Abdominal Pain: Causes & Treatment

Stomach Pain Causes: Common Reasons, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Understand why your stomach hurts, when it's serious, and how it can be treated — explained simply by the experts at Narayana Hospitals.

Woman experiencing stomach pain holding her abdomen — Stomach pain can range from mild discomfort to a sign of an underlying digestive condition.

Quick Answer

Stomach pain is most often caused by indigestion, gas, acid reflux, infections, or stress. Mild pain usually settles with rest and dietary changes, but persistent, severe, or pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in stool needs prompt medical evaluation.

What Causes Stomach Pain?

Stomach pain, also called abdominal pain, can stem from many different organs in the digestive and reproductive systems. The cause often depends on the pain's location, intensity, and duration.

Common Digestive Causes

Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Discomfort after eating, often linked to overeating or spicy food.
Gas and Bloating: Trapped air in the digestive tract causing cramping pain.
Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid rising into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often from infection or NSAID overuse.
Constipation: Difficulty passing stool, leading to cramping and bloating.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition causing recurring abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
Food Poisoning or Infections: Bacterial or viral infections causing sudden, sharp pain with nausea.

Illustration of stomach and intestines with digestive pain highlighted — Digestive-related causes account for the majority of stomach pain cases.

Other Possible Causes

Stress and Anxiety: Can trigger or intensify stomach discomfort through the gut-brain connection.
Menstrual Cramps: Lower abdominal pain common during periods.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Can cause lower abdominal and pelvic pain.
Ovarian Cysts or Reproductive Conditions: May cause one-sided lower abdominal pain in women.
Appendicitis: Sharp pain starting near the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen — a medical emergency.
Gallstones: Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen, often after fatty meals.

Close-up of person holding lower abdomen due to pain — Lower abdominal pain may be linked to digestive, urinary, or reproductive causes.

Symptoms That Often Accompany Stomach Pain

The type of symptoms alongside stomach pain can help identify its underlying cause.

Bloating or excessive gas
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite
Fever or chills
Heartburn or acid taste in the mouth
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in stool or vomit (warning sign)

Stomach Pain at a Glance

70%

Cases linked to

Indigestion, gas & acid reflux

Red flag symptom

Fever with severe pain

24h

See a doctor if pain

Persists beyond a day

First-line care

Rest, fluids, light diet

Stomach Pain: Location, Likely Cause & Treatment

Common abdominal pain locations and their likely causes
Pain Location	Possible Cause	Typical Treatment
Upper abdomen (center)	Indigestion, gastritis, acid reflux	Antacids, dietary changes, smaller meals
Upper right abdomen	Gallstones, liver issues	Medical evaluation, possible imaging/surgery
Lower right abdomen	Appendicitis	Emergency medical care, often surgery
Lower abdomen (general)	IBS, constipation, UTI, menstrual cramps	Hydration, fiber, antibiotics if infection, pain relief
Around the navel	Gas, early appendicitis, gastroenteritis	Monitor symptoms; seek care if pain shifts or worsens

How Is Stomach Pain Diagnosed?

Doctors evaluate stomach pain through a physical exam, symptom history, and, when needed, the following tests:

Blood and urine tests
Ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen
Endoscopy or colonoscopy
Stool tests for infection

Treatment Options for Stomach Pain

Home Care for Mild Pain

Rest and avoid heavy or spicy meals
Stay hydrated with water or clear fluids
Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
Eat small, bland meals (rice, bananas, toast)

Medical Treatment

Medications: Antacids, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs depending on the cause
Dietary management: Customized plans for IBS, GERD, or food intolerances
Procedures: Surgery for conditions like appendicitis or gallstones

When to See a Doctor

Seek prompt medical attention if stomach pain is accompanied by:

Severe or worsening pain
High fever
Persistent vomiting
Blood in stool or vomit
Pain lasting more than a few days
Unexplained weight loss

Experiencing persistent stomach pain? Consult our specialists at Narayana Hospitals for accurate diagnosis and care.

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of stomach pain?

Indigestion, gas, and acid reflux are among the most common causes of mild to moderate stomach pain.

When should I see a doctor for stomach pain?

See a doctor if pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, comes with fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss.

Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen stomach pain by affecting digestion and increasing stomach acid production.

What home remedies help with mild stomach pain?

Resting, sipping warm water, avoiding heavy or spicy meals, and using a warm compress can ease mild stomach pain.

Is stomach pain in women always related to the reproductive system?

No, while conditions like ovarian cysts or menstrual cramps can cause lower abdominal pain in women, digestive issues are also common causes and a doctor's evaluation helps identify the exact source.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor at Narayana Hospitals for diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide

Stomach Pain Causes: Common Reasons, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Quick Answer