Stomach pain can be caused by several digestive conditions, including gastritis, reflux, stomach ulcers, and gastroenteritis. It may also occur after frequent use of anti-inflammatory medications that irritate the stomach lining.
The most common cause of stomach pain is gastritis, which is often linked to Helicobacter pylori infection or increased stomach acid. This condition usually causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, a burning sensation in the stomach, and excess gas.
In more serious cases, stomach pain may be persistent, very intense, or associated with warning signs such as vomiting blood or black stools. These symptoms may be related to conditions like ulcers, pancreatitis, gallstones, or stomach cancer and require evaluation by a gastroenterologist to guide proper treatment.
Why does my stomach hurt?
To find out the possible cause of your stomach pain, please answer the questions below:
This symptoms quiz is only a tool and should not be used to diagnose any condition or replace a consultation with your healthcare provider.
Main causes
The main causes of stomach pain are:
1. Gastritis
Gastritis is one of the most common causes of stomach pain. It frequently occurs alongside symptoms like gas (such as burping or flatulence), general malaise, a burning sensation in the stomach, and abdominal discomfort.
Stomach pain caused by gastritis is often related to the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the stomach. This microorganism can make digestion harder, which may cause food to stay in the stomach longer and lead to symptoms.
How to relieve: See a primary care provider or gastroenterologist to have tests done to confirm gastritis. Treatment may include medicines that lower acid production and help relieve symptoms, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole.
2. Reflux
Reflux commonly causes stomach pain. It also leads to a burning sensation, heaviness in the stomach, belching, and a dry cough after eating.
Reflux symptoms typically begin minutes after eating, when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus toward the mouth. This backflow often leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
How to relieve: It is important to see a primary care provider or gastroenterologist, who will evaluate your symptoms and prescribe the most appropriate medicine. Medicines that reduce stomach acidity, such as omeprazole or cimetidine, are commonly recommended.
Diet changes are also recommended, including eating fewer high-fat foods, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and limiting processed foods. It is also recommended to eat at least 3 hours before lying down, which can help prevent stomach contents from coming back up toward the mouth.
3. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It can cause symptoms such as a lump-in-the-throat feeling, heartburn, ongoing burning that gets worse after meals, and stomach pain.
How to relieve: Make an appointment with your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist to start the most appropriate treatment. This usually includes acid-reducing medicines, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, along with changes in eating habits.
4. Stomach ulcer
A stomach ulcer may form due to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach or as a result of a diet high in fat, processed foods, and acidic foods.
When an ulcer forms, symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are common.
How to relieve: A primary care provider or gastroenterologist prescribes treatment for a stomach ulcer, which may include antibiotics, acid-reducing medications, or antacids.
These therapies protect the stomach lining from further acid damage. Pain relievers may also be recommended in some cases to manage discomfort.
5. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by microorganisms. It can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, malaise, and headache.
How to relieve: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and oral rehydration solutions, to stay hydrated and help prevent dehydration, which is one of the most common complications of gastroenteritis.
However, if you also have fever, chills, or frequent vomiting, it is recommended to go to the nearest emergency room so appropriate treatment can be started to prevent complications.
6. Use of anti-inflammatory medications
Frequent or long-term use of some anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach pain as a side effect. These medicines can reduce the stomach’s protective barrier and leave it more exposed to gastric acid.
How to relieve: To help prevent or relieve stomach pain, a healthcare provider may recommend medicines such as omeprazole or aluminum hydroxide to reduce discomfort. These medicines are sometimes taken on an empty stomach for better effect, so be sure to follow your provider's instructions.
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications on an empty stomach. Take them after meals or with food, such as a piece of fruit or yogurt, for better tolerance.
7. After endoscopy
It is common to have stomach pain after an endoscopy. During the exam, the clinician inserts a tube into the digestive tract, which can irritate the throat and stomach and cause discomfort for a few hours.
However, if stomach pain lasts longer than 48 hours, you should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist so appropriate treatment can be started.
How to relieve: To relieve symptoms, you may use antacids or stomach-protecting medicines, as directed. However, if vomiting or bleeding occurs, you should seek emergency care right away.
8. Gallstones
Gallstones can cause sudden pain in the stomach area or below the ribs on the right side. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, back pain and/or right shoulder pain, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Gallstones usually form due to excess cholesterol in bile and difficulty emptying the gallbladder. This can lead to the formation of small crystals that can grow larger and form stones.
How to relieve: You should see a primary care provider or gastroenterologist for tests to confirm gallstones. Treatment generally includes pain relievers and anti-nausea medicines to relieve symptoms, medicines that may help dissolve stones (such as ursodiol), or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
9. Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can cause severe pain in the middle of the abdomen that may spread to the back, and can get worse over time and after meals.
The pain of acute pancreatitis may also happen along with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones, heavy alcohol intake, or use of medicines such as methyldopa, fenofibrate, enalapril, furosemide, or simvastatin.
How to relieve: Seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms of acute pancreatitis. This serious condition requires urgent hospital care.
10. Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer most often develops as a consequence of a stomach ulcer. It may cause persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, and loss of appetite.
How to relieve: You should see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and start the most appropriate treatment. Treatment may include surgery to remove part of the stomach and chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
How to relieve stomach pain
Ways to relieve stomach pain include the following:
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Loosen tight clothing and rest while sitting up or reclining in a calm environment;
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Drink espinheira-santa tea or another tea for upset stomach, which are commonly used to help soothe digestive discomfort;
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Eat a pear or a cooked apple;
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Eat a small piece of raw potato, as it’s a natural antacid with no known contraindications;
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Place a warm compress on the stomach area to help relieve pain;
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Drink small sips of cold water to stay hydrated and help with digestion.
Treatment for stomach pain may also include a light diet of salads, fruits, and fruit juices, such as watermelon, melon, or papaya. It is also recommended to avoid fatty foods and alcoholic beverages.