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3.5 Minute

29-07-2024 Team Medicover gastroenterology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr R Prasanth, Gastroenterologist

Stomach Pain Causes in Children and Adults

The most common complaint in children and adults is stomach aches. The fact is that abdominal pain or discomfort can be caused due to various causes. It's also possible that the issue isn't with your stomach.

Many vital organs, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines, dwell in your torso and are near to one another. A problem with one of these could be the source of your discomfort.

We frequently overlook stomach pain and turn to home remedies and over-the-counter medications to relieve it. To avoid worsening the condition, it is always good to visit a doctor and address the issue.

Types of Stomach Pain and What They Mean

Stomach pain can feel different depending on its cause, and identifying the type of pain helps in understanding what might be going wrong inside your body.

Sharp pain: Sudden, intense pain often due to conditions like appendicitis or gallstones.
Cramping pain: Associated with gas, bloating, or menstrual cramps.
Burning pain: Often caused by acid reflux or ulcers.
Dull, aching pain: Linked to indigestion or chronic conditions like gastritis.
Colicky pain: Comes in waves, common with kidney or gallstones.
Localized pain: Felt in a specific area, indicating an organ-related issue.
Generalized pain: Spread across the abdomen, often linked to viral infections or gas.

Let us understand the common causes of stomach pain for children, women and men.

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Stomach Pain Causes in Children

Treatment of stomach pain in children starts with identifying the cause. Most cases are minor, but some may require immediate medical attention. Common causes include:

Constipation
Gas or bloating
Food allergy or intolerance
Air swallowing
Stomach flu or food poisoning
Abdominal migraine
Colic
Heartburn or acid reflux
Pain caused by anxiety or depression
Strep throat or mononucleosis ("mono")

If the discomfort does not go away in 24 hours, grows worse, or the child has frequent stomach aches, he or she may have a significant problem. The pain might also indicate the presence of:

Appendicitis
Gallstones
Stomach ulcer
Hernia
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
Intussusceptions
Sickle cell disease crisis
Torsion (twisting) of the testicle
Torsion (twisting) of the ovary
Tumor or cancer
Urinary tract infection

Stomach Pain Causes in Men or Women

The most common symptoms are minor queasy stomach, severe pain, or cramping. A variety of factors can cause stomach pain in males and females:

Indigestion
Constipation
stomach infection

If you're a woman, menstrual pains are all common causes. Upper stomach pain in females can be caused due to various factors. In many circumstances, one ailment might lead to the development of another.

Ulcers, for example, can cause indigestion, while gallstones can cause liver damage.

Other Possible Stomach Pain Causes Include

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Crohn's disease
Food poisoning
Food allergies
Gas

Chances of getting abdominal pain are high if you are lactose intolerant or have ulcers or pelvic inflammatory disease. Some other causes include:

Hernia
Gallstones
Kidney stones
Endometriosis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Appendicitis
Diverticulitis
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Bowel blockage
Ovarian cancer
Low blood flow to the intestines

Stomach pain after eating is often related to indigestion, acid reflux, or food intolerances. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers.

When to Visit a Doctor?

If your stomach ache is very serious or it doesn't go away then it's important to talk to the Doctor. Even if the pain is mild visiting a doctor might alleviate unnecessary concerns:

Despite the treatment, if your pain persists
If you get blood in your stool or urine
High fever
If your pain is severe or excruciating
Symptoms not improving after treatment
Blood vomiting
Trouble in breathing
Constant vomiting
Swell in belly

Early treatment is often associated with a better prognosis, and seeing your doctor can help you diagnose any disease early and initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can have many causes, ranging from mild digestive issues to serious medical conditions. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Assess pain location, severity, and symptoms.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or X-rays to identify issues like stones or blockages.
Blood Tests: Detect infections, inflammation, or organ dysfunction.
Endoscopy: Examine stomach lining for ulcers or acid reflux.
Stool or Urine Tests: Check for infections or digestive disorders.

Treatment

Medications:

Antacids for acid reflux
Antibiotics for infections
Pain relievers for cramps
Antispasmodics for IBS
Anti-inflammatory drugs for ulcers or gastritis

Lifestyle Changes:

Eat smaller, frequent meals
Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fried, or acidic)
Drink plenty of water
Exercise regularly
Manage stress

Surgery:

Needed for conditions like:

Appendicitis
Gallstones
Hernia
Bowel obstruction
Tumors

Therapies:

Manage chronic pain with targeted treatments for underlying conditions.

Treatment of Stomach Pain in Children

The treatment of stomach pain in children depends on the underlying cause, ranging from simple dietary changes to medical or surgical interventions in more serious cases.

Hydration and bland diet for mild infections.
Constipation relief with high-fiber foods or laxatives (only under doctor’s advice).
Medications as prescribed based on diagnosis.
In some cases, hospitalization or surgery for serious conditions like intussusception or appendicitis.

Stomach Pain Home Remedies

After eating or drinking, everyone gets an upset stomach and indigestion, also known as dyspepsia. The ailment is normally not a cause for concern, and the mild symptoms can often be treated with home remedies.

Drink warm water or herbal teas (like ginger or mint)
Have plain yogurt or aloe juice
Sip coconut water
Avoid spicy and oily foods
Eat slowly and chew well
Increase fiber intake gradually
Rest and apply a warm compress
Avoid alcohol and smoking

Stomach pain isn't necessarily a warning to visit a doctor unless it's severe. However, if it's accompanied by other troubling symptoms, such as blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, paleness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of the eyes, or severe nausea or vomiting, it's advisable to contact your doctor right away.

Complications of Untreated Stomach Pain

Ignoring persistent or severe stomach pain may lead to:

Chronic pain and poor quality of life
Spread of infections
Nutritional deficiencies due to poor appetite
Damage to organs like liver, pancreas, or intestines
Increased risk of complications like bowel perforation or sepsis

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Prevention Tips for Stomach Pain

Eat a balanced, fiber-rich diet
Stay hydrated
Avoid overeating and eat at regular intervals
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods
Get regular physical activity
Manage stress with relaxation techniques
Get screened for digestive or gynecological issues if you're at risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Abdominal pain can occur anywhere in the abdomen, from the ribs to the pelvis. The pain is commonly referred to as stomach pain or a stomach ache, but it can originate in a variety of internal organs other than your stomach.

Medicines containing loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) may help relieve diarrhea cramps. Acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) may be useful for other types of pain.

An upset stomach usually goes away on its own within 48 hours. However, stomach pain can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue. If your symptoms don't improve after a day or two, it's advisable to seek medical help.

Yes, eating food that's gone bad can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.

Yes, drinking too much soda or fizzy drinks can sometimes lead to stomach discomfort.

Yes, sometimes stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition like appendicitis or pancreatitis.

No, daily stomach pain isn’t normal. It may signal a digestive issue like gastritis, ulcers, or IBS. If the pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor to find the exact cause and get proper treatment.

You can ease stomach pain by resting, staying hydrated, avoiding spicy or oily foods, and using a heating pad. Over-the-counter antacids or pain relievers may help, but check with a doctor if pain continues.

If the pain is severe, lasts more than a day, is on the lower right side, or comes with fever, vomiting, or weight loss, see a doctor. It could be a sign of appendicitis or another serious condition.

Light meals, drinking warm water, avoiding greasy foods, ginger or peppermint tea, and rest may help. Antacids or gas relief tablets can also ease discomfort. If pain continues, seek medical advice.