Healthdirect Australia offers a complimentary service where you can consult with a nurse or doctor who can guide you on the necessary steps.

In case of intense pain in your abdominal region, head straight to the nearest hospital emergency department or dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Key Points to Remember

• Abdominal pain can manifest anywhere between the lower ribs and pelvis.
• The pain may vary from aching to stabbing, burning, twisting, or dull sensation.
• Multiple factors can trigger abdominal pain, including digestive issues, infections, and organ problems.
• While abdominal pain can be severe, in most cases it resolves without specific treatment.
• Seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe, worsening, recurring, or persistent, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Understanding Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can occur in different forms and intensities, commonly referred to as stomach pain or cramps.

Various types of abdominal pain can emerge suddenly, intermittently, persistently, or gradually intensify over time.

This page focuses on abdominal pain in individuals aged 12 and above.

Identifying Symptoms

Abdominal pain may present as aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, or dull sensations.

• Belching, burping, and vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Urination issues

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS – Use the Symptom Checker to assess the need for medical intervention.

Possible Causes

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, or peptic ulcers
• Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder
• Appendicitis
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infections
• Menstrual cramps or other gynecological issues

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the specific cause of abdominal pain and receive appropriate treatment.

During your appointment, it’s important to be honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms. Be prepared to discuss the following:

• Your abdominal pain – When did it start? Is it constant or does it come and go? How would you describe the pain (sharp, dull, burning, etc.)?
• Your medical history – Mention any previous medical conditions or surgeries you have had.
• Your age and gender – Some conditions may be more common in certain age groups or genders.
• Your recent travel – If you have traveled recently, especially to a different country, your doctor may want to consider travel-related illnesses.
• Your medications – Bring a list of any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

By providing detailed information to your doctor, you can help them make an accurate diagnosis and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Seeking Medical Advice

Don’t ignore recurrent or worsening abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by concerning symptoms or if you’re pregnant.

Consult a healthcare professional in case of additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or fevers.

Seek Immediate Attention

If you experience severe abdominal pain, proceed directly to the emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

If the pain is worsening, lasting for hours, disrupting sleep, or spreading to other areas, seek medical help promptly.

If upper abdominal pain worsens with physical activity, it could indicate a heart-related issue.

If you or someone else shows signs of a heart attack, dial triple zero (000) immediately.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE – Utilize the Service Finder for locating medical facilities near you.

Additional Information

It’s important to note that persistent abdominal pain should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Make sure to describe your symptoms accurately to your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Remember to bring any relevant medical history or medications you are currently taking to your appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment Approaches

The management of abdominal pain depends on its underlying cause.

Self-Care Tips

Mild abdominal pain might resolve on its own within a few hours. Follow self-care strategies for handling mild discomfort.

For mild pain with a known cause, stay hydrated, avoid specific foods, rest, apply heat, and consult your pharmacist for pain relief options. Seek medical attention for severe or recurring pain.

Pharmacy Solutions

Simple pain-relief medications, antispasmodics, anti-flatulence drugs, or antacids may help alleviate mild abdominal pain. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs without professional advice.

Individualized Treatments

Treatment plans vary based on the cause of abdominal pain. Some cases may necessitate dietary modifications, while others could require urgent surgical intervention. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Additional Tips:

– For abdominal pain caused by gas or bloating, try over-the-counter gas relief medications.

– If you suspect your abdominal pain is related to a specific food intolerance, consider keeping a food journal to track potential triggers.

– Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, may help alleviate abdominal pain associated with stress.

– Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent abdominal pain episodes.

Healthy Lifestyle Practices

Embrace lifestyle habits like consuming sufficient fiber, engaging in regular physical activity, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol intake to promote gut health and reduce abdominal pain.

Additional Support

For more information and assistance, contact resources like The Gut Foundation (GESA) or healthdirect at 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL) to connect with a registered nurse round the clock.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Cramping abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache or body aches
• Fatigue
• Chills or fevers

When to Seek Help

Persistent or severe abdominal pain, especially if not relieved by self-care measures, warrants immediate medical attention. Also, consult a healthcare provider for prolonged fever or severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Other signs that indicate the need for medical assistance include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloody stools
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe chest pain
• Persistent fatigue

Home Remedies for Stomach Aches

To manage most stomach aches at home, start with clear fluids and gradually introduce bland foods. Avoid certain food types, limit activity, and allow time for recovery.

Patience is key as it may take several days to a week for full recovery.

Abdominal pain, also known as stomach or tummy pain, can occur between the ribcage and pelvic region. While some causes are serious, most cases are benign and resolve without surgical intervention.

The nature and severity of abdominal pain can vary significantly, ranging from sharp or dull sensations to constant pain necessitating urgent treatment.

Need Immediate Assistance

If you experience severe or persistent pain accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or blood in bodily fluids, seek urgent medical help.

Potential Causes and Diagnosis

Abdominal pain may result from conditions like appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, infections, pregnancy-related issues, or extra-abdominal concerns. Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation and possibly additional tests.

Examination Process

Questions and examinations play a crucial role in identifying the cause of abdominal pain, considering factors like recent trauma, surgeries, medications, or underlying health conditions.

Rectal, pelvic, and blood tests, along with imaging studies, might be required for accurate diagnosis.

In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or endoscopy may be necessary to further investigate the source of the abdominal pain.

It is important to provide your healthcare provider with a detailed medical history and to be honest and thorough in describing your symptoms to help facilitate an accurate diagnosis.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers will inquire about the location, duration, severity, and characteristics of the pain to determine the underlying cause and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Pain patterns, associated symptoms, and pain scores are vital aspects in the diagnosis and management of abdominal pain.

Varied Treatment Approaches

The treatment of abdominal pain depends on the identified cause and may involve pain management, hydration, medications, or dietary changes until a definitive diagnosis is established.

Soothing Abdominal Pain

While many cases of abdominal pain resolve spontaneously, you can alleviate discomfort by applying heat, taking warm baths, consuming clear fluids, avoiding trigger foods, resting, and using over-the-counter antacids.

• Consider using mild pain relievers like paracetamol after verifying the correct dosage. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Drink chamomile or peppermint tea, as they have soothing properties for the digestive system.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can irritate the stomach lining and worsen abdominal pain.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or gentle yoga stretches, to help reduce stress and tension in the abdominal area.

Seeking Professional Guidance

• Your GP (doctor)

Immediate Assistance Available

If you require treatment urgently, but cannot see your GP and the situation is not life-threatening, alternative services are accessible.

Occasional stomach pains can commonly occur due to issues like upset stomach, indigestion, or anxiety. If the pain persists or gets worse, seeking medical advice is recommended. The experienced doctors at Manhattan Gastroenterology specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive problems. They utilize advanced technology to identify the root cause of stomach issues. These top-rated physicians are knowledgeable about the impact of stomach pains and provide a range of treatment options, including natural remedies.

What Is a Stomach Ache?

A stomach ache refers to cramps or a dull ache in the abdominal area, which is usually not serious but can be concerning if it becomes severe or prolonged. These aches can be caused by injuries or dietary factors. Other symptoms of indigestion include:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Belching
• Flatulence
• Bad breath
• Hiccupping

Common Causes of Stomach Ache

Causes of stomach aches include:

• Overeating
• Alcohol consumption
• Consuming fatty or spicy foods
• Smoking
• Taking certain medications
• Presence of ulcers
• Stress

Most stomach aches can be managed at home using natural remedies.

Natural Remedies for Stomach Ache

If a stomach ache is not due to a medical condition, it can be alleviated using natural remedies. Making lifestyle changes like avoiding spicy foods or alcohol can be beneficial. Peppermint, apple cider vinegar, ginger, chamomile, water, physical activity, and the BRAT diet are effective remedies.

Peppermint

Peppermint can help relieve nausea and stomach pain. Menthol in peppermint provides soothing effects and freshens breath.

Peppermint can be consumed by brewing tea, inhaling extract, sucking on candies, or chewing leaves.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can neutralize an upset stomach. Mixing it with water and honey can provide relief. It may also aid digestion and support gut health.

Regular intake of apple cider vinegar may help prevent stomach issues.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as a traditional remedy for indigestion and nausea. It can help speed up digestion and reduce pain. Fresh ginger or supplements can be used for relief.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can relax stomach muscles and relieve stomach pain. Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime can be beneficial.

Water

Staying hydrated can aid digestion and prevent stomach problems. Dehydration can worsen digestive issues.

Men should aim to drink about 3.7 liters of water per day, while women should aim for 2.7 liters.

Exercise

Engaging in physical activity can help release excess gas and alleviate stomach aches. Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can be beneficial.

Apply Heat

Applying heat to the abdomen using a heating pad or warm towel can help relax muscles and ease pain. Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts can also provide relief.

The BRAT Diet

If a stomach ache persists, trying the BRAT diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast may help. These foods are easy to digest and may alleviate symptoms of nausea and diarrhea.

The BRAT diet is rich in nutrients to replenish those lost during illness.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Aches?

If a stomach ache continues or worsens, seeking medical attention is advisable. Symptoms like blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, severe nausea, difficulty swallowing, or yellowing of the eyes should not be ignored.

Contact a healthcare provider if experiencing intense stomach pain, as it could indicate underlying conditions such as appendicitis or ulcers.

Natural remedies offer a safe approach to treating stomach aches caused by various factors. Consult a gastroenterologist for expert guidance on digestive health.

Updated on Feb 19, 2025 by Dr. Shawn Khodadadian, a Gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology. Contact at (212) 427-8761.
Locations in Midtown, Upper East Side, Union Square, and Downtown Manhattan.

Our website provides information on gastroenterology conditions and procedures. Patients can learn about our practice and schedule appointments with our physicians in New York City. This information is for guidance purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific conditions. Terms and conditions are subject to change.

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThis website offers general information and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for any symptoms or signs of illness. Diagnosis and treatment plans should be made by a qualified medical professional to rule out serious conditions.