Stomach & Abdominal Pain

Common Causes of Stomach Pain

• •Gastritis or indigestion — irritation of the stomach lining
• •Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — cramping with altered bowel habits
• •Food poisoning or stomach infection (gastroenteritis)
• •Appendicitis — sharp pain starting near navel, moving to lower right
• •Kidney stones — severe, cramping flank and lower abdominal pain
• •Peptic ulcer, gallstones, or constipation

Where the Pain Is Can Be a Clue

Doctors often begin by asking where exactly it hurts, because different areas of the abdomen sit above different organs. This is a rough guide only — pain frequently spreads, or is felt away from the organ causing it.

Pain that starts in one place and moves — classically from around the navel to the lower right — is a pattern doctors take seriously. Mention it if it happens to you.

How Long It Lasts Matters

• •Minutes to a few hours, then settles: often related to a meal, trapped gas, or indigestion. Usually less concerning if it fully resolves and does not return.
• •Comes in waves (colicky): cramping that builds then eases is typical of the intestine, or of a stone moving. Severe waves need assessment.
• •Constant and worsening over hours: a pattern that warrants prompt medical attention, particularly alongside fever or vomiting.
• •On and off for weeks or months: suggests an ongoing condition such as IBS, gastritis, or a food-related trigger. Worth investigating properly rather than repeatedly self-treating.

What a Doctor May Ask You

Having these answers ready makes a short consultation far more useful:

• •When did it start, and was the onset sudden or gradual?
• •Does it relate to meals — better or worse after eating?
• •Any change in bowel habits, stool colour, or blood?
• •Fever, vomiting, or urinary symptoms alongside the pain?
• •Any unintentional weight loss, or loss of appetite?
• •Medicines you take regularly, especially painkillers such as NSAIDs
• •For women: your menstrual cycle, and whether pregnancy is possible

Tests a Doctor Might Consider

Which tests are appropriate depends entirely on your examination. This is background so the conversation makes sense — not a list to arrange for yourself.

• •Blood counts and inflammatory markers — can point towards infection or inflammation
• •Liver and pancreas blood tests — when upper abdominal causes are suspected
• •Urine tests — for urinary infection or stones
• •Abdominal ultrasound — widely available in India, and often the first imaging step
• •Endoscopy — considered for persistent upper abdominal symptoms

Already have a report? Our free lab report analyser explains each parameter in plain language.

Self-Care That Is Usually Reasonable

For mild, short-lived stomach pain with none of the warning signs below, these general measures are commonly suggested:

• •Sip fluids steadily — plain water, or ORS if there has been vomiting or loose motions
• •Eat small, plain meals rather than heavy, oily or very spicy food
• •Avoid alcohol, and avoid NSAID painkillers, which can irritate the stomach lining further
• •Rest, and track when the pain comes and what you ate beforehand

⚠️ Seek Immediate Medical Attention If

• •Sudden, severe abdominal pain that does not ease
• •Abdomen is rigid, hard, or extremely tender to touch
• •Stomach pain with high fever and vomiting
• •Blood in stool, vomit, or urine
• •Pain after abdominal injury or trauma
• •Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) with abdominal pain

Which Specialist Should You See?