Health · Symptoms, Decoded
Stomach Pain: When to Worry
By the eva team · · 1 min read
Stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms during childhood and the teenage years. It may be caused by gas, constipation, indigestion, menstrual cramps, viral infections, urinary problems or many other conditions. Most stomach aches improve on their own, but severe, persistent or worsening pain especially with vomiting, fever, bleeding or fainting should always be medically assessed.
1. Where Does It Hurt?
"Stomach pain" can actually come from many different places in the abdomen. The location, timing and type of pain often provide important clues, but pain alone cannot tell you exactly what is causing it.
2. Many Everyday Things Can Cause It
Common causes include gas, constipation, indigestion, viral stomach infections and menstrual cramps. Stress or anxiety may also make stomach discomfort feel worse. Most short-lived stomach pain is not an emergency, but persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored.
3. Period Cramps Follow A Pattern
Period cramps usually occur in the lower abdomen around the beginning of menstruation. They may spread to the lower back or thighs. Mild to moderate cramps are common, but pain that repeatedly prevents school, sleep or normal activities should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
4. Pain That Gets Worse Needs Attention
Pain that becomes stronger over time, moves to one specific area, wakes you from sleep or keeps returning deserves medical assessment. Do not try to diagnose severe abdominal pain using only online information.
5. Watch For Other Symptoms Too
Stomach pain becomes more concerning when it occurs together with fever, repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in vomit or stool, painful urination, unexplained weight loss or a swollen abdomen. These symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. Know When To Get Help Quickly
Seek urgent medical help if stomach pain is sudden and severe, follows a serious injury, happens with fainting, breathing difficulty or confusion, or if you cannot pass stool or gas while your abdomen becomes swollen. These situations should never be ignored.