Stomach pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages at some point in their lives. While occasional mild discomfort is usually harmless and resolves on its own, persistent or severe abdominal pain can signal underlying health issues that require medical attention. Understanding the potential causes, recognising concerning symptoms, and knowing when to seek help are essential for protecting your health. This guide will help you navigate digestive discomfort with confidence and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

Understanding Stomach Pain: What Causes It?

Abdominal pain can originate from various organs in the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and appendix. The location, type, and severity of pain often provide important clues about its underlying cause.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), most stomach aches are not serious and will pass within a few days. However, understanding what triggers your discomfort helps you determine whether home care is sufficient or medical evaluation is necessary.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain

Abdominal discomfort can result from numerous conditions ranging from minor digestive issues to serious medical emergencies. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Indigestion and Acid Reflux
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of your digestive system. This often causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, bloating, and discomfort after eating. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and chest pain alongside abdominal discomfort.

Gastritis and Stomach Ulcers
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the stomach lining. Both conditions can cause persistent pain, particularly between meals or at night. Common triggers include prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori.

Food Intolerances and Allergies
Difficulty digesting certain foods can lead to abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting dairy) and gluten sensitivity are common examples. Food allergies, while less common, can cause more severe reactions including digestive pain and other symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine, causing recurrent abdominal pain along with changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between both. The Singapore Gastric and Liver Clinic notes that IBS affects a significant portion of the population and is often triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.

Constipation
When bowel movements become infrequent or difficult, waste builds up in the intestines, causing cramping and lower abdominal discomfort. Constipation is often related to insufficient fibre intake, dehydration, or lack of physical activity.

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
Viral or bacterial infections of the digestive system cause inflammation leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These infections are usually self-limiting but require attention to prevent dehydration.

Menstrual Cramps
For women, menstrual periods can cause lower abdominal cramping and discomfort. While this is normal, severe menstrual pain that interferes with daily activities may indicate conditions like endometriosis and should be evaluated.

Serious Causes Requiring Immediate Attention

Some causes of abdominal pain are medical emergencies requiring immediate care:

Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix typically starts with pain around the navel that migrates to the lower right abdomen. The pain progressively worsens and is often accompanied by fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. Appendicitis requires urgent surgical intervention.

Gallstones
Gallstones can cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen or centre of the abdomen, particularly after eating fatty meals. The pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade.

Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe, persistent pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back. This condition requires immediate medical treatment.

Bowel Obstruction
A blockage in the intestines prevents food and fluids from passing through normally, causing severe cramping, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or have bowel movements.

Recognising Stomach Pain Symptoms

The characteristics of your abdominal discomfort provide valuable information about its possible cause. Pay attention to these key aspects when describing your symptoms to a healthcare provider.

Types of Pain

Sharp or Stabbing Pain
Sudden, intense pain that feels like a knife or stabbing sensation often indicates acute conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, or a perforated ulcer. This type of discomfort typically requires prompt medical evaluation.

Dull or Cramping Pain
A persistent dull ache or cramping sensation is common with conditions like indigestion, constipation, gas, or menstrual cramps. While often less serious, chronic dull abdominal pain that persists for weeks should be investigated.

Burning Pain
A burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest usually indicates acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers. This discomfort often worsens on an empty stomach or after consuming acidic or spicy foods.

Colicky Pain
Pain that comes in waves, intensifying and then subsiding, is called colicky pain. It is often associated with kidney stones, gallstones, or intestinal obstruction.

Location of Pain

The location of your discomfort helps narrow down potential causes:

• Upper abdomen (epigastric region): Gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, or gallbladder problems
• Lower right abdomen: Appendicitis or issues with the right ovary in women
• Lower left abdomen: Diverticulitis, constipation, or left ovary problems in women
• Around the navel: Early appendicitis, intestinal issues, or abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Entire abdomen: Gastroenteritis, peritonitis, or bowel obstruction

When to See a Doctor for Stomach Pain

Most mild abdominal discomfort resolves within a few hours or days with simple home care such as rest, hydration, and avoiding trigger foods. However, certain symptoms indicate you should schedule a medical appointment or seek urgent care.

Schedule a Doctor’s Visit If You Experience:

• Abdominal pain that persists for more than a few days
• Recurring pain that comes and goes over several weeks
• Discomfort that gradually worsens over time
• Unexplained weight loss accompanying abdominal symptoms
• Persistent changes in bowel habits such as chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Pain that interferes with your daily activities or sleep

Early evaluation helps identify treatable conditions before they progress. Don’t hesitate to book an express health screening if you’re concerned about persistent digestive symptoms.

Seek Immediate Emergency Care If You Experience:

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should go to the nearest emergency department immediately if stomach pain is accompanied by:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Pain accompanied by fever and chills
• Bloody stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down fluids
• Rigid, hard abdomen that is extremely tender to touch
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain along with abdominal discomfort
• Pain during pregnancy
• Recent abdominal injury or trauma

These symptoms could indicate life-threatening conditions such as appendicitis, perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction, or internal bleeding that require immediate medical intervention.

How Stomach Pain Is Diagnosed

Determining the cause of abdominal discomfort requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will use various methods to identify the underlying issue and recommend appropriate treatment.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will begin by asking detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, their location and intensity, what makes them better or worse, and any accompanying signs. A thorough physical examination will check for tenderness, swelling, or abnormal masses in your abdomen.

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more diagnostic tests:

Blood Tests
Blood work can detect signs of infection, inflammation, anaemia, or organ dysfunction that may be causing your discomfort. Tests may include complete blood count, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes, or tests for H. pylori infection.

Imaging Studies
Our radiology services offer various imaging options to visualise internal organs and identify abnormalities:

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging useful for examining the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and appendix
• X-rays: Can detect bowel obstructions, perforations, or abnormal gas patterns
• CT scans: Provide detailed images of abdominal organs and can identify many causes of digestive pain

Endoscopy
For suspected issues with the stomach or upper digestive tract, an endoscopy allows direct visualisation of the lining and can detect ulcers, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

Stool Tests
Analysing stool samples can identify infections, bleeding, or digestive problems contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Stomach Pain at Home

For mild discomfort without concerning symptoms, several home remedies may provide relief:

• Rest and avoid solid foods temporarily if nausea is present
• Stay well hydrated with water or clear fluids
• Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as fatty, spicy, or acidic foods
• Apply a warm compress to your abdomen to ease cramping
• Over-the-counter antacids may help with acid-related digestive discomfort
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can irritate the digestive system

However, home remedies should not replace medical evaluation for persistent or severe symptoms. If your abdominal pain does not improve within 24-48 hours or worsens despite home care, seek medical attention.

Preventing Stomach Pain

While not all causes of abdominal discomfort are preventable, several lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of digestive problems:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fibre to support healthy digestion
• Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
• Limit foods and beverages that trigger symptoms
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or regular exercise
• Avoid prolonged use of NSAIDs without medical supervision
• Practice good food hygiene to prevent infections
• Maintain a healthy weight

Regular health screenings can also detect conditions like H. pylori infection or other digestive issues before they cause significant problems. Our executive health screening packages include comprehensive digestive system assessments for proactive health management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my stomach pain is serious?

Abdominal pain accompanied by fever, bloody stools, persistent vomiting, severe tenderness, or discomfort that prevents you from standing upright suggests a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Mild symptoms that resolve within a day or two are usually less concerning, but persistent or worsening discomfort should always be evaluated.

Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes, stress and anxiety can directly affect the digestive system, causing abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation. The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. While stress-related digestive pain is real, it’s important to have persistent symptoms evaluated to rule out other causes.

When should I worry about stomach pain in children?

Children commonly experience abdominal discomfort from minor issues like gas or constipation. However, seek medical attention if your child has severe pain, persistent vomiting, bloody stools, fever with abdominal symptoms, pain that wakes them from sleep, or if they cannot bear weight on their abdomen. Trust your parental instincts if something seems wrong.

Is stomach pain a sign of cancer?

While abdominal pain can be a symptom of certain cancers, it is much more commonly caused by benign conditions. However, persistent unexplained discomfort, especially when accompanied by unintentional weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or blood in stools, should be promptly evaluated to rule out serious conditions including cancer.

Can food poisoning cause severe stomach pain?

Yes, food poisoning from contaminated food can cause significant abdominal pain along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Symptoms typically appear within hours to days after consuming contaminated food. Most cases resolve within a few days, but severe dehydration or persistent symptoms require medical attention.

Should I take pain medication for stomach pain?

For mild discomfort, paracetamol is generally safer than NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach lining and worsen certain types of digestive pain. Never take pain medication to mask severe or persistent symptoms without first consulting a healthcare provider, as this may delay diagnosis of serious conditions.

Protecting Your Digestive Health

Stomach pain is a common symptom with many possible causes, ranging from minor digestive upset to serious medical emergencies. While most abdominal discomfort resolves on its own, understanding when to seek help is crucial for protecting your health. Never ignore severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms, especially when accompanied by concerning signs like fever, bleeding, or vomiting.

For busy professionals experiencing recurring digestive issues, our corporate health screening programmes offer convenient, comprehensive assessments to identify underlying health conditions early.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

With over 20 years of trusted medical expertise in Singapore and comprehensive in-house diagnostic services including advanced imaging and laboratory tests, our team is equipped to evaluate and diagnose the cause of your stomach pain. Book a health screening today and take the first step toward understanding and resolving your symptoms.