Understanding Stomach Ache

A stomach ache is a term often used to refer to cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen). It's usually short-lived and is often not serious. The pain may come in waves: sharp enough that you catch your breath, then gone as quickly as it came. Maybe you're spending what seems like hours in the bathroom — or just wish you could.

Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, it should be regarded as a medical emergency, especially if the pain is concentrated in a particular area. Go to your nearest hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department if you have the symptoms.

Stomach ache

Stomach cramps with bloating

Stomach cramps with bloating are often caused by trapped wind. This is a very common problem that can be embarrassing, but is easily dealt with. Your chemist will be able to recommend a product such as buscopan or mebeverine, which can be bought over the counter to treat the problem.

Some people experience nausea

Sudden stomach cramps with diarrhea

If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhea, the cause may be a tummy bug (gastroenteritis). This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel, which should get better without treatment after a few days.

Gastroenteritis may be caused by coming into close contact with someone who's infected, or by eating contaminated food (food poisoning). If you have repeated bouts of stomach cramps and diarrhea, you may have a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Sometimes it can be something with your colon

Infection

When bacteria or viruses get into a person's digestive system, the body reacts by trying to rid itself of the infection — often through vomiting or diarrhea.

• Bacterial infections cause what we call "food poisoning." Bacteria are also responsible for other conditions that may give a person belly pain, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, strep throat, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or the rare condition toxic shock syndrome.
• Viruses, another type of infection, are behind what we call "stomach flu." Both bacteria and viruses can be easily passed from person to person. The good news is you can often avoid them simply by washing your hands properly and often and by not sharing cups, straws, or utensils with others.

Sometimes one experience only back pain

Sudden severe abdominal pain

If you have sudden agonising pain in a particular area of your tummy, call your GP immediately or go to your nearest A&E department. It may be a sign of a serious problem that could rapidly get worse without treatment.

Serious causes of sudden severe abdominal pain include:

• Appendicitis – the swelling of the appendix (a finger-like pouch connected to the large intestine), which causes agonizing pain in the lower right-hand side of your abdomen, and means your appendix will need to be removed
• A bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer – a bleeding, open sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine)
• Acute cholecystitis – inflammation of the gallbladder, which is often caused by gallstones; in many cases, your gallbladder will need to be removed
• Kidney stones – small stones may be passed out in your urine, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes, and you'll need to go to hospital to have them broken up
• Diverticulitis – inflammation of the small pouches in the bowel that sometimes requires treatment with antibiotics in hospital

Acute Appendicitis can be fatal 

If your doctor suspects you have one of these conditions, they may refer you to hospital immediately.

Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen can also sometimes be caused by an infection of the stomach and bowel (gastroenteritis). It may also be caused by a pulled muscle in your abdomen or by an injury.

Long-term or recurring abdominal pain

Consult a doctor if you or your child have persistent or repeated abdominal pain. The cause is often not serious and can be managed.

Possible causes in adults include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a common condition that causes bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation; the pain is often relieved when you go to the toilet
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – long-term conditions that involve inflammation of the gut, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Aurinary tract infection that keeps returning – in these cases, you will usually also experience a burning sensation when you urinate
• Constipation
• Period pain – painful muscle cramps in women that are linked to the menstrual cycle
• Other stomach-related problems – such as a stomach ulcer, heartburn and acid re-flux, or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

Possible causes in children include:

• Constipation
• A urinary tract infection that keeps returning
• Heartburn and acid re-flux 
• Abdominal migraines – recurrent episodes of abdominal pain with no identifiable cause

Acid re-flux can be the cause

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, what seems like one problem — food poisoning, for example — can turn out to be something more serious, like appendicitis. So contact a doctor if pain is very strong, you're vomiting a lot, you already have another health condition, or the discomfort gets worse over time, doesn't go away, or wakes you up while you're sleeping.

Consult your doctor for your condition

Also let the doctor know if you have fever, pain when you pee, trouble pooping or peeing, blood in your poop or pee, if your belly pain is the result of an injury, or if you might be pregnant.

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