Causes of stomach ache

What Causes The Pain?

You don't necessarily have to have a specific condition to experience stomach aches and cramps. This is particularly the case for those who experience occasional cramping. 

There are however numerous conditions that can contribute to stomach pain. Some of the more common ones are listed below.

Common conditions that can cause stomach pain:

• Stomach ulcers 
• Gastroenteritis 
• Gastric reflux 
• Gall stones 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
• Diverticular Disease 

Where Is The Pain?

The location of the pain can tell you a lot about its causes. If the pain is felt either all over your abdominal area or low down in your abdomen: 

• It's always important to consult with your pharmacist before treating any pain.
• The pain may be coming from the bowel if it is associated with constipation, bloating, diarrhoea or wind.
• The pain may be due to spasm in your stomach or intestinal muscles and may be relieved by antispasmodics such as Buscopan, Colofac or Donnatab. 
• The pain may be due to gas and may be dietary related. It may be helped by gas reducers, or by dietary review (see an accredited practicing dietitian). 

Note: If lower abdominal pain is: 

• Recent in on-set 
• Associated with bleeding or a change in bowel habit and you are over 40 years of age it could be a serious bowel disease and you should check with your doctor. 

If the pain feels like it is coming from high up in your stomach i.e. high up under your rib cage: 

• If it is associated with heartburn, belching; made worse or relieved by food, it may be caused by acid and may be related to reflux or an ulcer. Acid related pain is best treated with antacids or acid lowering drugs such as Mylanta, Rennie or Zantac. Make sure you check with your pharmacist 
• If you feel severe pain in the middle area of your stomach going through to your back, this raises the possibility of gall stones and you should check with you doctor 
• Pain high up in your stomach which is made worse by exercise could be angina or heart pain and you should check with your doctor