These signs of stomach pain you should never ignore
Never underestimate the significance of a sudden stomach pain. Learn to recognize if your stomach pain indicates a more severe and perilous condition rather than a mere cramp.
- Acid Reflux
Description: A sensation of burning in the stomach, just below the breastbone, particularly after consuming a large meal.
Possible causes: Acid reflux or heartburn.
Recommended action: Take an over-the-counter antacid tablet for relief and avoid consuming fatty meals. If the stomach ache persists for several weeks, consult your doctor. Consider eliminating foods that can trigger heartburn.
- Constipation or Excessive Gas
Description: Stomach aches and discomfort around or below the navel accompanied by gas.
Possible causes: Constipation or excessive gas.
Recommended action: If constipation is suspected, try an over-the-counter laxative or anti-gas medication. If the pain continues for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Be mindful of foods that contribute to gas and stomach pain.
- Appendicitis
Description: Stomach aches characterized by sudden pain around the navel. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty passing stools, or tightening of the abdominal muscles.
Possible causes: Appendicitis.
Recommended action: Seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Appendicitis requires prompt treatment to prevent rupture and the spread of infectious fluid in the abdomen. Experiencing symptoms of acute appendicitis without an actual appendix issue is possible!
- Gallstones or Gallbladder Inflammation
Description: Abrupt abdominal pain on the right side that may radiate to other areas of the abdomen or back.
Possible causes: Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.
Recommended action: If the pain persists or worsens after consuming fatty foods, consult your doctor.
- Colon Disorder, UTI, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Description: Abdominal pain or sudden pain below the navel that spreads to either side.
Possible causes: Colon disorder, urinary tract infection (UTI), or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Recommended action: If the pain progressively worsens, contact your doctor who can order diagnostic tests or advise you to visit the emergency room. Be cautious of common infections that heighten the risk of a heart attack.
- Kidney Stones or Kidney/Bladder Infections
Description: A sudden, intense stomach ache or pain near the lower ribs that radiates towards the groin.
Possible causes: Kidney stones or, if accompanied by fever, infection of the kidneys or bladder.
Recommended action: Increase water intake and contact your doctor. Most kidney stones eventually pass naturally, although surgery may be necessary in rare cases. If fever is present, consult your doctor. Avoid making mistakes that jeopardize kidney health.
- Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Diverticulitis
Description: Abdominal pain, possibly sudden pain and tenderness in the lower left abdomen, along with fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Possible causes: Ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease.
Recommended action: Consult your doctor who may suggest a colonoscopy. Long-term treatment might be necessary.
- Intestinal Blockage, Perforated Appendix, or Intestinal Bleeding
Description: Disturbed stomach accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, blood in the stool, or vomiting.
Possible causes: Intestinal blockage, perforated appendix, or intestinal bleeding. Recommended action: These symptoms indicate internal bleeding. Proceed to the hospital immediately. Pay attention to other pains that could indicate a severe illness
- Persistent Illnesses
Description: Gradual onset of stomach ache, mild pain, or discomfort that lasts or recurs for weeks or months, occasionally accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or flatulence.
Possible causes: The presence of symptoms like bloating might be indicative of a chronic condition such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, food intolerance, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease.
Recommended action: Consult your doctor, who can provide a referral to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and care.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Description: Stomach ache or sudden abdominal pain, often accompanied by dizziness, particularly in older individuals who smoke or have high blood pressure. Possible causes: Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Recommended action: The expansion of the aorta can lead to life-threatening bleeding. Immediately go to the emergency room. Be cautious of symptoms that may indicate a serious medical condition.
