Stomach pain is common, and seeing a loved one experience it can be concerning. This discomfort can stem from minor, temporary issues to more serious conditions. Understanding the potential origins of stomach pain can help provide context, though this information serves as a general guide and does not replace professional medical advice.
Everyday Digestive Discomfort
Many instances of stomach discomfort arise from routine digestive functioning and daily habits.
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a frequent culprit, characterized by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, bloating, and fullness after eating. This discomfort occurs when stomach acid irritates the digestive tract lining, sometimes exacerbated by eating too quickly or consuming fatty, spicy, or acidic foods.
Gas and bloating are common sources of abdominal pain, caused by gas accumulation in the intestines. This can result from swallowing air, consuming carbonated beverages, or the fermentation of certain foods by gut bacteria, leading to distension and pressure.
Constipation, defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool, can cause abdominal cramping and discomfort. Stool remaining in the colon for an extended period leads to increased pressure and pain.
Diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery stools, can also induce abdominal cramps as intestines contract rapidly to expel contents. Dietary factors play a large role, with certain foods acting as triggers for individuals with sensitivities to lactose or gluten. Stress and anxiety also directly impact the gut, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis,” leading to symptoms like stomach aches, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.
Hormonal and Reproductive Influences
For women, stomach pain can be linked to the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are common, typically occurring before or during a period. These cramps result from the uterus contracting to shed its lining, a process mediated by prostaglandins, which can cause pain ranging from mild to severe.
Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) is another cyclical cause of discomfort, experienced by some women around the middle of their menstrual cycle. This pain is usually felt on one side of the lower abdomen, caused by the rupture of the follicle releasing an egg, or irritation from fluid or blood released during ovulation.
Early pregnancy can also manifest with mild abdominal cramping, often similar to menstrual cramps, due to the uterus expanding and ligaments stretching as the embryo implants and grows.
Beyond cyclical occurrences, chronic conditions like endometriosis can cause persistent or severe abdominal pain. Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain, particularly during menstruation. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute to abdominal discomfort, sometimes due to enlarged ovaries or cysts, though pain is not a universal symptom.
Infections and Other Medical Conditions
Beyond everyday digestive issues and hormonal factors, stomach pain can signal various infections or medical conditions requiring attention.
Food poisoning, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water, typically leads to sudden abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within hours or days. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is another infectious cause, usually viral, resulting in inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to similar symptoms.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause lower abdominal pain or pressure, alongside frequent urination and a burning sensation during urination. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to inflammation of the bladder or kidneys.
Chronic conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are characterized by recurring abdominal pain or discomfort, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or both. The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it involves problems with how the brain and gut work together.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to persistent abdominal pain, weight loss, and severe diarrhea.
More acute conditions can also present with stomach pain. Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, typically causes sharp pain that starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, often worsening over time. Gallstones can cause sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after fatty meals, as they block bile ducts. Stomach ulcers, open sores in the stomach lining, can cause a burning pain in the upper abdomen, often relieved by eating but returning between meals.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Help
While many causes of stomach pain are benign and resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation.
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, especially if sudden and sharp, warrants immediate attention. Pain that intensifies or shifts location can signal conditions like appendicitis or other acute issues.
Accompanying symptoms like a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), persistent vomiting, or inability to keep liquids down are concerning.
Blood in vomit or stool, which might appear black and tarry or bright red, is a serious indicator requiring urgent medical care.
Pain following a recent abdominal injury, or pain that radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulder, should also prompt a quick visit to a healthcare provider. These signs suggest the pain may stem from something more serious than common digestive upset.