Stomachaches are a common, uncomfortable part of our lives. Usually, they go away on their own with a little rest or a home remedy. However, severe stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, especially if it is followed by symptoms such as:
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Bloody stool
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- A very hard abdomen, which may indicate severe constipation or other digestive issues
- Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
- Neck, shoulder, or chest pain
- Pain moving from the belly button to the right side
- Inability to have a bowel movement along with vomiting
When a person experiences serious symptoms with stomach pain, it could be a sign of life-threatening conditions that include:
- Appendicitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Bowel perforation
Frequent stomach pain or stomach pain that is uncomfortable but not severe can also indicate an underlying health issue, such as:
- Colitis
- Cystitis
- Kidney stones
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Additionally, stomach pain can be caused by common temporary conditions that affect the lower belly, including:
- Menstrual cramps
- Trapped gas
- Food poisoning
- Stomach flu
- Constipation
- Food allergies
If your stomach pain isn’t severe or doesn’t last long, and if you aren’t having emergency symptoms, the pain may go away on its own. You can also try these steps to help relieve stomach pain:
- Drinking water
- Exercising
- Taking gas-relieving medication, such as an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid
- Following the banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT) diet
- Using a hot water bottle or heating pad
If you are experiencing severe stomach pain, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center today for comprehensive care. For more information, call us at 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.