Why does my stomach hurt?
General information only. This article explains the basics and is not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to a doctor or other qualified professional.
Quick answer
Most stomach aches are caused by everyday problems such as indigestion, trapped gas, constipation, overeating, food intolerance or a stomach bug, and they usually get better on their own within a few days. Severe, sudden or persistent pain, or pain with warning signs like vomiting blood or a high fever, needs urgent medical help.
“Stomach ache” usually means pain anywhere in the belly (abdomen), not just the stomach itself. The type of pain and when it happens can offer clues, but only a doctor can diagnose the cause.
Common causes
| Cause | Typical signs |
|---|---|
| Indigestion | Burning or discomfort in the upper belly after eating |
| Gas and bloating | Crampy pain that moves around, relieved by passing wind |
| Constipation | Lower belly discomfort, hard or infrequent stools |
| Stomach bug (gastroenteritis) | Cramps with diarrhea or vomiting |
| Food intolerance | Pain or bloating after foods like dairy |
| Period pain | Cramping in the lower belly around a period |
| Stress and anxiety | “Knots” or churning, often before stressful events |
When to get urgent help
Health services advise urgent medical help for stomach pain that is:
- Sudden and severe, or keeps getting worse
- Accompanied by vomiting blood or black, tarry or bloody stools
- Accompanied by a high fever, a hard, swollen belly, or being unable to pass urine or stools
- Following an injury, or happening during pregnancy
- Focused in the lower right side and worsening, which can be a sign of appendicitis
Call your local emergency number if the pain is very severe or the person collapses.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if stomach pain keeps coming back, lasts more than a few days, or comes with weight loss, trouble swallowing or changes in bowel habits.
Changes in stool color can also be a clue; see why poop changes color.
Sources
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