“Stomach ache” can mean many different things. The pain can be high up in the stomach, far down, on one side, or diffuse. It can be dull, burning, crampy, or come along with gas, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea.
That’s one of the reasons why recurring stomach and intestinal problems need to be described more accurately than just “bad stomach.” The stomach houses several organs, and the same symptoms can have both harmless and more serious causes.
What can cause stomach pain?
Temporary stomach pain can occur, for example, with stomach flu, constipation or gas. Long-term problems can occur with functional dyspepsia, IBS, intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions.
Stress and anxiety can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. This does not mean that the symptoms are “imaginary”; the function of the intestine is closely linked to the nervous system. At the same time, recurring or changing symptoms should not be automatically attributed to stress without reasonable medical assessment.
Where is the pain located?
The location can provide clues but is not enough for diagnosis. Pain high in the abdomen can have other causes than pain far down. Pain on the right side, left side or in the middle of the abdomen needs to be assessed in context.
Please write down where it hurts, when the pain comes, how long it lasts, and whether it is affected by food or going to the bathroom. This is valuable information if you seek medical attention.
When problems come after meals
If the symptoms clearly start after you have eaten, it may be relevant to map out the time, portion size and type of food. Read more in our separate guide on stomach pain and nausea after eating .
If it is primarily about a tense abdomen and gas, there is also an in-depth article about a bloated, swollen and gassy stomach .
Sensitive stomach, IBS and bowel habits
Recurrent abdominal pain along with altered bowel habits can occur in IBS. IBS is an established diagnosis that is assessed based on symptoms and sometimes examinations to rule out other causes.
Read more about IBS – symptoms and support in everyday life . If you alternate between loose and hard stools, feel a rush to the toilet or experience that the pain changes after bowel movements, this is relevant information to bring to your healthcare provider.
Constipation can cause both pain and bloating.
When you are constipated, your stools often become hard and difficult to pass. You may experience pain, feel bloated, and sometimes feel sick. Temporary constipation is common, but long-term or recent changes in your bowel habits should be evaluated.
We go over this in more detail on the constipation page.
SIBO and other more specific searches
SIBO means small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is not the same as IBS, although symptoms can overlap. Since the internet often confuses the diagnoses, we have a separate guide on SIBO where we explain what the term means and how it is medically investigated.
Similarly, “leaky gut” should be handled with caution. The term is often used broadly online, while increased intestinal permeability is a more specific physiological term.
When should you seek medical attention quickly?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, persistent vomiting, high fever with abdominal pain, severe general ill health, or other acute symptoms. Unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool, and long-term changes in stool are also reasons to seek medical attention.
If you have recurring stomach problems that affect your everyday life, you should book an assessment even if the symptoms are not acute.
Holistic perspective without replacing medical examination
At Neokliniken, eating habits, stress, recovery and other lifestyle factors can be discussed from a holistic health perspective . A full body scan is complementary health care and does not replace examination, laboratory tests, endoscopy or other medical diagnostics.
This is especially important for stomach problems because many different conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I often have stomach aches?
Recurrent stomach pain can have many causes, including functional gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, food-related problems, stress, and illness. Long-term problems should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can stress cause an upset stomach?
Yes, stress can affect bowel movements and sensitivity, but recurring symptoms should not automatically be explained by stress.
What is the difference between IBS and SIBO?
IBS is a functional bowel disorder, while SIBO refers to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. The symptoms may overlap, but the investigation and treatment are different.
Read more at Neokliniken
Important information
Neokliniken works with complementary health care and well-being. The information on the page is general and does not replace medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment. In case of new, severe, prolonged or worrying symptoms, you should contact the health care system.
