The majority of us have experienced stomach pains before. And they are no fun. Whether it be a stabbing sensation, a dull ache, or cramping, stomach pain Mt. Sinai says that almost everyone experiences pains in the stomach at some point in their lives. While most abdominal pain is harmless, underlying medical conditions may be at play. So how do you know when to seek medical care, and when will over-the-counter assistance do? What should you be on the lookout for? We will answer these questions and more as we look closer at seven potential reasons why your stomach is giving you issues.

Where can you experience stomach pain?

Any pain that you feel between your chest and groin may be the result of abdominal pain, and it can take many forms. This region of the body is often called the belly or the stomach. The pain, as mentioned previously, may look different depending on the underlying cause. For some, it may just be a mild ache, whereas others experience a generalized pain that isn’t specific to one area. At times, the pain may be in a precise location, indicating an issue with a particular organ, such as the gallbladder, stomach, or appendix.

No matter what, stomach pain can be disruptive, and you may wonder when to ask for help from your medical provider or when to seek emergency assistance.

Before we go further, we want you to know that, in most instances, stomach pain will resolve on its own. Worrying about your pain may exacerbate it, and it may be all for naught. However, please keep track of your pain, when it occurs, and how often so that you are armed with information. Be your own advocate and seek care if you feel something is amiss.

Common causes of stomach pain

There are many common reasons why you may be experiencing abdominal pain. Let’s look a little closer at some of the usual suspects.

Digestion problems according to a study put out in 2022 by the American Gastroenterological Association, approximately forty percent of Americans have bowel symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. These symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. All of which can cause abdominal discomfort.

Digestion issues can result from food poisoning, which should resolve within a few days, food intolerances, inflammation, and more.

1. Menstruation

Menstruating women often experience stomach pains. Due to the influx of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that contract and relax the uterus, cramping may arise. As we age, there is a possibility that underlying conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis are the culprit. Even ovulation can cause cramping for those who still menstruate.

While period cramping is uncomfortable, it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, soaking in a bath, utilizing a heating pad, or even exercising. However, if your period cramping causes abdominal discomfort that disrupts your life, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for help.

1. Illness related inflammation

Viruses like the stomach flu can wreak havoc on your stomach, causing cramping, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, a urinary tract infection may result in stomach pain.

1. Muscle strain

If you have ever had a challenging abdominal workout in the gym, you may notice pain in the abdominal region for several days post-workout. The pain you experience is most likely due to muscle strain and will resolve independently with rest and perhaps some light stretching.

Sometimes stomach pain is the result of an underlying health condition

The root cause of your abdominal pain may be due to an underlying condition or food sensitivity of which you are not aware. Some of these conditions include:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This is, unfortunately, a common cause of stomach distress. While the actual cause is unknown, we know that IBS may arise because of contractions in the muscles of the intestine, infection, life stress, poor signals from the gut to the brain, and even a disruption in the gut microbiome.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include pain, bloating, and cramping. You may notice a change in your bowel movements and appearance as well. While these symptoms can mimic generalized stomach pain, if you see blood in your stool, excessive diarrhea, unintentional weight loss or vomiting, and pain that won’t go away even after you have a bowel movement or pass gas, be sure to check with a medical professional.

1. Acid re-flux

Acid re-flux can produce pain that most often feels like a burning sensation. While this is something that most of us deal with occasionally, if you notice pain like this for more than two weeks, check with your doctor.

1. Lactose Intolerance 

The inability to process the sugars in dairy (lactose) can lead to lactose intolerance. For those with this condition, stomach issues such as nausea, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and gas tend to arise between thirty minutes to two hours of ingesting dairy products.

Lactose intolerance is a widespread condition, with experts’ suggesting close to seventy percent of the world’s population has a malabsorption issue with lactose past infancy.

When to seek medical attention for your stomach pains

You should see care if you experience abdominal pains or abnormal symptoms for over two weeks. For some, acute pain needs to be taken care of immediately. In these instances, seek emergency care.

Knowing when to ask for help can be challenging, and many are embarrassed by their symptoms. Here at Innova Primary Care, we believe in educating our patients and teaching them to advocate for their needs. If this sounds like you, please do not hesitate to reach out. You do not have to suffer in silence. You may need to adjust your diet. You may need to take advantage of prescription medications to help ease your pain. Whatever the case may be, trust your gut. If something does not feel right, please ask for help.