Digestive
Abdominal pain
Also known as: Stomach ache, Belly pain
Abdominal pain condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Abdominal pain is a symptom, not a single disease. It may come from food, infection, gas, ulcers, or reproductive issues. Location, timing, and accompanying symptoms help guide assessment.
Symptoms
- Burning, cramping, or pressure-like pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Fever if infection is present
Causes
Causes include spoiled food, gut infections, peptic ulcers, IBS, reproductive tract infections, and sometimes emergencies such as appendicitis.
Treatment (general information)
For mild pain, rest the stomach, drink fluids, and avoid heavy meals. Persistent or severe pain needs clinical assessment. Do not take many pain medicines without advice.
Prevention
Eat clean food, wash hands, drink safe water, and avoid excess alcohol or unprescribed painkillers.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, a rigid belly, vomiting blood, black stools, or pain in pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
- Can gas alone cause pain?
- Yes, but if pain is recurrent or severe, other causes should be checked.
- What should I eat during pain?
- Soft foods and fluids are often advised briefly. Follow clinical guidance if symptoms continue.