Abdominal pain & stomach pain causes & treatment

We all have stomachaches, or abdominal pain from time to time. Though it’s seldom serious, it can be a sign that something inside your body is not functioning the way it should – especially if you have severe or sharp stomach pain.

What symptoms are associated with stomach or abdominal pain?

• Bloating or swelling that lasts more than a few days
• Bloody or dark stools
• Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination
• Changes in bowel habits
• Chest pain (get prompt medical attention)
• Diarrhea for more than five days
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever over 100 degrees
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Recent injury or accident
• Unexpected weight loss
• Vomiting blood or dark material

When to seek medical attention for abdominal pain & stomach pain

Call your doctor if you have sharp or severe stomach pain, if you experience stomach pain without improvement for 24 to 48 hours or if you are also experiencing other symptoms associated with stomach or abdominal pain such as those listed above. Any of these additional conditions could indicate a more serious underlying cause that requires medical treatment.

What causes stomach pain? What causes abdominal pain?

Causes range from gas or a pulled muscle to something as serious as an internal infection or heart attack. However, common causes of abdominal or stomach pain can be classified into three general categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction.

• Digestive problems: Indigestion, constipation and diarrhea can cause acute abdominal pain, as can food allergies or food poisoning.
• Inflammation: Chronic abdominal pain can be caused by inflammation from the stomach flu, a peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , gallstones, pancreatitis or a urinary tract infection.
• Female reproductive organ pain: Abdominal pain related to the reproductive cycle could be from menstrual cramps, ovulation or inflammation in the reproductive organs.

What are less common causes of abdominal pain symptoms?

Though abdominal pain is frequently benign, it may sometimes suggest more worrisome problems, like those of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or stomach. Other conditions may also cause progressive abdominal pain or stomach discomfort over time. Those include:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Chron’s disease
• Heart and vascular issues
• Hepatitis C
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoporosis
• Psoriasis

How are abdominal pain and stomach aches diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history. There are many different kinds of stomach pains, and your doctor may ask if it's mild or severe, burning or achy, dull or sharp, crampy or colicky, in one spot or all over, constant or in waves.

The location of your pain may say a lot, whether it’s upper right side abdominal pain or lower left abdominal pain. Identifying where your discomfort originates gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause.

Generalized or centrally located abdominal pain

• General: Appendicitis, urinary tract infection, Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome
• Upper abdomen: GERD, gallstones, pancreatitis or heart attack
• Middle abdomen: Pancreatitis, appendicitis, intestinal blockage or thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Lower abdomen: Lower abdominal pain can be a result of diverticulitis, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy or inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis)

Upper and lower left abdominal pain

• Upper left abdomen: Shingles, spleen infection, heart attack or hiatal hernia
• Lower left abdomen: Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or kidney stone disease

Upper and lower right side abdominal pain

• Upper right abdomen: Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), hepatitis, fecal impaction (hardened stools) or peptic ulcer
• Lower right abdomen pain: Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), ovarian cysts, appendicitis or stomach flu

What tests are used to diagnose abdominal pain and stomachache?

Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your digestive system and other organs. These tests may include X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound, CT scans, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, endoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Laparoscopy may be used both to diagnose and treat stomach pain.

What helps with stomach pain?

If you’re wondering how to relieve stomach pain immediately, it helps to know what your options for stomach pain treatment are. Given the many causes of stomach pain, treatments options vary. Consult with your doctor if your pain requires frequent or urgent intervention.

Over-the-counter medications for stomach pain

• Medications with simethicone: Gas pain or bloating
• Antacids and acid-reducing medications: Belching, stomach fullness or acid reflux
• Laxatives or stool softeners: Bloating from constipation

Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can irritate the stomach.

Are stool softerners the same as laxatives?

A laxative is a substance that makes it easier to pass stool when you're constipated. Stool softeners are a mild kind of laxative. They work by adding water to the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.

Prescription medications for stomach pain

Some conditions also may benefit from prescription medication.

• Steroids: Reduce pain and inflammation from conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Proton pump inhibitors: Disorders that are worsened by stomach acid like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux
• Antibiotics: Bacterial conditions or ulcers related to H. pylori

Learn more about prescription drug coverage.

Is surgery used to treat stomach and abdominal pain?

If testing shows your pain is related to gastrointestinal conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, duct or intestinal blockage or appendicitis, you may need surgery. Abdominal pain related to reproductive issues such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids or blocked fallopian tubes may also require surgery.

How can you prevent stomach pain?

Some stomach pains are unavoidable because they can be a symptom of a serious medical condition that’s developed over time. But when that’s not the case, and you know your pain is related to eating or physical activity, you can take steps to prevent it in the future.

Change your eating habits

• Eat more slowly
• Take smaller bites
• Have several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals
• Avoid eating things that upset your stomach such as spicy foods, dairy products or foods that cause gas
• Drink plenty of clear fluids, especially if you’re prone to urinary tract infections, constipation or kidney stones

Use good judgment when you exercise

• See your doctor before beginning any new exercise program
• Always stretch before and after physical activity
• Start slow and know your physical limitations
• Build up your pace and intensity gradually over time
• Stay hydrated before, during and after exercise