Stomach ache or abdominal pain is a common complaint. Abdominal pain by itself is not a disease but is a symptom of a variety of underlying disorders. May have symptoms of heartburn, gas, bloating and burping.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

1. Psychogenic causes The abdominal pain occurs in non-diseased organs. Pain is believed to arise from stress, anxiety and depression. The real mechanism by which this process happens is not known.
2. Functional causes In this type, the affected organs are not diseased but there is an abnormal or changed functioning as a result of certain interactions between the body and the environment. Examples include:
   • Lactose intolerance
   • Dysmenorrhoea
   • Constipation
   • Diarrhea
3. Organic causes This type of abdominal pain is secondary to an underlying disease in the body. Examples include :
   • Inflammatory bowel disease
   • Peptic ulcer disease – up to 50% is related to Helicobacter pylori disease
   • Worm infestation
   • Pelvic inflammatory disease
   • Ovarian cyst
   • Urinary tract infection
4. Direct Injury – accident to the abdomen

Treatment

Most of the time pain improves with home treatment. If you have abdominal pain without other symptoms, try the following :

• Rest until you are feeling better
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent loss of fluid (frequent sips of beverage is easier on your stomach)
• Avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks such as soda pop, tea or coffee
• Try eating small but frequent meals
• Avoid spicy foods, sour fruits, alcohol
• Avoid foods that are high in fat
• Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-imflamatory medications

Other treatment would depend on the underlying cause.

1. Goals of treatment Return to normal function and relief of symptoms
   • Try simple pain killer such as paracetamol for dysmenorrhea (period pain).
2. When to see a doctor?
   • Pain following injury or accident
   • Your pain does not improve in 24 to 48 hours
   • Pain becomes more severe or frequent
   • Pain increases or localises to one specific area of your abdomen
   • You develop other symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and cannot pass flatus, a change in urination, fever, breathless, drowsy or fainting
   • Distension of your abdomen
   • Pregnancy
   • Vomiting out blood like coffee grounds
   • Passing blood in your stool
   • If you feel a lump in the abdomen
   • If you suspect medication is causing your pain
   • Unexpected vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge

Prevention

Abdominal pain can often be prevented

• Regular bowel habits to prevent abdominal pain caused by constipation
• Develop regular eating habits.
• Avoid over-eating to prevent abdominal discomfort
• Eat slowly and stop when you feel full
• Avoid chewing gum and carbonated beverages to reduce swallowing air
• Wear your seat belt safely every time you drive to avoid abdominal injuries