Stomach ache and abdominal pain

A stomach ache usually refers to cramps or a dull ache in the belly (abdomen). It is normally short lived and caused by a minor upset or bug.

When to get medical advice

Causes of sudden, severe abdominal pain

Causes of long-term or recurring abdominal pain



Some common causes of a stomach ache include:

- trapped wind [(flatulence)](/health-library/symptoms/flatulence)
- pain or discomfort after eating [(indigestion)](/health-library/conditions/indigestion)
- being unable to poo [(constipation)](/health-library/conditions/constipation)

Speak to your pharmacist for advice about medications to help ease symptoms of these conditions.

If you have diarrhoea and vomiting , it will usually clear up by itself within a week.

Read about what to do if you have [diarrhoea and vomiting](/health-library/conditions/gastroenteritis).

## When to get medical advice

See your doctor if you're worried or need advice about your symptoms.

For example, if:

- the pain gets much worse in a short space of time
- the pain won't go away or keeps returning
- you have [unexpected weight loss](/health-library/symptoms/unexpected-weight-loss)
- you have unusual vaginal discharge
- you [bleed from your bottom](/health-library/symptoms/rectal-bleeding)
- you have a persistent change in toilet habits

Call for an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital accident and emergency (A&E) if you:

- have sudden, severe stomach pain
- feel pain when you touch your stomach
- are [vomiting blood](/health-library/symptoms/vomiting-blood)
- have bloody or black, sticky stools
- aren't able to urinate
- have collapsed or can't breathe
- you're [diabetic](/health-library/conditions/diabetes) and vomiting

If you feel pain in the area around your ribs, read about [chest pain](/health-library/symptoms/chest-pain) for information and advice.



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## Causes of sudden, severe abdominal pain

Some of the possible causes of sudden, severe abdominal pain include:

- [appendicitis](/health-library/conditions/appendicitis) – swelling of the appendix that causes agonising pain in the lower right-hand side of your abdomen
- a bleeding or perforated [stomach ulcer](/health-library/conditions/peptic-ulcer) – a bleeding, open sore in the lining of your stomach
- [acute cholecystitis](/health-library/conditions/acute-cholecystitis) – an inflamed gallbladder, often caused by gallstones
- [kidney stones](/health-library/conditions/kidney-stones) – small stones may be passed out in your wee, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes
- [diverticulitis](/health-library/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis) – a type of inflammation in the bowel
- a pulled muscle in your abdomen, or an injury



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## Causes of long-term or recurring abdominal pain

Some of the possible causes of long-term or recurring abdominal pain include:

- [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](/health-library/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome) – symptoms of this common condition include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation; the pain is often relieved when you go to the toilet
- [inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ](/health-library/conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease)– long-term conditions that involve inflammation of the gut, including [Crohn's disease](/health-library/conditions/crohns-disease) and [ulcerative colitis](/health-library/conditions/ulcerative-colitis)
- a urinary tract infection that keeps returning – you'll usually experience a burning sensation when you wee
- constipation
- [period pain](/health-library/symptoms/painful-periods)
- other stomach-related problems – such as a [stomach ulcer](/health-library/conditions/peptic-ulcer), heartburn and acid reflux , or inflammation of the stomach lining [(gastritis)](/health-library/conditions/gastritis)

Possible causes in children include:

- constipation
- a [urinary tract infection](/health-library/conditions/urinary-tract-infection-adults) that keeps returning
- heartburn and acid reflux
- recurrent episodes of abdominal pain with no identifiable cause (abdominal migraines)

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References

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Article information

Abdominal pain, cramps and stomach aches are problematic, but often not serious. However, severe or sudden pain may be a sign of of a more serious illness. Learn about the causes of abdominal pain and find out when you should seek medical attention here - using information verified by doctors.