Tummy aches and pains, whether sharp and severe or dull and cramp-like, can really throw off your day, making it hard to carry on as normal.
But, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for your pain.
“Often it isn’t neatly linked to a single diagnosis because the abdomen houses many organs and tissues, each capable of producing overlapping symptoms,” explains Dr Imran Khan, Associate Clinical Director at Bupa Health Clinics.
“For example, indigestion, infections and even stress can all bring generalised discomfort, making it hard to distinguish between minor issues and something more serious.”
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However, there are some clues that might help you identify whether it’s likely to be minor or if you should seek medical attention.
Gastroenteritis is the scientific name for intestinal infections caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Food poisoning is a cause and occurs when you eat or drink something contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.
“A persistent dull ache all over the tummy, paired with diarrhoea, may hint that you have an infection of the bowel and stomach,” says Dr Khan.
“Formal treatment isn’t usually required. Instead, try to eat plain foods, keep hydrated and stay away from others where possible to prevent the bug spreading. You should start to feel better within a few days.”
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria usually acquired in childhood through person-to-person contact or contaminated food and water, can also lead to stomach ulcers.
The pain is usually in the upper part of your tummy and is typically worse at night. You might also experience heartburn, nausea and/or bloating.
“[In this case] you need to treat the bacteria with antibiotics,” says London-based GP Dr Amos Ogunkoya. Visit your GP who can arrange for a H. pylori test.
Ovulation could be behind it
An uncomfortable dull ache in the run up to a period and the first few days of bleeding affects 80% of women at some stage in their lifetime, according to Women’s Health Concern, however Dr Khan says you might also experience pain around the time of ovulation, usually day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
“This can be a dull or sharp pain on one side of your lower tummy, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg that month.”
“In many cases, pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, warm compresses and gentle exercise and massage,” adds he adds.
Sometimes the ‘knot’ in your stomach isn’t from what you ate, but from what’s on your mind.
“Your enteric nervous system (ENS) coordinates messages between your brain and digestive system. If you’re feeling anxious, this can disrupt your digestive system, either considerably slowing down or speeding up your digestion. This may result in tummy pain,” says Dr Khan.
“Managing stress with seven to nine hours of sleep each night, a healthy diet, exercise and relaxation, taking time to unwind and socialise, can help reduce discomfort.”
Endometriosis can cause tummy pain
Endometriosis UK report that 10% of women worldwide suffer the condition. It occurs when cells similar to those lining the womb grow in other parts of the body, typically in areas around the womb, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes and even organs, such as the bladder and bowel.
“Typically, pain is in the lower pelvis, sometimes in the back and it can radiate to the thighs,” says Dr Amos. “A quite significant symptom of endo is pain when you go to the toilet.”
Very heavy periods, extreme tiredness and pain during sex can also indicate endometriosis.
“Endometriosis doesn’t have a cure but it can be surgically removed,” says Dr Amos. Heat packs, gentle exercise and anti inflammatories such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to manage pain, but if the pain is affecting your daily life, see your doctor.
Dr Amos recommends seeing a doctor if the pain is persistent or you have a change in bowel habits (Photo: Getty)A build up of gas in the digestive system can cause trapped wind. “This is often sharp, cramp-like pain and can sometimes feel like bloating. It can occur anywhere in the abdomen,” says Dr Amos. “You may burp or fart a lot and you may feel really full.”
The NHS recommends peppermint oil as a way to relieve stomach cramps, bloating and farting.
“Gentle walks can help. Moving helps to engage the bowel and start peristalsis, wave-like muscle movements that help move trapped gas through your intestines,” adds Dr Amos. “Avoid fizzy drinks as you’re literally adding gas to gas.”
Dr Amos recommends seeing a doctor if the pain is persistent, you have a change in bowel habits or if it feels like a blockage, which could make you vomit for example.
Know when it might be appendicitis
Appendicitis is swelling and infection in your appendix, a part of your bowel. “Pain typically starts in the central region around the belly button and then moves to the right lower abdomen,” says Dr Khan.
Appendicitis requires urgent treatment. “The pain will get worse and worse and can be accompanied by nausea and loss of appetite. The pain gets worse with movement and anything that increases intra abdominal pressure such as coughing,” explains Dr Amos.
“Appendicitis is considered an emergency; your GP or hospital doctor will check your abdomen and you may be referred for tests. If it is appendicitis, your appendix might need to be removed or you’ll be given antibiotics to treat appendicitis.”
A high one in 10 people are affected by kidney stones, usually found in the kidneys or in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidneys to your bladder. They’re caused by waste products in the blood that can occasionally form crystals that collect inside the kidneys.
Dr Amos says: “Women who’ve had children say that having kidney stones has been worse than their labours! It’s often described as the most intense pain; it’s like a stabbing pain and it can be at the sides of the stomach and the back.
“The key thing is that the pain comes in waves. Kidney stones can also cause painful urination, blood in urine and sweating.”
Low fluid intake is a huge contributor to kidney stones, so keep drinking water. Aim for up to three litres a day. Over the counter painkillers can help.
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Many people who have gallstones are symptomless but if these stones block the flow of bile or irritate the gallbladder, they can cause a lot of pain.
“Pain can start in your tummy area and then spread to your back,” says Dr Khan.
Bloating and a general ill feeling are other symptoms. So, Dr Amos recommends avoiding fatty foods.
“Gallstones can go away on their own although they might need to be broken up by shockwaves,” says Dr Amos. This non-invasive procedure is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Visit your GP who can discuss your options.
There are warning signs for cancer
Although the chances of your stomach pain being cancerous are low, Dr Amos says that various cancers including stomach, bowel, ovarian and pancreatic cancers can cause pain.
“The most important thing is to look out for any of the red flags. These include a change in bowel habits, loss of weight, fatigue, blood in your stool and difficulty swallowing. Any new symptoms in anyone over 50 need to be seen, urgently.”
“Older adults are more at risk of serious causes such as cancer,” Dr Khan adds. “Younger individuals may be more prone to conditions like appendicitis and functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
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