Fact Checked
Overview Of Stomach Pain
- Abdominal pain, often identified as tummy, belly or stomach ache, generally refers to spasms or a dismal ache in the abdomen.
- It’s generally short-term and caused by a slight upset or stomach infection.
- Stomach spasms are often due to swelling and trapped wind. This is a very standard problem that can be uncomfortable, but can be quickly dealt with; your pharmacist can suggest OTC medication to release the wind.
- If your stomach spasms have started of late and you also have diarrhea, the cause is possibly, gastroenteritis. This means you have a virus-related or microbial infection of the belly and bowel which your immune system will generally fight off after a couple days.
- Stomach spasms and diarrhea that make you feel very sick (for instance, causing shudders or a fever) could be due to a more severe infection, like food poisoning.
Abdominal pain, often identified as tummy, belly or stomach ache, generally refers to spasms or a dismal ache in the abdomen.
You should contemplate seeing your GP when the pain is:
- Serious and getting worse.
- Related to a loss of weight.
- Related with blood loss from the bowel.
- Related with swallowing problems.
- Associated with insistent vomiting.
If you have unexpected, excruciating pain in a specific area of your belly, seek medical assistance straight away. It might be a sign of a severe infection, such as appendicitis, that will quickly get poorer without treatment.
Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin can cause abdominal pain as a side effect. If you think this is the case, then refer to a pharmacist or your GP to review your medications.
Stomach Pain In Kids
Abdominal (belly) pain can be caused by a few things and can range from slight uneasiness to a strong discomfort. Common causes of stomach pain in kids include:
- A wound or stretched muscle caused by a direct force or sporting injury.
- Menstrual discomfort in girls who have begun their periods.
- Anxieties, anticipation or worry.
- Wind that is stuck.
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