[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches\/","headline":"Stomach Pain: When to Worry About Stomach Ache","name":"Stomach Pain: When to Worry About Stomach Ache","description":"Most stomach pains are usually harmless, but some can lead to serious medical issues. Learn more stomach pains and what to watch out for.","datePublished":"2014-06-24","dateModified":"2023-08-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","name":"Digestive Disorders","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/digestive-disorders\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches\/","about":["Family Health","Health Topics A-Z","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":1039,"keywords":["abdominal pain","bowels","diarrhea","flu","gas","gastroenterologist","heartburn","indigestion","stomach pain","stress","vomiting"],"articleBody":"Everyone gets a stomach ache \u2014 or abdominal pain \u2014 from time to time. Usually, stomach pains are harmless conditions caused by\u00a0overeating, gas, or indigestion. Frequent or recurring sharp stomach pain often is due to stress and worry, even in children.But it can point to more serious medical problems like\u00a0pancreatic diseases.\u201cWhen I hear about abdominal pain, I am interested to hear about the details of how a patient experiences the pain,” says\u00a0Michael Kingsley, MD, a gastroenterologist at UPMC.Dr. Kingsley says to pay attention to when the pain occurs and what makes it better or worse and provide that information to your doctor.Common Causes of Stomach PainHarmless abdominal pain usually subsides or goes away within two hours. Some of the common causes for stomach pain are from:Gas: Formed in the stomach and intestines as your body breaks down food, gas can cause general stomach pain and cramps. This often can be indicated by belching or flatulence.Bloating: Related to gas, bloating occurs when excess gas builds up in your digestive tract. Your stomach usually will feel full, and you may experience cramps.Constipation: This occurs when you are having difficulty making bowel movements. If you are having two or fewer bowel movements a week, constipation is the likely cause. In addition to feeling bloated and uncomfortable, you may experience cramping and pain in your rectum.Indigestion: This is typically experienced as an upset stomach, burning, or belly pain after eating.Stomach flu: Your stomach may hurt before each episode of vomiting or\u00a0diarrhea.Severe Stomach PainIn serious cases, stomach pain may get worse or become constant. This may be an indication of a more severe condition.Conditions that cause severe abdominal painAppendicitis: This illness happens when the appendix, which is part of the large intestine, becomes infected and inflamed. If the appendix ruptures, it can become life-threatening. Surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy, is the usual treatment.Stomach (peptic) ulcers: Crater-like sores in the lining of the stomach and small intestine. They can bleed or burst and be life-threatening if not treated. Medication to reduce your stomach acid can help treat them.Gallstones: Hard stones, made up of cholesterol and other materials, can form in the gallbladder, which is just below the liver. They can cause inflammation of the gallbladder, which can lead to inflammation \u2013 known as acute\u00a0cholecystitis. Treatment for these problems includes removal of the gallbladder.Kidney stones: Crystals of varying sizes that form in your urine can build up in your kidneys and cause severe pain. You can pass some on your own through urination, or doctors may remove them surgically.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation in the digestive tract that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. Examples of IBD include\u00a0Crohn’s disease\u00a0and\u00a0ulcerative colitis.Pancreatitis: The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon \u2013 the two hormones that manage how your body processes sugar \u2013 and aids in digestion. Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, which can affect its performance and cause severe stomach pain.Hernia: Tissue from inside the abdomen that bulges out through a weak point in the abdominal wall. There are several different types depending on where the bulge appears.Causes of stomach pain based on locationUpper right:\u00a0Gallstones, cholecystitis, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis.Upper center:\u00a0Heartburn\/indigestion, hiatal hernia, epigastric hernia, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis.Upper left:\u00a0Functional dyspepsia, stomach ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis.Middle right:\u00a0Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation.Middle center:\u00a0Umbilical hernia, appendicitis, stomach ulcer, IBD, pancreatitis.Middle left:\u00a0Kidney stones, kidney infection, IBD, constipation.Lower right:\u00a0Appendicitis, IBD, constipation, pelvic pain.Lower center:\u00a0Bladder infection, prostatitis, IBD, inguinal hernia, pelvic pain.Lower left:\u00a0Constipation, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, IBD, pelvic pain, inguinal hernia.When to Seek Medical HelpAccording to\u00a0Dr. Kingsley, you should call your primary care physician if mild pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if the severe stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms.When to seek immediate medical attentionGet medical help immediately if:You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden.You also have\u00a0pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder.You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena).You have a high fever.You’re having difficulty breathing.You develop consistent nausea and\/or vomiting.Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch.You can’t move your bowels, especially if you’re also vomiting.When to make an appointment to see your doctorSchedule an appointment to see your doctor if:Your stomach pain doesn’t go away within a couple of days.The pain comes back after going away.Symptoms like diarrhea don’t go away within a couple of days.You’re urinating more or less often, and\/or it’s painful.You have unintended weight loss.Upper stomachRight-side painCenter painLeft-side painGallstonesHeartburnFunctional dyspepsiaCholecystitisHiatal herniaGastritisStomach ulcerStomach ulcerStomach ulcerDuodenal ulcerDuodenal ulcerPancreatitisHepatitisHepatitisMiddle stomachRight-side painCenter painLeft-side painKidney stonesUmbilical herniaKidney stonesKidney infectionEarly appendicitisKidney infectionIBDStomach ulcerIBDConstipationIBDConstipationPancreatitisLower stomachRight-side painCenter painLeft-side painAppendicitisBladder infectionConstipationIBDProstatitisIBDConstipationDiverticulitisIBDPelvic pain (gyne)IBDPelvic pain (gyne)Inguinal Hernia (groin)Inguinal Hernia (groin)About digestive disordersThis diagram illustrates the types of abdominal conditions you may have based on the location of the pain.\u201cKnow your body,” Dr. Kingsley says. \u201cIf you start having pain that you have not had before and does not go away, you should contact your doctor to be evaluated further.”Bottom line:\u00a0Trust your gut! Contact your health care provider if you’re concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.Editor's Note: This infographic was originally published on June 24, 2014, and was last reviewed on August 25, 2023.SourcesNational Health Service UK. Stomach ache. “Most stomach aches are not anything serious and will go away after a few days.”. National Health Service Inform. Stomach ache and abdominal pain.  Abdominal pain. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Stomach Pain: When to Worry About Stomach Ache","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/06\/when-to-seek-care-for-stomaches\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]