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Abdominal (stomach) pain: causes, warning signs & what to do
Stomach pain is extremely common and usually settles on its own. The location, type and company it keeps (fever, vomiting, bleeding) help tell mild causes from ones that need urgent care.
Common causes of abdominal (stomach) pain
- Indigestion, gas or constipation
- Gastritis or peptic ulcer — burning upper-tummy pain
- Food poisoning or a stomach bug (with diarrhoea/vomiting)
- Appendicitis — pain moving to the lower right, with fever
- Gallstones — right upper pain after fatty meals
- Urinary infection or kidney stones (with urinary symptoms)
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden severe pain with a rigid, board-like abdomen — call your local emergency number now
- Pain with vomiting blood, or black/tarry stools
- Pain low on the right with fever (possible appendicitis)
- Pain in pregnancy, or severe pain that is not settling
Frequently asked questions
When is stomach pain an emergency?
Severe, sudden pain with a rigid abdomen, pain with vomiting blood or black stools, or lower-right pain with fever all need urgent assessment.
What causes recurring upper-abdominal pain?
Common culprits are gastritis, acid reflux and peptic ulcers. Persistent pain, weight loss or difficulty swallowing should be investigated by a doctor.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.