attention.

Understanding which stomach pains should never be ignored can help you act early, protect your health, and avoid complications. This guide is based on widely accepted medical guidance from credible clinical sources and is written to be clear, practical, and calm—without downplaying real risks.

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When Stomach Pain Becomes Concerning

Not all stomach pain is equal. Doctors pay close attention to how the pain feels, where it is, how long it lasts, and what other symptoms are present. Pain that is severe, persistent, or unusual for you deserves closer attention.

In general, stomach pain should never be ignored if it:

• Is sudden and severe
• Gets worse instead of better
• Comes with alarming symptoms
• Interferes with normal daily activities
• Feels different from pain you've had before

If you're experiencing symptoms and want to understand what they might mean, Ubie offers a free AI-powered symptom checker for Abdominal pain that can help guide your next steps in just a few minutes.

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Types of Stomach Pain You Should Not Ignore

1. Sudden, Severe Stomach Pain

Stomach pain that comes on quickly and feels intense or unbearable can be a medical emergency.

Possible causes include:

• Appendicitis
• A perforated stomach or intestine
• A twisted intestine (volvulus)
• A ruptured abdominal aneurysm

This type of stomach pain often:

• Appears without warning
• Worsens with movement
• Does not improve with rest or home remedies

Action: Seek urgent medical care immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes.

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2. Stomach Pain With Fever

When stomach pain is paired with a fever, it often suggests infection or inflammation.

Possible causes include:

• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Gallbladder infection
• Kidney infection
• Severe food poisoning

You should be especially cautious if the fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by chills.

Action: Speak to a doctor, especially if the pain lasts more than 24 hours or worsens.

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3. Stomach Pain With Persistent Vomiting or Nausea

Occasional nausea can happen with mild stomach pain, but ongoing vomiting is not normal.

Concerning signs include:

• Inability to keep fluids down
• Vomiting that lasts more than a day
• Vomiting bile (green or yellow fluid)
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

These symptoms may indicate:

• Bowel obstruction
• Pancreatitis
• Severe infection
• Internal bleeding

Action: Contact a healthcare provider promptly, as dehydration and complications can develop quickly.

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4. Stomach Pain With Blood in Stool or Black Stools

Blood is never something to ignore.

Warning signs include:

• Bright red blood in stool
• Black, tarry stools
• Stomach pain with unexplained anemia or fatigue

Possible causes:

• Stomach or intestinal bleeding
• Ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Certain cancers

Action: This requires medical evaluation. Speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

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5. Severe Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen is a classic sign of appendicitis, especially when it:

• Starts near the belly button and moves right
• Gets worse over several hours
• Is accompanied by nausea or fever
• Hurts more when you walk or cough

Appendicitis can become life-threatening if the appendix bursts.

Action: Do not ignore this pain. Seek urgent medical care.

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6. Upper Right Stomach Pain After Eating

Stomach pain under the right ribs, especially after fatty meals, may point to gallbladder problems.

Concerning features:

• Sharp or cramping pain
• Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

Possible causes:

• Gallstones
• Gallbladder infection

Action: Speak to a doctor, especially if pain keeps returning or worsens.

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7. Stomach Pain With Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath

Sometimes pain felt in the stomach is actually coming from the heart.

This is more likely if:

• The pain is in the upper abdomen
• You feel pressure or tightness
• You have shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness
• You have risk factors like diabetes or heart disease

Action: This may be a medical emergency. Seek immediate care.

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8. Stomach Pain That Wakes You at Night

Pain severe enough to wake you from sleep is more concerning than pain felt during the day.

Possible causes include:

• Ulcers
• Acid-related disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Certain infections

Action: Ongoing nighttime stomach pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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9. Stomach Pain With Unintended Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, especially along with stomach pain, should always be taken seriously.

Possible causes:

• Chronic infections
• Digestive diseases
• Hormonal disorders
• Cancers of the digestive system

Action: Speak to a doctor for further evaluation.

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10. Stomach Pain During Pregnancy

While some stomach pain can be normal in pregnancy, certain symptoms are not.

Concerning signs:

• Severe or one-sided pain
• Pain with bleeding
• Pain with dizziness or fainting

These may suggest:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Placental problems
• Infection

Action: Contact a healthcare provider or seek urgent care.

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How Doctors Evaluate Stomach Pain

When you speak to a doctor about stomach pain, they may ask about:

• Location and type of pain
• Duration and intensity
• Recent meals or travel
• Medications and medical history
• Associated symptoms

Tests may include blood work, imaging, stool tests, or endoscopy, depending on the situation.

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When to Seek Immediate Help

You should seek emergency care for stomach pain if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain
• Pain with fainting or confusion
• Rigid or swollen abdomen
• High fever with pain
• Signs of internal bleeding

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A Calm but Important Reminder

Most stomach pain is not dangerous, and many cases are treatable with simple care. However, ignoring serious stomach pain can delay diagnosis and make treatment more difficult.

If something feels severe, unusual, or frightening, trust your instincts. You are not overreacting by getting checked.

Before or between appointments, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Abdominal pain symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and prepare questions for your doctor—but this should never replace professional medical care.

Always speak to a doctor about stomach pain that could be serious or life-threatening. Early medical advice can make a meaningful difference in outcomes and peace of mind.