Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations. While many episodes are benign (harmless) and resolve on their own, “stomach pain” can also be the first sign of a life-threatening condition.
Understanding the source of your discomfort, recognising “red flag” symptoms, and knowing when to seek urgent care are essential for your health and safety.
IBS is a functional disorder, meaning the gut looks normal but doesn’t function correctly due to altered gut-brain signaling.
Typical Features: Recurrent pain related to bowel movements, bloating, and alternating constipation or diarrhoea.
When to See a Doctor: If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or if you need to exclude more serious inflammatory conditions.
Usually caused by viruses or bacteria, this is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines.
Typical Features: Diffuse cramping, watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and low-grade fever.
When to See a Doctor: If you cannot keep fluids down or if symptoms last longer than 3 days.
Erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining, often caused by H. pylori bacteria or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Typical Features: Burning pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric region) that may feel better or worse after eating.
When to See a Doctor: If you rely on antacids daily or have a persistent “gnawing” sensation.
Gallstones can block the bile ducts, leading to sharp pain, particularly after eating fatty meals.
Typical Features: Sharp pain in the Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) that may radiate to the right shoulder or back.
When to See a Doctor: After your first episode of biliary pain to prevent complications like gallbladder infection.
Infections or stones in the urinary system can cause significant abdominal and pelvic distress.
Typical Features: Lower abdominal pressure, pain during urination, or intense “flank” pain (side of the torso) that comes in waves.
When to See a Doctor: If you see blood in your urine or have a fever accompanying back/side pain.
Inflammation of the appendix is a medical emergency that usually requires surgery.
Typical Features: Pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the Lower Right Quadrant. It often worsens with movement or coughing.
When to See a Doctor: Immediately. Appendicitis can lead to a rupture within 24–72 hours.
Small pouches in the colon (diverticula) can become inflamed or infected.
Typical Features: Sharp, constant pain usually located in the Lower Left Quadrant, often accompanied by fever and nausea.
When to See a Doctor: If you have localised left-sided pain combined with a fever.
Chronic acid reflux can cause “heartburn” that feels like upper abdominal or chest pain.
Typical Features: A sour taste in the mouth and burning in the chest or upper stomach after lying down or eating.
When to See a Doctor: If you have difficulty swallowing or if the pain is not relieved by over-the-counter medications.
Unlike IBS, conditions like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis cause visible inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. It is a common cause of abdominal pain in younger people.
Typical Features: Chronic diarrh0ea (often bloody), weight loss, and fatigue.
When to See a Doctor: For any chronic change in bowel habits associated with unexplained weight loss.
In women, abdominal pain is often related to the reproductive system, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
Typical Features: Cyclical pain related to periods or sudden, sharp pelvic pain.
When to See a Doctor: If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An AAA is a swelling or “bulge” in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the abdomen. If it leaks or ruptures, it is a life-threatening emergency that needs urgent surgery.
Typical Features: A persistent, pulsating sensation near the navel or deep, constant pain in the abdomen or side of the back.
When to See a Doctor: Seek emergency care immediately if you experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, especially if accompanied by low blood pressure or lightheadedness.
This occurs when a blockage prevents food or liquid from passing through the small or large intestine. It can be caused by scar tissue (adhesions), hernias, diverticular disease or tumours. It may require rapid surgery.
Typical Features: Severe cramping that comes and goes, inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, abdominal swelling (distension), and vomiting. 🤢
When to See a Doctor: This requires immediate hospital assessment to prevent the bowel from becoming damaged or perforated.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:
| Symptom | Potential Concern |
| Sudden, “Thunderclap” Pain | Perforation or Aortic Aneurysm |
| Vomiting Blood / Black Stools | Internal Bleeding |
| High Fever + Rigid Abdomen | Peritonitis (Infection) |
| Yellowing of Eyes/Skin (Jaundice) | Liver or Gallbladder Issues |
| Pain + Shortness of Breath | Potential Heart Attack (referred pain) |
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