Stomach pain

Find the first group that matches. Each one is a MySymptom care level, from most to least urgent.

1. Go to the ER now

   • Sudden, severe belly pain, or a belly that is hard and very tender to touch
   • Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
   • Black, tarry stools or a lot of blood from the bottom

2. Get seen today

   • Pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side, getting worse when you move
   • Severe pain that does not ease

3. Call your doctor today

   • Belly pain with a fever
   • Yellow skin or eyes with belly pain
   • Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down

4. Book a visit

   • Pain that lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back in the same spot
   • Weight loss you can't explain, or a lasting change in bowel habits
   • New heartburn that wakes you at night

5. Care for it at home

   • Mild cramps, gas or bloating that ease with rest, fluids and simple foods

Abdominal pain can be cramping, sharp, dull, burning, or a deep ache. It may be diffuse or pinpoint, constant or come in waves. Bloating, gurgling, nausea, and changes in bowel habits often accompany it. Pain that worsens after meals, with certain foods, or with bowel movements gives helpful information about what may be going on.

Stomach pain is an umbrella term for any discomfort in the abdomen, from the lower ribs down to the pelvis. Because so many organs live in this area, the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and reproductive organs, the cause can range from something as minor as gas to something that needs urgent attention. Most stomach aches, fortunately, are caused by everyday issues like indigestion, constipation, or a passing stomach bug.

The location of the pain, how it changed over time, and what makes it better or worse all give important clues. Pain that comes in waves around the navel and then settles in the lower right side, for example, behaves very differently from a steady upper-abdominal burning that flares after eating. Tracking these details before any clinical visit can speed up getting to the right answer.

• Indigestion and gas

  Eating too quickly, large meals, or gas-producing foods can cause cramping and bloating that ease on their own within a few hours.

• Constipation

  When stool moves too slowly through the colon, it can cause crampy pain in the lower abdomen, often relieved by a bowel movement.

• Stomach virus (gastroenteritis)

  Viral infections cause cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours with rest and fluids.

• Food intolerance or sensitivity

  Lactose, gluten, FODMAPs, and other triggers can cause bloating, cramping, and bowel changes shortly after eating.

• Acid reflux or gastritis

  Inflammation of the stomach lining or acid moving up the esophagus produces upper-abdominal burning that often worsens with spicy foods, alcohol, or NSAIDs.

• Menstrual cramps

  Hormonal cramping in the lower abdomen and pelvis is common in the days before and during menstruation.

• Urinary tract infection

  A UTI can cause lower abdominal discomfort along with burning urination, urgency, or cloudy urine.

These steps are for mild symptoms with none of the warning signs above. Ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine.

• Sip water and rest the stomach

  Stop solid food for a few hours, sip water or clear fluids, and reintroduce bland foods like toast, rice, or bananas as you start feeling better.

• Heat on the abdomen

  A warm compress or hot water bottle on the lower belly can soothe cramping, especially menstrual or gas pain.

• Gentle movement

  A short walk can help move trapped gas and stimulate sluggish bowels.

• Probiotic foods

  Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic foods may help restore balance after a stomach bug or course of antibiotics.

• Avoid common irritants

  Skip alcohol, caffeine, spicy and fatty foods, and NSAIDs while your stomach recovers.