Dr. Tarun Chauhan, MBBS

|General Practitioner | Verified on Practo

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. It can range from a mild cramp to sharp, intense discomfort. While most causes are harmless and go away on their own, some signs need urgent attention.

Let’s understand the common causes and when to worry.

1. Common Causes of Stomach Pain:

a. Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

  • Usually felt after overeating, eating too fast, or consuming oily/spicy food.
  • Accompanied by bloating, gas, or belching.
  • Relieved with antacids or rest.

b. Gas and Bloating

  • Trapped air in the intestines causes sharp, shifting pain.
  • Common after high-fiber foods or aerated drinks.
  • Usually harmless.

c. Constipation

  • Irregular bowel movements can cause dull, lower abdominal discomfort.
  • Drinking water, fiber-rich foods help relieve it.

d. Gastritis or Acid Reflux

  • Burning sensation in upper stomach or chest, especially after meals or at night.
  • Caused by stomach acid irritating the lining.
  • Improves with dietary changes and medicines.

e. Food Poisoning or Infection

  • Sudden cramps with diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
  • Often caused by contaminated food or water.
  • Usually self-limited but may need hydration or antibiotics.

2. When Should You Worry?

Seek medical help immediately if you notice:

  • Severe pain that doesn’t improve in a few hours
  • Fever with chills, especially if vomiting
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Pain that radiates to chest, back, or shoulder
  • Pain with difficulty in passing urine or stools

These could indicate appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, pancreatitis, or other serious issues that require urgent treatment.

Tips to Prevent Stomach Pain:

  1. Eat on time and chew food properly
  2. Avoid excessive oily, spicy, or junk food
  3. Stay hydrated
  4. Manage stress
  5. Wash hands before eating

Final Words:

Stomach pain is common — but if it feels different, intense, or persistent, don’t ignore it. It’s always better to get it checked early than delay and regret later. For any stomach-related concern, feel free to consult me online through Practo.