Most people experience stomach pain from time to time. But knowing when to speak with a medical provider about your stomach pain is essential to getting care when you need it most.
It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if your stomach pain is severe, comes on suddenly, or occurs after an accident or injury. You should also reach out to your provider if you experience stomach pain accompanied by any additional severe symptoms.
When to See a Doctor for Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can disrupt your quality of life, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks like performing at work, socializing, or running errands. Thankfully, many cases of stomach pain resolve on their own within a few days. But there are a few signs to watch out for that should warrant medical attention:
Stomach pain that lasts for one week or longer
Severe stomach pain that occurs with nausea and vomiting and doesn’t improve within 48 hours
Severe bloating that does not improve within two days
Burning sensation while urinating
Diarrhea for more than five days
Prolonged poor appetite
Prolonged vaginal bleeding
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Types of Stomach Pain
Many people use the term “stomach pain” to refer to any pain experienced in the general abdominal area. But where you feel pain can help to identify where it’s coming from. Possible locations of stomach pain include:
Digestion-related: Pain in the upper or lower left quadrant of the abdomen, where the stomach, spleen, intestines, and colons are located.
Appendix-related: Pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen may signal a problem with your appendix.
Pancreas, gallbladder, or liver-related: Pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen may signal a problem with your pancreas, gallbladder, or liver.
The type of stomach pain you’re experiencing can also help your provider to determine the underlying cause. When speaking about your symptoms, try to clarify what type of pain you’re having, including:
Cramps
Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Sharp pain
Dull or gnawing pain
Common Causes
There are many possible causes of stomach pain, which can make it difficult to identify the underlying cause. Stomach pain can be brought on by troubles with digestion, menstruation, or infection. Some common causes of stomach pain include:
A viral or bacterial infection
Indigestion
Gastroenteritis
Constipation
Food poisoning
Menstrual cramps
Urinary tract infections
Gallstones
Kidney stones
Appendicitis
Diverticulitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Ovulation
Cysts or ulcers
Uterine fibroids
Endometriosis
Interstitial cystitis
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic adhesions
Pancreatitis
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
In rare cases, stomach pain can be a symptom of a serious condition. It’s important to watch out for certain symptoms that warrant emergency medical care. If you experience any of the following, please seek immediate medical care:
Inability to pass stool
Vomiting blood
Chest, neck, or shoulder pain
Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
Pain in or in-between your shoulder blades with nausea
Tenderness in the belly, or a belly that is rigid and hard to the touch
Difficulty breathing
You should also seek emergency medical care if you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain while pregnant or undergoing cancer treatment.
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At-Home Relief for Mild Stomach Pain
There are several things you can do at home to soothe mild stomach pain, including:
Sip water or other clear fluids
Avoid solid food for the first couple of hours
If you’ve been vomiting or having diarrhea, try eating only small amounts of bland foods, like rice, applesauce, and toast
Sit upright after meals
How K Health Can Help
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