What Causes Stomach Pain?
Stomach pain, or Abdominal pain, can have a variety of causes ranging from mild to severe. Common causes include digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, and bloating, which are often linked to overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming certain foods like those high in fat, fiber, or spice. Other frequent causes are gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to viral or bacterial infections), constipation, and food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten). For women, menstrual cramps and conditions like endometriosis can also lead to stomach pain localized to the lower abdomen.
More serious causes of Stomach pain may involve the digestive organs, such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and pancreas. Conditions like gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, gallstones, and pancreatitis can cause persistent or acute abdominal pain that may require medical evaluation. In some cases, stomach pain may also be a symptom of a more complex issue, like kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Persistent, severe, or recurrent abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, should be assessed by a healthcare provider to diagnose and address the underlying cause.
