10 Dangerous Stomach Aches You Should Never Ignore
Never ignore a sudden stomach ache. Here's how to tell if your stomach pain is much more serious and dangerous than a simple cramp.
Stomach pains
Description: stomach ache that causes a burning sensation just below the breastbone, especially after a large meal.
Possible causes: heartburn (reflux).
What to do: Take an over-the-counter antacid tablet for heartburn and avoid large fatty meals. If this stomach ache persists for several weeks, see your doctor.
Constipation or gas
Description: stomach aches and pain around and below the navel accompanied by gas.
Possible causes: constipation or gas.
What to do: If you think you have constipation, take an over-the-counter laxative or anti-gas medications. If the pain persists for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
Appendicitis
Description: stomach ache characterized by sudden pain around the navel. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty in passing a bowel movement, or hardening of the abdominal muscles.
Possible causes: appendicitis.
What to do: go to the hospital. Appendicitis must be treated quickly or the appendix can rupture and leak infectious fluid into other parts of the abdomen. The stiffening of the abdominal muscles is a sign that the infection is starting to spread.
Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder
Description: Stomach pain manifested by sudden pain in the right side of the abdomen that may radiate to other parts of the abdomen or back.
Possible causes: gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.
What to do: If the pain persists or gets worse after eating fatty foods, see your doctor.
Colon disorder, urinary tract infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease
Description: Stomach ache or sudden pain below the navel that radiates to each side.
Possible causes: a colon disorder, urinary tract infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
What to do: If the pain keeps increasing, call your doctor who may order diagnostic tests or advise you to go to the emergency room.
Kidney stones or kidney or bladder infections
Description: A stomachache or sudden, sharp pain near your lower ribs that radiates down to your groin.
Possible causes: kidney stones or, if the pain is accompanied by fever, an infection of the kidneys or bladder.
What to do: Increase your water intake and call your doctor. Most kidney stones eventually pass on their own, although in rare cases surgery is necessary. If you have a fever, see your doctor.
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis
Description: Stomach pain, which may manifest as sudden pain and tenderness in the lower left abdomen, possibly accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Possible causes: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis.
What to do: See your doctor who may recommend a colonoscopy. Long term treatment may be necessary.
Blockage in the bowel, perforated appendix, or bleeding from the bowel
Description: Stomach upset which may manifest as sudden pain accompanied by diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, blood in the stool, or vomiting.
Possible causes: a blockage in the intestine, a perforated appendix or bleeding from the intestine.
What to do: These are the symptoms of internal bleeding. Go to the hospital immediately.
Chronic diseases
Description: Stomach ache, pain or mild discomfort that comes on slowly and continues or recurs for weeks or months, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, bloating or gas.
Possible causes: Symptoms including bloating may be related to chronic illness such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, food intolerance, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or celiac disease.
What to do: See your doctor who can refer you to a gastroenterologist for follow-up.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Description: Stomach pain or sudden abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by dizziness, especially in an elderly person who smokes or has high blood pressure.
Possible causes: abdominal aortic aneurysm.
What to do: The enlarged aorta can cause fatal bleeding. Go to the emergency room immediately.
