Stomach Pain

"Stomach pain" covers a huge range of possible causes — location, character, and accompanying symptoms are the most useful clues to narrowing it down.

Upper Abdominal Pain

A burning pain in the upper-middle abdomen often points to GERD or a stomach ulcer; pain in the upper right, especially after fatty meals, can indicate gallstones; general upper discomfort with bloating and nausea suggests indigestion. Importantly, upper-abdominal burning or pressure can also be a heart attack rather than indigestion or GERD — especially in women, older adults, and people with diabetes, who more often have these atypical, "stomach-like" symptoms instead of classic chest pain. Pain that radiates straight through to the back is also a useful clue — it can point to pancreatitis or, less commonly, a problem with the aorta, and is worth mentioning specifically to a doctor.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Cramping lower abdominal pain is common with IBS or gastroenteritis; pain specifically in the lower right that worsens over hours is a hallmark of appendicitis and needs prompt medical evaluation.

Diffuse or Crampy Pain

Widespread cramping is often linked to gas and bloating, gastroenteritis, or a functional condition like IBS, especially when it comes with a change in bowel habits.

Recurring or Cyclical Pain

Pain that comes in a burning wave-like pattern related to meals can suggest an ulcer or GERD; pain closely tied to the menstrual cycle in women points toward a gynecological cause rather than a purely digestive one.

When It's an Emergency

Seek emergency care for sudden, severe abdominal pain, pain with a rigid or board-like abdomen, pain with fever and vomiting, or pain following an injury — these can indicate a surgical emergency.