What is abdominal pain?

Signs and symptoms: more than just pain

Tummy aches: Causes

• Indigestion: Overeating or indulging in spicy, greasy, or rich foods can create a bottleneck, leading to bloating, nausea, and a general feeling of heaviness. Your digestive system struggles to process the overload, sending signals of discomfort like burping or acid reflux. To alleviate these symptoms, reduce portion sizes, avoid trigger foods, and take a stroll after meals to help stimulate digestion.
• Lactose intolerance: Dairy products become the enemy of those unable to digest lactose. Without sufficient lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, consuming milk and cheese results in bloating, cramps, and diarrhoea. Your gastrointestinal system is unable to tolerate the presence of undigested lactose and as a result, creates a gas and fluid imbalance. In addition to avoiding dairy, try lactose-free alternatives or lactase supplements to enjoy your favourite dairy treats without the unpleasant aftermath.
• Constipation: When constipation strikes, it’s like a traffic jam in your intestines, leaving you feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sometimes in pain. This often results from a lack of dietary fibre or insufficient hydration. The digestive system needs fibre to bulk up stool and fluids to ease its passage through your intestines. To prevent constipation, incorporate more fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet, drink plenty of water, and stay active to stimulate bowel movements.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is like a hypersensitive alarm system that gets triggered over the smallest disturbances. Stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods can all set off an array of symptoms, from cramping and bloating to diarrhoea or constipation. The condition often leaves sufferers feeling uncertain about what they can safely eat. Managing IBS requires a holistic approach that includes identifying and avoiding trigger foods, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, and maintaining a balanced diet.
• Stomach flu: Viral or bacterial infections that inflame your digestive system can leave you feeling drained and nauseous. The stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, often hits suddenly, causing stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. Recovery involves plenty of rest and gradual rehydration with clear fluids like water, broths, or electrolyte drinks. Bland foods such as crackers or rice can be reintroduced once the vomiting subsides.
• Appendicitis: An inflamed appendix is a medical emergency that starts with a dull ache around the belly button and quickly shifts to sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, and is usually associated with a fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. If untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Quick action is essential—if you suspect appendicitis, seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis and treatment, which often involves surgery.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, often resulting in a burning sensation and frequent urination. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys. Along with antibiotics, drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice may help flush bacteria out, and frequent urination can prevent further bacterial growth.
• Menstrual cramps: Many women endure the familiar discomfort of menstrual cramps each month as the uterus contracts to shed its lining. Pain can range from mild to severe, accompanied by back pain, headaches, and fatigue. Warm compresses, gentle stretching exercises, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage the pain.

DIY home remedies for mild cases

• Heat therapy: Apply a heating pad or warm compress to your abdomen to relax tight muscles and increase blood flow, promoting pain relief. It’s a simple yet effective way to soothe your aching tummy.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water or herbal teas keeps your digestive system hydrated, helping flush out irritants and aiding smooth digestion. Ginger or peppermint tea can also reduce nausea and calm your stomach.
• Diet tweaks: If your stomach is in turmoil, stick to a diet of gentle foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast that are easy to digest. Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods that could exacerbate your symptoms.
• Over-the-counter aids: Antacids can quickly neutralise stomach acid if heartburn is the culprit, while pain relievers like ibuprofen can alleviate menstrual cramps or mild discomfort. Loperamide can provide temporary relief for diarrhoea, and simethicone can ease gas. 
• Herbal remedies: Ginger and peppermint are natural remedies known to soothe stomach upsets. Ginger can help with nausea and bloating, while peppermint oil capsules can relieve IBS-related discomfort.
• Light exercise: Stress worsens tummy troubles. Gentle physical activity like walking or yoga can stimulate digestion and reduce stress. Stretching can also help relieve menstrual cramps by improving blood flow to the lower abdomen.
• Probiotics: Eating yogurt or taking probiotic supplements can replenish good bacteria in your gut, improving digestion and potentially easing symptoms of IBS or stomach flu.

When to consult a doctor?

Can a telehealth appointment with an online doctor help with abdominal aches?