Why does my stomach hurt

Abdominal discomfort, ranging from mild to severe sensations, occurs in the stomach area. Nearly everyone will experience a stomach ache at some stage.

While the majority of stomach pains are not alarming and can be readily managed by a healthcare professional, there are occasions when they may signal a more serious condition that necessitates medical care.

Types of stomach hurt

Various kinds of stomach pain exist, classified by the onset speed and duration:

Acute pain develops within a few hours or days and might be accompanied by additional symptoms.
Chronic pain persists for an extended period, ranging from weeks to months or longer, and can be intermittent.
Progressive pain intensifies gradually and typically is associated with other symptoms.

Stomach Pain Causes

Stomach pain, whether it’s a slight discomfort or intense cramps, can stem from numerous sources. Common causes include indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or menstrual cramps.

Additional reasons could be:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Food allergies
Appendicitis
Kidney stones
A urinary tract infection
Diverticulitis
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (enlargement in the main artery of the belly)
Bowel obstruction
Cancers of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
Ovarian cancer or cysts
Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
Reduced blood flow to the intestines due to a blocked vessel
Ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg growing outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube).

Recurrent Stomach

Pain Experiencing three or more stomach aches within a three-month period, especially if they are intense enough to disrupt your daily activities, is what doctors refer to as “recurrent stomach pain.”

Symptoms of Recurrent Stomach Pain

This pain varies among individuals. It can appear and disappear suddenly, or be continuous. It’s often described as a persistent dull ache or sharp cramps in the stomach. Accompanying symptoms may include diarrhea or nausea.

When to Consult a Doctor for Stomach Pain

Seek medical advice if your stomach pain is severe, persistent, or recurrent. Dial 911 immediately if the pain is due to a recent abdominal injury or accompanies chest pain.

You should also promptly see a doctor if you experience:

Inability to eat for over two days
Signs of dehydration like infrequent urination, dark urine, or extreme thirst
Inability to pass stools, particularly with vomiting
Pain during urination or frequent urges to urinate

Contact your doctor if:

Your abdomen is sensitive to touch
The pain persists for several hours

Other concerning symptoms warranting immediate medical attention include:

Vomiting blood
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Difficulty breathing
Constant vomiting
Abdominal swelling
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Pregnancy
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosing Stomach Pain

Given the multitude of potential causes, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination. They’ll inquire about your symptoms and the nature of your pain. For example, is it a sharp, intense pain or more of a mild, continuous ache?

Some additional questions your doctor might ask include:

Is the pain localized to a specific area or spread across your abdomen?
When do you experience pain? Is it constant or more frequent at certain times, like in the morning or night?
If the pain is intermittent, how long does it last each episode?
Do certain foods or alcohol trigger the pain?
Do you experience pain during your menstrual cycle?
How long have you been experiencing pain?
Does the pain radiate to your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
Are you taking any medications or herbal supplements?
Could you be pregnant?
Are there any activities or positions that relieve the pain, such as eating or lying on a particular side?
Are there activities or positions that exacerbate the pain?
Have you sustained any injuries recently?