What are the different types of stomach pain? How can you identify the cause of your abdominal discomfort? Discover the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive guide on the 7 types of stomach pain.

The 7 Types of Stomach Pain Explained

Stomach pain is a common experience that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Understanding the different types of stomach pain and their potential causes can help individuals seek appropriate medical attention and treatment. In this article, we will explore the seven most common types of stomach pain and their underlying causes.

1. Uncomfortable Bloating

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can result from the body’s breakdown of certain foods, such as beans, carbonated beverages, and leafy green vegetables. This process can lead to the release of excess gas, causing a feeling of uncomfortable bloating in the digestive tract. While unpleasant, bloating is usually not a serious condition and can be alleviated by limiting the consumption of gas-producing foods or with the help of over-the-counter medications.

2. Sharp Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen may be a sign of appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and can potentially rupture if left untreated. The appendix, once thought to be a vestigial organ, is now believed to play a role in maintaining a healthy balance of gut microorganisms. Prompt medical attention is essential, as a ruptured appendix can lead to serious complications. Treatment may involve antibiotics or the surgical removal of the appendix.

3. Sharp Stabbing Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen

Gallstones, which are hardened deposits of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder, can cause sharp, jabbing pain in the upper right abdomen. The gallbladder’s job is to store and release bile, a fluid used to aid in the digestion of food. When gallstones block the bile duct, the gallbladder tries to pass them, resulting in this type of pain. While some people with gallstones never experience any symptoms, prompt treatment is necessary when the pain begins, which may involve medication or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

4. Pain or Burning in the Upper Middle Abdomen

Peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, can cause pain or burning in the upper middle abdomen. These ulcers are often caused by a bacterial infection, heavy alcohol use, or the use of certain medications, such as aspirin. Treatment typically focuses on reducing stomach acid to allow the ulcers to heal, and may include antibiotics if the ulcer is the result of an infection.

5. General Abdominal Pain with Diarrhea

Gastroenteritis, also known as infectious diarrhea, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually affecting the stomach or small intestine. This condition is typically caused by viruses, such as rotavirus, norovirus, or adenovirus, and can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting. Treatment often focuses on managing the symptoms, such as maintaining hydration to counteract the effects of diarrhea and vomiting.

6. General Abdominal Pain with Bloating

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of conditions that can cause common symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea. While there is no known cure for IBS, treatment often involves managing the symptoms through dietary changes and medications to address diarrhea or constipation.

7. Pain with Bloody Diarrhea

Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea. These conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract and require specialized medical attention and treatment.

Identifying the Cause of Stomach Pain

When experiencing stomach pain, it’s important to pay attention to the type of pain, its location, and any accompanying symptoms. This information, along with a physical examination and medical tests, can help healthcare providers determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion

Stomach pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from harmless conditions like bloating to more serious issues like appendicitis or inflammatory bowel diseases. By understanding the different types of stomach pain and their potential causes, individuals can be better equipped to recognize when to seek medical care and work with their healthcare providers to find the appropriate treatment. Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe stomach pain, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional.

7 Types of Stomach Pain

Almost everybody experiences a stomach ache at some point in life. In most cases, abdominal discomfort is not serious and develops as the result of overeating, gas, or indigestion.

When diagnosing the cause of stomach pain, a doctor will ask what the pain feels like, its location, and how much it hurts. The answers, along with the physical examination and some medical tests, help doctors determine the cause of and treatment for the stomach pain.

There are many different types of stomach pain, often described by what the pain feels like and its location. Stomach pain may be the result of any number of medical conditions, which can range from completely harmless to quite serious.

1. Uncomfortable bloating

Possible cause: excess gas

Your body breaks down food through a series of chemical reactions that take place in different parts of your digestive tract. Some of the chemical reactions in your digestive tract can result in the release of gas – this is especially true when digesting some foods, such as beans, carbonated beverages and leafy green vegetables. Eating too many of these foods can cause excessive gas and uncomfortable bloating in your digestive tract.

While uncomfortable, bloating is not usually serious and goes away on its own or with the help of over-the-counter drugs. Those prone to uncomfortable bloating may prevent it by limiting their intake of food and beverages are known to trigger gas.

2. Sharp pain in the lower right side of your abdomen

Possible cause: appendicitis

Doctors once thought that the appendix is a vestigial organ, which is an organ that has lost its function through evolution. Now many medical professionals think the appendix plays a role in maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms living in the human gut. Infection or blockage of the hollow chamber within the appendix can cause inflammation. Bacteria can build up inside the appendix; if the appendix bursts, it can release the bacteria into the abdominal cavity and cause a number of serious complications.

Treatment is essential due to the dangers associated with a ruptured appendix. Antibiotics can be an effective treatment in some cases, but surgical removal of the appendix is usually necessary.

3. Sharp stabbing pain in your upper right abdomen

Possible cause: gallstones

Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in your upper right abdomen, just beneath your liver. Its main job is to store some of the bile your body uses to digest food. Your gallbladder squirts bile through a thin tube known as the biliary duct into your small intestine just as food leaves your stomach. Your liver can excrete excess cholesterol, which can collect inside your gallbladder and harden into gallstones. You may feel sharp, jabbing pain in your upper right abdomen when your gallbladder tries to pass the gallstones through your biliary duct.

Some people who have gallstones never experience any symptoms. When pain begins, however, the condition requires prompt treatment. Depending on the severity of pain and other factors, treatment options range from oral medications that dissolve gallstones to surgery to remove the gallbladder.

4. Pain or burning in your upper middle abdominal

Possible cause: peptic ulcer

A layer of thick mucus acts as a barrier between the lining of your stomach and the caustic juices used in digestion. Infection, heavy drinking, aspirin, smoking or other digestive problems can compromise the mucus barrier to allow the digestive juices to eat away at your stomach lining. Damage done by the stomach acid can allow sores, known as peptic ulcers, to develop on the stomach lining. These ulcers can cause stomach pain and even bleeding.

Treatment focuses on neutralizing or reducing stomach acid to give sores time to heal. If a peptic ulcer develops as the result of an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

5. General abdominal pain with diarrhea

Possible cause: gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually affecting the stomach or small intestine. Also known as infectious diarrhea, gastroenteritis is typically caused by rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, or other viruses. The infection triggers inflammation, which then causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting.

Treatment typically focuses on managing diarrhea and other symptoms. Fluids are helpful in counteracting dehydration resulting from diarrhea and vomiting.

6. General abdominal pain with bloating

Possible cause: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause common symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea.

There is currently no cure for IBS. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include dietary changes and medications to treat diarrhea and constipation.

7. Pain with bloody diarrhea

Possible cause: Inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which means they involve inflammation of different parts of the digestive tract. This inflammation can cause intestinal bleeding and abdominal pain.

There is no cure for IBD, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Medication can reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. Surgery to remove part or all of the colon may be required in severe cases.

If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, bleeding, or excessive vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical care immediately. Consult with your gastroenterologist if you have mild to moderate stomach pain without bleeding, or if your stomach pain persists.

Abdominal pain in adults – Better Health Channel

About abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere from below your ribs to your pelvis. It is also known as tummy pain or stomach pain. The abdomen houses many organs, including your stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large bowel, and reproductive organs. There are also major blood vessels in the abdomen.

Serious causes of abdominal pain include appendicitis and pregnancy problems. However, most abdominal pain is harmless and goes away without surgery.

Most people only need relief from their symptoms. Sometimes, abdominal pain can stop and the cause will never be known, or the cause may becomes more obvious with time.

When to see a doctor about abdominal pain

Go straight to your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you have any of the following:

• severe pain
• pain lasting for several hours
• pain or vaginal bleeding if you are pregnant
• pain in your scrotum if you are a male
• pain and vomiting or shortness of breath
• pain and vomiting blood
• blood in your bowel motions or urine
• pain that spreads to your chest, neck or shoulder
• fever and sweats
• become pale and clammy
• unable to pass urine
• unable to move your bowels or pass gas
• any other concerns.

Symptoms of abdominal pain in adults

The type of pain can vary greatly. When abdominal pain occurs, it can:

• be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramp-like, twisting or fit many other descriptions
• be brief, come and go in waves, or it can be constant
• make you throw up (vomit)
• make you want to stay still or make you so restless that you pace around trying to find ‘just the right position’
• vary from a minor problem to one needing urgent surgery.

Causes of abdominal pain in adults

There are many reasons why you may have pain in your abdomen. People often worry about appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, infections and pregnancy problems. Doctors also worry about these, as well as many other conditions.

Abdominal pain may not come from the abdomen. Some surprising causes include heart attacks and pneumonia, conditions in the pelvis or groin, some skin rashes like shingles, and problems with stomach muscles like a strain. The pain may occur along with problems in passing urine or with bowel motions, or period problems.

With so many organs and structures in the abdomen, it can be hard for a doctor to be absolutely sure about the cause of your problem.

The doctor will ask you several questions and then examine you carefully. The doctor may perform no further tests. The cause of your pain may be quite clearly not serious. Another scenario may be that the doctor is unable to find a cause, but the pain gets better within hours or days. The doctor will assess whether the pain requires surgery or admission to hospital.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults

To diagnose abdominal pain, doctors and healthcare professionals are likely to ask you the following questions:

Where is the pain?

Doctors and other health professionals will first ask you where you feel the pain. Pain above the umbilicus (belly button) but below the ribcage on the right may be gallstone pain. Gallstone pain may spread (or radiate) to the right shoulder or the back.

Pain from kidney stones is felt in the right side or left side, more in the back than the front of the abdomen, and tends to radiate downwards into the groin on the same side.

Pain in the very centre of the abdomen is more likely to be coming from the intestines, however in males, testicular pain is also felt in the centre of the abdomen.

When did the pain start?

Abdominal pain is ‘acute’ if present for less than a day or 2, ‘persistent’ if longer than a day or 2, and ‘chronic’ if present for more than 2 weeks.

How severe is the pain?

Health professionals will usually ask you to rate the pain or give a pain score out of 10. Mild pain might be rated 3 to 4, noticeable and unpleasant (like a toothache) but not severe enough to interfere with usual activity.

Severe pain stops all other activities (like labour pain in childbirth). Gallstone or kidney stone pain is often severe.

Does the pain come and go?

Abdominal pain that comes and goes in waves is called colic, and comes from the contraction of a hollow organ such as the bowel, the gallbladder or the urinary tract. Pain from other organs may be constant – for example stomach ulcers, pancreatitis or pain from an abdominal infection.

Have you had this pain before?

Gallstone pain and kidney stone pain will often recur every few months.

Period pain can be severe and may indicate an underlying problem such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, while pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle can be due to an ovarian follicle.

What events led up to the pain?

This is an important question as it might point to the cause of the pain. Examples are trauma such as a sporting injury or car accident, recent medication such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, or heavier than usual alcohol intake, which might trigger pancreatitis.

Are there associated features?

Blood in the urine, together with flank pain (pain between the pelvis and the ribs), point to kidney stones.

Vomiting with pain in the centre of the abdomen can point to a small bowel obstruction. Severe constipation with pain in the side may point to a large bowel obstruction.

Do you have a history of previous surgery or radiation therapy to the abdomen?

Recent surgery to the bowel or other abdominal organs might result in complications, such as infection, that could cause abdominal pain.

Scarring to the tissue surrounding the bowel, or adhesions, can be caused by surgery or radiation therapy and trigger bowel obstruction.

Examinations and tests

If examinations and tests are needed, these may include:

• a rectal exam to check for hidden blood or other problems
• a check of the penis and scrotum
• a pelvic exam to check for problems in the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes and ovaries, and a pregnancy test
• a blood test to look for infection (which causes a raised white cell count) or bleeding (which causes a low blood count or haemoglobin)
• other blood tests may look at enzymes in the liver, pancreas and heart to sort out which organ may be involved
• a urine test to look for a urine infection or blood (if there is a kidney stone)
• an ECG (an electrical tracing of the heart) to rule out a heart attack
• other tests, including x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan
• an endoscopy – an examination where a flexible tube with a light and video camera at the tip is used to examine some internal organs without the need for surgery. Different names are used depending on which organ is being looked at
• sometimes you may be referred to another doctor to help find the cause of the problem.

If you do have tests, the doctor will explain the results to you. Some results may take a number of days to come back and these will be sent to your local doctor.

Treatment for abdominal pain in adults

Your treatment depends on what is causing your pain, but may include:

• Pain relief – your pain may not go away fully with painkillers, but it should ease.
• Fluids – you may have fluids given into a vein to correct fluid loss and rest your bowel.
• Medicines – for example, you may be given something to stop you vomiting.
• Fasting – your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything until the cause of your pain is known.

Taking care of yourself at home

Most abdominal pain goes away without special treatment. Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:

• Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
• Soak in a warm bath. Take care not to scald yourself.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
• Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
• When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Try over-the-counter antacids, to help reduce some types of pain.
• Take mild painkillers such as paracetamol. Please check the packet for the right dose. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised to take them by a doctor. These drugs can make some types of abdominal pain worse.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• The emergency department of your nearest hospital

Painkillers for abdominal pain during menstruation, diarrhea

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. 0 Article content

• For abdominal pain
• For abdominal pain during menstruation
• Ask a question expert on the topic of article

The most common ailment, along with headache, is abdominal pain. It can be different: sharp, dull, aching, cutting, stabbing. Patients describe it as “twisted”, “grabbed”, “stomach hurts”, “pricks in the side”, “pulls the lower abdomen”. And this is not a complete list of complaints and symptoms.

In medicine, abdominal pain is called abdominal pain. It is very “insidious” because many diseases and conditions are accompanied by such a symptom. It can be both a banal bloating and a life-threatening inflammation of the appendix. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of heart and lung disease. This is due to the structural features of the nervous system in the thoracic and abdominal regions. There is even an abdominal form of myocardial infarction.

Evgenia Pogorelova, a pharmacist, tells you which pills you can take and in what cases if you have a stomach ache.

For abdominal pain

The first rule to remember is that if the cause of abdominal pain is not known, do not take painkillers. Their combinations with other active substances (antispasmodics, antacids, anesthetics) also fall under the ban. Analgesics will drown out the pain, and inflammation or other pathological conditions will progress. This can lead to sad consequences. You need to see a doctor immediately if you have:

• very severe sudden abdominal pain
• lower right side pain with fever, vomiting, diarrhea (appendicitis)
• abdominal pain with palpitations and clammy sweat
• Abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation
• abdominal pain and fever
• long-term abdominal pain
• abdominal pain with hematemesis or black tarry stools

What should I take for various abdominal pains?

Pain in the gastrointestinal tract is associated with digestive problems and chronic diseases (gastritis, diseases of the duodenum, biliary tract, etc. ). Accompanied by flatulence, heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting. It is localized in different places: in the left and right hypochondrium, in the epigastrium, in the navel, encircles the lower back.

The following medicines help relieve pain:

• antispasmodics: Drotaverine, No-shpa, Trimedat, Neobutin
• enzymes: Mezim forte, Creon, Festal, Pancreatin, Ermital.
• antacids: Almagel, Almagel A, Gaviscon, Rennie, Maalox, Phosphalugel
• bismuth preparations: Vikair, Vikalin, De-Nol
• gastrointestinal motility stimulants – Itomed, Ganaton, Motilium, Motilak

Abdominal pain tablets sometimes have to be taken with diarrhea (Loperamide) and nausea (Cerukal).

Pain in diseases of the kidneys and urinary system. With cystitis, it occurs in the lower abdomen, with kidney diseases – it gives in different directions, to the lower back, “spills” over the stomach and does not have one application point.

For pain in the lower abdomen with frequent urination and cramps:

• antispasmodic with analgesics: Spasmalgon, Spasmalgon effect, Andipal, Papazol, Bral
• NSAIDs: Diclofenac, Ibuprofen

In women, abdominal pain is often associated with the reproductive system. It is felt in the center of the abdomen, on the sides, where the appendages are located, in the lower abdomen. An antispasmodic or its combination with an analgesic helps with pain.

In men with inflammation of the prostate, the pain is localized above the pubis and radiates to the perineum and rectum. Antispasmodics and analgesics are also recommended here.

For abdominal pain during menstruation

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) occurs in most women. It is manifested by pulling and cramping pains in the lower abdomen and lower back. During this period, the level of prostaglandins rises. They increase the sensitivity of nerve endings and stimulate uterine contractions. The increased reaction of receptors and spasms create painful sensations.

If the pain is not pronounced and bothers you a little, then you do not need to take painkillers. If the pain is severe and interferes with the usual way of life, then you can take medication. Two types of drugs are used to relieve menstrual pain: antispasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The former relieve spasms, the latter block the synthesis of prostaglandins.

Antispasmodics:

• No-shpa (Drotaverine)
• Buscopan

Painkillers:

• Naproxen (Nalgesin)
• Ibuprofen (Nurofen)

Combined (antispasmodic + analgesic and others)

• Novigan Lady (ibuprofen + drotaverine)
• Novigan, Spazgan Neo (ibuprofen+fenpiverinium bromide+pitofenone)
• Bral, Revalgin, Spazgan, Spazmalgon (metamisole sodium + fenpiverinium bromide + pitophenone)
• Pentalgin, Spasmalgon effect (drotaverine + caffeine + naproxen + paracetamol + pheniramine)
• No-shpa is one of the safest drugs with a minimum of side effects. Buscopan is available in tablets and rectal suppositories. Suppositories act quickly and directly in the area of ​​pain, do not affect the gastrointestinal tract.
• Ibuprofen is the safest NSAID. Nalgezin has a powerful effect for 8 hours. It is used to relieve severe pain and for pain relief during a night’s sleep. It has many side effects, it is better to consult a doctor before use.
• Nimesulide affects female fertility. The drug should not be taken before 12 years of age and women planning pregnancy.

Combined drugs are effective due to the simultaneous antispasmodic and analgesic effect. But they have more side effects. For teenage girls, preparations based on paracetamol, ibuprofen and drotaverine are suitable. Their safety has been proven.

Drugs for dysmenorrhea are available without a doctor’s prescription. But since they all have contraindications, it is necessary to consult a doctor or pharmacist on their use.

Which pills to take for stomach pain depends on the nature of the pain and its cause. It must be remembered that in some cases of abdominal pain, painkillers should not be used. Antispasmodics are always possible, if they are not contraindicated.

Antispasmodics and analgesics, as well as their combination, help with pain during menstruation.

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Creation date: 04/27/2021
Update date: 07/13/2023

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