Stomachache trouble

So, you have discomfort in your abdomen – an old-fashioned stomachache. You’re wondering if you should just live with it or have it checked.

Let’s take a look at some common stomach-related pains and what they could mean.

When you feel pain or burning below your breastbone

Sometimes this kind of pain gets worse when you eat or lie down.

If the pain happens only occasionally, take an over-the-counter antacid. If it happens a couple of times a week, you should talk to your health care provider.

You might need to be tested for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When you have GERD, acid from the stomach flows up the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). Depending on the results, your doctor may prescribe a medication to reduce stomach acid.

When you have a persistent sore throat

Sometimes this is a sign of a stomach problem. When acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus it can cause a burning pain and irritation of the tissues. A sore throat can be a symptom of acid reflux or GERD.

Over-the-counter antacids can help for this pain, too. If the pain keeps coming back, visit your health care provider to see if they can provide more help.

If you feel nausea, gas, cramps, bloating and/or diarrhea

If you notice these kinds of stomach pain a half hour to two hours after eating a food that contains lactose, you could be lactose intolerant.

Try eating fewer dairy products such as cheese and milk. Sometimes you can replace them with lactose-free products like lactose-free milk or soy milk. Soft cheeses have more lactose in them than aged hard cheeses like cheddar. If making changes in your diet doesn’t help, see your health care provider.

When you have nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and lower abdominal cramps

When you have this combination of symptoms and they get better after you have a bowel movement, you could try an over-the counter probiotic (good gut bacteria) supplement.

If that doesn’t help, see your health care provider. You may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

When you have burning pain in your stomach

This kind of stomach pain may come and go and feel worse when you’re hungry.

You should avoid nonsteroidal drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium) because they can irritate your stomach lining. An over-the-counter antacid may give you relief.

With this kind of pain, you may have an ulcer, so see your health care provider. They’ll run tests, which may include checking for a stomach bacteria called H. pylori.

If you notice a sudden loss of appetite

If your symptoms persist, see your health care provider, especially if you have any unexpected weight loss.

When your symptoms are severe, sudden pain in your abdomen

The pain may start around your navel and move toward your right lower abdomen. You may have other symptoms such as nausea, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation.

 

Go to the emergency room immediately. You may have appendicitis – a blockage in the appendix, which is a small organ in the abdomen. If the appendix bursts, it can cause a serious infection that could threaten your life.

When you have nausea, vomiting or pain in the right upper area of the abdomen after eating

If the symptoms don’t go away in a few hours, you may be having a gallstone attack. Gallstones are small, hard, pea-size to golf-ball-size deposits. Sometimes gallstones block a duct in the gallbladder, causing a gallstone attack. You may need medication or surgery.

Other possibilities

Many of the symptoms of stomachache can result from other conditions such as celiac disease, colitis, Crohn's disease and thyroid disease. Some conditions are more serious than others.

Symptoms overlap between conditions, so it’s always a good idea to see your health care provider if discomfort doesn’t go away or any time you have severe pain. The sooner you have an accurate diagnosis, the more likely it is that you’ll be feeling better fast.

Even if you’re not in pain, finding a health care provider you’re comfortable with is worth the time. Because when you really need a doctor, having one that you trust is priceless.

Find a specialist

Use our online search tool to find a gastroenterology specialist that is right for you. You can also make an appointment online.