Stomach pains can have many different causes, ranging from mild to serious conditions. Some of the less serious causes of stomach pain include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, and a stomach virus. More serious causes of stomach pain include appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bowel blockage, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux. Pain in the lower left abdomen is most often related to diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the colon, while pain in the lower right abdomen may be related to inflammation of the appendix or appendix cancer. Pain that is specifically in one area of the belly is more likely to be a sign of a problem in an organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach.

It is important to know when to seek medical care for stomach pain. If the pain is severe, lasts more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by a fever, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Other symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying cause of stomach pain include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

To determine the cause of stomach pain, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms and medical history of the patient. Depending on the suspected cause of the pain, additional tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, or endoscopy may be ordered. Treatment for stomach pain will depend on the underlying cause, and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.