Stomach Pain: When to Worry About Stomach Ache

Stomach pains are often caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion and are generally not a cause for concern. However, when stomach pain becomes frequent or intense, it could be a sign of more serious conditions, such as pancreatic diseases. To distinguish between a simple discomfort and a serious problem, it's essential to observe when, how, and where the pain occurs, as well as what relieves or worsens it.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain

Harmless abdominal pain tends to disappear within two hours. Common causes include:

• Gas: Gas in the stomach and intestines can cause pain and cramps, often accompanied by belching or flatulence.
• Bloating: Caused by the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract, it leads to a feeling of fullness and cramps.
• Constipation: Difficulty in passing stool, often with fewer than two bowel movements per week, can result in bloating, cramps, and rectal pain.
• Indigestion: Manifesting as a burning sensation or stomach pain after eating.
• Stomach Flu: Stomach pain may precede episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.

Severe Stomach Pain

In more serious cases, abdominal pain can become constant or worsen, signaling more serious conditions:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can lead to dangerous infections if left untreated. Appendectomy is the standard treatment.
• Stomach Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers): Sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that can cause bleeding or perforation if not treated.
• Gallstones: Formed from cholesterol and other substances in the gallbladder, they can cause inflammation and may require gallbladder removal.
• Kidney Stones: Crystals formed in the urine that can cause severe pain; they may pass on their own or require surgical removal.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas affects insulin and glucagon production, causing severe abdominal pain.
• Hernia: A protrusion of internal tissues through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, with various types depending on the location of the bulge.

When to See a Doctor

It’s advisable to contact your GP if mild pain persists for more than a couple of days or if severe abdominal pain is accompanied by other symptoms.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• You experience very sharp, severe, and sudden abdominal pain.
• You feel pain in your chest, neck, or shoulder.
• You vomit blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena).
• You have a high fever.
• You have difficulty breathing.
• You suffer from constant nausea and/or vomiting.
• Your abdomen is rigid, hard, and painful to touch.

When to Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

• The stomach pain does not go away within a couple of days.
• The pain returns after subsiding.
• Symptoms like diarrhea do not go away within a couple of days.
• Urination is more or less frequent and/or painful.
• You experience unintentional weight loss.

Knowing your body and paying attention to the signals it sends is crucial. If abdominal pain becomes unusual and persistent, it’s important to consult a specialist for a more accurate evaluation.

Learn more about the gastroenterology services at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.