10 Common Causes of Stomach Pain and When to See a Doctor

Stomach pain at a glance

Pain pattern	Possible causes	Important note
Burning in the upper abdomen	Gastritis, peptic ulcer	Bleeding can cause black stools or vomit containing blood
Burning behind the breastbone	Acid reflux or GERD	Chest pain must not automatically be assumed to be acidity
Right upper abdominal pain	Gallstones	Fever or jaundice needs prompt assessment
Pain moving to the lower right abdomen	Appendicitis	Seek urgent medical care
Cramping with diarrhoea and vomiting	Food poisoning	Dehydration is the main immediate risk
Recurrent pain with altered bowel habits	IBS	Alarm symptoms require tests for other conditions
Side or back pain moving toward the groin	Kidney stone	Severe pain, fever or reduced urine needs urgent care
Severe upper pain spreading to the back	Pancreatitis	Usually requires urgent hospital assessment

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Some people have no symptoms; others develop pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

• Common symptoms: Burning or aching pain, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, early fullness and bloating.
• Risk factors: Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heavy alcohol use, smoking, severe physical stress and certain autoimmune conditions.
• Diagnosis: The doctor reviews symptoms and medicines. Tests may include blood, stool or breath testing for H. pylori and upper GI endoscopy with a biopsy when needed.
• • Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause. It may include acid-reducing medicine, antibiotics for confirmed H. pylori, and changing a medicine that irritates the stomach under medical advice.
• • Prevention: Avoid unnecessary NSAID use, limit alcohol, stop smoking and follow food-safety practices. Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to your doctor.
• • Emergency signs: Vomiting blood, black tar-like stools, fainting or sudden severe pain may indicate bleeding or another complication.
• 2. Acid Reflux (GERD)
• Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move upward into the food pipe. Repeated or troublesome reflux may be diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
• • Common symptoms: Heartburn, sour fluid in the mouth, upper abdominal or chest discomfort, belching, nausea, chronic cough or trouble swallowing.
• • Risk factors: Excess weight, pregnancy, smoking, certain medicines, a hiatus hernia, large meals and lying down soon after eating.
• • Diagnosis: Many cases are diagnosed from symptoms and response to treatment. Persistent, unusual or alarming symptoms may require endoscopy, reflux monitoring or other tests.
• • Treatment: Smaller meals, avoiding late-night food, weight management where appropriate and prescribed acid-reducing medicines can help. Surgery is reserved for selected patients after proper assessment.
• • Prevention: Identify personal food triggers, avoid lying down for about three hours after meals, stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight.
• • Emergency signs: Chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, vomiting blood or difficulty swallowing needs prompt care. A heart problem can feel like “gas” or acidity.
• 3. Peptic Ulcers
• A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. The most common causes are H. pylori infection and NSAID use.
• • Common symptoms: Burning or dull upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, belching and feeling full early. Some ulcers cause no symptoms until a complication develops.
• • Risk factors: H. pylori, regular NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, smoking, older age and certain medicines taken with NSAIDs.
• • Diagnosis: H. pylori breath or stool tests, blood tests and upper GI endoscopy with biopsy may be used.
• • Treatment: Acid-suppressing medicines help ulcers heal. Confirmed H. pylori requires a prescribed combination of antibiotics and acid suppression. The cause must also be addressed.
• • Prevention: Use painkillers only as directed, avoid smoking and complete the full H. pylori treatment course if prescribed.
• • Emergency signs: Blood in vomit, coffee-ground-like vomit, black stools, sudden sharp pain or fainting may signal bleeding or perforation.
• 4. Gallstones
• Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. Stones that cause no symptoms may not need treatment, but a blocked duct can trigger pain, infection or pancreatitis.
• • Common symptoms: Steady pain in the right upper or upper middle abdomen, often after a meal; nausea; vomiting; or pain toward the back or right shoulder.
• • Risk factors: Female sex, increasing age, family history, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy and rapid weight loss.
• • Diagnosis: Ultrasound is usually the first imaging test. Blood tests can show infection or inflammation, while CT, MRI/MRCP or other tests may be used in selected cases.
• • Treatment: Symptomatic gallstones are commonly treated by laparoscopic gallbladder removal. A bile-duct stone may require an endoscopic procedure such as ERCP.
• • Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid crash diets and lose weight gradually when advised.
• • Emergency signs: Pain lasting several hours, fever, chills, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or persistent vomiting needs urgent assessment.
• 5. Appendicitis
• Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It is a medical emergency because an untreated appendix can rupture and spread infection inside the abdomen.
• • Common symptoms: Pain may begin near the navel and move to the lower right abdomen. It often worsens with movement. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation or diarrhoea may occur.
• • Risk factors: Appendicitis can affect anyone and cannot always be prevented. A blockage inside the appendix is a common underlying event.
• • Diagnosis: A physical examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound or CT may be needed. Symptoms can vary, especially in children, older adults and pregnant patients.
• • Treatment: Prompt surgical removal of the appendix is common. Antibiotics may be part of treatment, and selected cases may be managed differently by the surgical team.
• • Prevention: There is no reliable way to prevent appendicitis.
• • Emergency signs: Increasing right-sided pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, fever, repeated vomiting, confusion or pain that suddenly spreads requires emergency care. Do not delay care or take laxatives for suspected appendicitis.

6. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is an infection or irritation of the digestive tract caused by contaminated food or drink. Viruses, bacteria, parasites and toxins are common causes.
• Common symptoms: Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms may begin within hours or take several days, depending on the cause.
• Risk factors: Unsafe water, undercooked food, poor refrigeration, cross-contamination and unwashed hands. Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weak immunity have a higher complication risk.
• Diagnosis: Mild cases often need no tests. Stool tests, blood tests or cultures may be ordered for severe, prolonged or outbreak-related illness.
• Treatment: Oral fluids and electrolytes are central. Some infections require specific medicines, but antibiotics are not useful for every cause. Avoid self-treating bloody diarrhoea with anti-diarrhoeal medicine.
• Prevention: Wash hands, cook foods thoroughly, separate raw and cooked foods, refrigerate promptly and use safe water.
• Emergency signs: Blood in stool, severe dehydration, confusion, high fever, persistent vomiting, severe pain or very little urine requires medical care.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. It causes recurring abdominal pain linked with changes in bowel movements, without visible damage explaining the symptoms.
• Common symptoms: Cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or both, and a feeling that the bowel has not emptied fully.
• Risk factors: Family history, previous gut infection, stress and anxiety can be associated with IBS. Symptoms and triggers differ from person to person.
• Diagnosis: Doctors use the symptom pattern, medical history and examination. Tests may be done to rule out coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or another problem when indicated.
• Treatment: A personalised plan may include diet changes, soluble fibre, exercise, medicines and psychological therapies. A low-FODMAP diet should ideally be supervised by a qualified dietitian.
• Prevention: IBS cannot always be prevented, but regular meals, sleep, exercise and a symptom diary may reduce flare-ups.
• Emergency signs: IBS itself is not an emergency. Blood in stool, fever, unexplained weight loss, anaemia, night-time symptoms or a new change later in life should not be assumed to be IBS.


8. Constipation
Constipation may mean fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard stools, straining or incomplete emptying. It can cause lower abdominal pain and bloating.
• Common symptoms: Hard or dry stool, straining, abdominal cramps, bloating and reduced appetite.
• Risk factors: Low fibre or fluid intake, inactivity, travel, pregnancy, older age and medicines such as opioids, iron or some antacids. Thyroid, nerve and bowel conditions can also contribute.
• Diagnosis: The doctor assesses bowel habits, diet, medicines and warning signs. Blood tests, a rectal examination, colonoscopy or transit tests are used only when appropriate.
• Treatment: Fluids, gradual fibre increase, activity and regular toilet habits often help. A clinician may recommend a suitable laxative and treat the underlying cause.
• Prevention: Eat fibre-rich foods, drink adequate water, stay active and respond to the urge to pass stool.
• Emergency signs: Severe pain with vomiting, a swollen abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, blood in stool or sudden constipation with illness may indicate obstruction or another serious problem.
9. Kidney Stones (Pain Felt in the Abdomen)
Kidney stones form from minerals in urine. Although they begin in the urinary tract, their pain may be felt in the side, lower abdomen or groin.
• Common symptoms: Severe wave-like side or back pain moving toward the lower abdomen or groin, nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, urinary urgency or burning.
• Risk factors: Dehydration, hot weather, high salt intake, family history, previous stones, obesity and certain medical or metabolic conditions.
• Diagnosis: Urine and blood tests plus ultrasound or CT can identify a stone and check for blockage.
• Treatment: Small stones may pass with fluids, pain control and prescribed medicine. Larger, blocked or complicated stones may need a procedure by a urologist.
• Prevention: Drink enough water to keep urine pale, reduce excess salt and follow stone-specific dietary advice after the stone type is assessed.
• Emergency signs: Fever or chills with stone pain, inability to urinate, one functioning kidney, pregnancy, uncontrolled pain or repeated vomiting requires urgent care.
10. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis begins suddenly and can become life-threatening. Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are common causes, although medicines, high triglycerides and other conditions can contribute.
• Common symptoms: Severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, a fast pulse and abdominal tenderness.
• Risk factors: Gallstones, heavy alcohol use, smoking, very high triglycerides, some medicines, abdominal injury and certain genetic conditions.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests, including pancreatic enzymes, and imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI help confirm the diagnosis and identify its cause.
• Treatment: Acute pancreatitis usually needs hospital care with fluids, pain control, nutrition and treatment of the cause. Gallstone-related disease may require gallbladder surgery or an endoscopic procedure.
• Prevention: Avoid alcohol misuse and smoking, manage triglycerides and treat symptomatic gallstones based on medical advice.
• Emergency signs: Sudden severe upper abdominal pain, pain spreading to the back, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, fever, weakness or fainting needs immediate assessment.
When Should You See a Doctor Immediately?
Go to the nearest emergency department or seek emergency help if stomach pain occurs with any of the following:
• Severe, worsening or sudden abdominal pain
• Blood in vomit or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Black, tar-like stools or visible blood in stool
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• High fever, shaking chills or marked weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
• A hard, swollen or very tender abdomen
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain, pressure or sweating with abdominal pain
• Fainting, confusion or severe dizziness
• Inability to pass stool or gas with pain and vomiting
Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, have severe pain or may be having a heart-related emergency. Symptoms in children, pregnant people, older adults and people with weak immunity may be less typical, so seek advice early.
How Stomach Pain Is Diagnosed at Anu Hospitals
A safe diagnosis begins with where the pain started, whether it moves, what makes it better or worse, and which symptoms occur with it. The doctor will also ask about medicines, food, alcohol use, bowel habits, urinary symptoms, menstrual or pregnancy history where relevant, previous operations and existing illnesses.
Depending on the suspected cause, investigations at Anu Hospitals, Vijayawada may include:
• Blood tests: To look for infection, anaemia, inflammation, dehydration and pancreatic or other abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: Often used to assess the gallbladder, liver, kidneys and certain causes of pelvic or abdominal pain.
• CT scan: Provides detailed images when appendicitis, pancreatitis, kidney stones, obstruction or complications are suspected.
• MRI or MRCP: Used when indicated for detailed soft-tissue or bile-duct imaging.
• Upper GI endoscopy: Allows the doctor to inspect the food pipe, stomach and duodenum and take a biopsy if required.
• Colonoscopy: Examines the large bowel when symptoms or risk factors suggest a lower digestive-tract condition.
• Stool tests: May detect infection, inflammation or hidden blood.
• Liver function tests: Help assess the liver and possible blockage or inflammation involving the bile ducts.
Not every patient needs every test. The investigation plan should be selected by a qualified gastroenterologist or surgeon after examination.
Stomach Pain Treatment at Anu Hospitals
Treatment is matched to the cause rather than the symptom alone. Care available at Anu Hospitals may include:
• Medical management for reflux, gastritis, ulcers and selected bowel conditions
• Endoscopy services for diagnosis and appropriate endoscopic treatment
• Laparoscopic surgery for conditions such as symptomatic gallstones and appendicitis
• Gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery when indicated
• Bariatric surgery for eligible patients after a complete multidisciplinary assessment, not as a routine treatment for stomach pain
• Emergency surgical care for acute abdominal conditions
• Personalised treatment plans based on diagnosis, age, overall health and patient preferences
Why Choose Anu Hospitals, Vijayawada?
Patients seeking digestive care in Vijayawada need both accurate diagnosis and access to the right level of treatment. Anu Hospitals brings diagnostic evaluation, medical care and surgical expertise together, helping reduce delays when a condition needs urgent attention.
Key strengths include experienced surgeons, advanced diagnostic technology, comprehensive gastro care, minimally invasive surgical options, patient-centred planning, emergency services and modern operation theatres. The aim is straightforward: identify the cause, explain the choices clearly and recommend treatment only when it is clinically appropriate.

Dr. Ramesh Gajula
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), MRCS (UK)
Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery (Korea)
Consultant Laparoscopy & Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Ramesh Gajula treats a range of gastrointestinal surgical conditions at Anu Hospitals, Vijayawada. His areas of expertise include:
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgical conditions
His surgical training and focus on minimally invasive techniques support evidence-based decision-making for patients who may require an operation. A consultation also helps determine when surgery is not needed and medical evaluation is the better next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common causes of stomach pain?
Common causes include indigestion, gastritis, GERD, peptic ulcers, constipation, food poisoning and IBS. Gallstones, appendicitis, kidney stones and pancreatitis can cause more severe pain and may need urgent care.
2. How do I know whether stomach pain is serious?
Pain is more concerning when it is sudden, severe, worsening or accompanied by fever, repeated vomiting, bleeding, jaundice, chest pain, breathing difficulty, a swollen abdomen or fainting.
3. Which doctor should I consult for abdominal pain?
A physician or gastroenterologist can assess many digestive causes. If gallstones, appendicitis, a hernia or another surgical condition is suspected, a qualified gastrointestinal or laparoscopic surgeon may be involved.
4. Can acidity cause severe stomach pain?
Reflux or gastritis can cause burning discomfort, but severe pain should not automatically be labelled acidity. Heart, gallbladder, pancreas and ulcer complications can feel similar and need proper assessment.
5. Why does my stomach hurt after eating?
Possible reasons include overeating, indigestion, gastritis, reflux, an ulcer, food intolerance, gallstones or pancreatic disease. The food involved, pain location and related symptoms help guide the evaluation.
6. When is an endoscopy needed for stomach pain?
Upper GI endoscopy may be recommended for trouble swallowing, bleeding, anaemia, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, suspected ulcer or symptoms that persist despite appropriate treatment.
7. Can stress cause abdominal pain?
Stress can affect gut movement and sensitivity and may worsen IBS, reflux or functional abdominal pain. However, new or persistent symptoms should still be assessed before they are attributed to stress.
8. What does appendicitis pain feel like?
It often starts near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen, becoming worse over time or with movement. Not everyone has the classic pattern, so suspected appendicitis needs urgent medical evaluation.
9. Can gallstones be treated without surgery?
Gallstones without symptoms may only need observation. Once they cause attacks or complications, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is commonly recommended. The correct plan depends on the patient and imaging findings.
10. Is recurrent abdominal pain a sign of IBS?
It may be, especially when pain is linked with diarrhoea, constipation or both. IBS is diagnosed from a characteristic symptom pattern after warning signs and other conditions are considered.
11. Where can I get endoscopy or colonoscopy in Vijayawada?
Anu Hospitals provides evaluation and endoscopy services in Vijayawada. A specialist should first decide whether upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy or another test is appropriate for your symptoms.
12. What should I do while waiting for a stomach pain appointment?
Note the pain location, timing, foods, bowel or urine changes and medicines taken. Stay hydrated if you can. Avoid self-starting antibiotics or repeatedly taking painkillers. Seek emergency care if any red flag symptom appears.
Key Takeaways
• Stomach pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
• The location and pattern provide clues, but different conditions can feel alike.
• Gastritis, reflux, ulcers, constipation and IBS often need planned evaluation.
• Appendicitis, pancreatitis, complicated gallstones, internal bleeding and obstruction may be emergencies.
• Persistent or recurrent pain deserves medical attention even when it is not severe.
• Tests and treatment should be chosen by a qualified gastroenterologist or surgeon.
Book a Consultation at Anu Hospitals, Vijayawada
Do not keep treating persistent stomach pain as just acidity without knowing the cause. Timely evaluation can identify a manageable digestive problem and, just as importantly, catch a condition that should not wait.
Consult Dr. Ramesh Gajula, Consultant Laparoscopy & Bariatric Surgeon, at Anu Hospitals, Vijayawada, for an appropriate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. If your pain is sudden or severe, or you have bleeding, persistent vomiting, jaundice, breathing difficulty, chest pain or fainting, seek emergency care immediately.


This article provides general health information and does not replace an examination or diagnosis. New, severe or persistent abdominal pain should be assessed by a qualified doctor. Diagnosis and treatment must be guided by a qualified gastroenterologist or surgeon.