Stomach Ailments

Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache. Most causes of abdominal painaren’t worrisome, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness. Learn which symptoms to watch out for and when you should get medical help.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?

Whether you’ve got a mild stomachache, sharp pain, or cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or, if you’re a woman, menstrual cramps.

Other possible causes include:

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

You may also get abdominal pain if you’re lactose intolerant or have ulcersor pelvic inflammatory disease.
Some other causes include:

• Hernia
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Endometriosis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Appendicitis