Stomach ache is a very common symptom that can be caused by various illnesses. Its location and its mode of appearance (acute, progressive, chronic) can make it possible to specify the organs involved. Often benign, it can in some cases be a sign of more serious damage.

Also commonly known as “stomach ache”, “abdominal pain” or “bowel pain”, stomach pain is a common symptom, which happens to everyone at some time or another in life. It is linked to the presence of many organs present in the region: the intestine, the liver, the stomach, the kidneys, but also the reproductive organs.

The stomach ache can be mild or severe, persistent or come and go. It can be short-lived, set in gradually, or stay for weeks, months, or even years.

Often mild, stomach pain can still be a sign of severe damage. Also, it is advisable to go to the emergency room in the following cases:

• if the stomach ache happened as a result of an accident;
• if it is accompanied by shortness of breath and dizziness;
• if you vomit blood;
• if blood is found in the urine;
• or if it is accompanied by a high fever.

Stomach ache can originate from many disorders or diseases. But most of the time, it is benign.

The precise localization of the painful area can make it possible to specify the origin of the disease: the organ (s) housed there will probably be involved:

• pain in the lower abdomen may indicate that the colon, kidneys, urinary tract, or ovaries are affected;
• if the pain is located at the top of the belly, then it concerns a priori the stomach, the liver;
• on the left, it may be the intestines, spleen or kidneys;
• on the right, the pain can come from an attack of the gallbladder or the intestines.

But the way in which it sets in (acute, chronic, progressive, intermittent, episodic, etc.) is also a source of precious indications for the doctor who must make his diagnosis.

Thus, acute pain may in particular be a sign of:

• a digestive disorder, with gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation;
• appendicitis;
• inflammation of the gallbladder (this is called cholecystitis);
• inflammation of the bladder (cystitis);
• an ectopic pregnancy;
• kidney infection;
• kidney stones;
• mesenteric ischemia, ie a decrease in blood flow to the intestines;
• inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis);
• pulmonary infarction, i.e. loss of blood flow to the lungs);
• an abscess (ie a pocket filled with pus) in the liver;
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis);
• urinary tract infection;
• infection of the spleen;
• or even gastroenteritis of viral origin.

Chronic pain could mean in particular:

• a endometriosis ;
• a celiac disease or gluten intolerance;
• inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis);
• splenomegaly, ie an increase in the volume of the spleen;
• un ovarian cyst ;
• infection of the reproductive organs;
• ulcerative colitis;
• or to hernia hiatale.

A stomachache that sets in gradually can, for example, be a sign of:

• a Crohn’s disease ;
• cancer of the liver, kidneys, stomach or pancreas;
• lead poisoning;
• inflammation of the liver (hepatitis);
• or an accumulation of waste in the blood.

Note that in the particular case of pregnancy, stomach pain is one of the frequent ailments: heartburn, nausea and vomiting,

It can also be the sign of so-called Braxton Hicks contraction, ie “false contractions”. They are the consequence of a tightening and sagging of the uterus.

Stomach pain is often one of the symptoms that characterize a particular disease. By ignoring this symptom, and not trying to treat it, the disease can progress.

The doctor will suggest treatment depending on the cause of the stomach ache. This can be:

• antispasmodics;
• digestive dressings;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• analgesics;
• or laxatives.

To try to prevent stomach aches and especially those due to a digestive disorder, it is advisable to have a balanced diet, to eat slowly (to chew for a long time), in peace.