Common Causes of Stomach pain
1. Gastritis & Peptic Ulcer Disease
Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum typically cause upper abdominal burning or discomfort, often related to meals, empty stomach, NSAIDs or H. pylori infection. Pain may radiate to the back.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A common functional bowel disorder causing cramping abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating diarrhoea and constipation. Pain is often relieved by passing stool. No structural abnormality is found on investigations.
3. Gallstones & Biliary Colic
Right upper abdominal or epigastric pain, often occurring after fatty meals, associated with nausea and vomiting. Severe pain can indicate biliary colic. Fever and jaundice may indicate cholecystitis or cholangitis.
4. Appendicitis
Pain typically begins around the navel and moves to the right lower abdomen. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and tenderness. Appendicitis is a surgical emergency — do not delay evaluation.
5. Pancreatitis
Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, often worsened by eating and partially relieved by leaning forward. Associated with nausea, vomiting and tenderness. Can be caused by gallstones or alcohol.
6. Constipation
Hard, infrequent stools with discomfort and bloating. A very common cause of abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdomen and left side. Usually not dangerous but can be persistent.
7. Urinary Tract Infection & Kidney Stones
UTI causes lower abdominal pain with burning urination and frequency. Kidney stones cause severe loin-to-groin pain (renal colic), often with blood in urine, nausea and vomiting.
8. Gastrointestinal Infections
Viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, bacterial infections (salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter) and parasitic infections cause cramping abdominal pain with diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and sometimes fever.
9. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's / Ulcerative Colitis)
Chronic relapsing abdominal pain and diarrhoea (often bloody in UC). May be associated with weight loss, fatigue and extra-intestinal features such as joint pain or skin changes.
10. Gynaecological Causes (Women)
Ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy can all cause lower abdominal pain in women. Severe sudden pelvic pain may represent an ectopic pregnancy — a surgical emergency.
⚠️ When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- 🚨 Sudden severe abdominal pain — especially if rigid abdomen
- 🚨 Abdominal pain with fever and vomiting suggesting appendicitis or peritonitis
- 🚨 Abdominal pain with jaundice (yellow eyes/skin)
- 🚨 Abdominal pain with blood in stool or black tarry stools
- 🚨 Abdominal pain with blood in vomit
- 🚨 Severe right lower abdominal pain with fever (possible appendicitis)
- 🚨 Severe sudden lower abdominal pain in a woman who could be pregnant (possible ectopic)
- 🚨 Abdominal pain with rapidly worsening weakness, low blood pressure or shock
- Abdominal pain with significant unintentional weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain without explanation lasting more than 2 weeks
Which Laboratory Tests May Be Considered?
Clinical note: Laboratory tests should be selected by a doctor based on your symptoms, history and clinical examination. Not every person requires all of the tests listed below.
| Test | Why a Doctor May Consider It |
|---|---|
| CBC | To assess for infection, anaemia or inflammatory markers |
| CRP / ESR | Inflammation markers — elevated in infection, IBD or pancreatitis |
| Liver Function Tests | For jaundice, biliary disease, hepatitis or suspected liver cause |
| Amylase / Lipase | Elevated in pancreatitis |
| Urine Routine & Culture | For suspected urinary tract infection or kidney stones |
| Stool Examination / Culture | For suspected gastrointestinal infection or parasite |
| H. pylori Testing | Stool antigen or breath test for suspected peptic ulcer disease |
| Kidney Function Tests | When renal cause is suspected or dehydration is significant |
| Ultrasound Abdomen | First-line imaging for gallstones, kidney stones, organ enlargement — not a lab test |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is appendicitis pain felt?
Appendicitis typically begins as pain around the navel that then moves to the right lower abdomen. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and tenderness on pressing the right lower abdomen.
Can gas cause severe abdominal pain?
Gas and trapped wind can cause cramping discomfort. However, severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain should not be dismissed as gas without medical evaluation, especially with fever or other symptoms.
What blood tests are done for stomach pain?
CBC, CRP, liver function tests, amylase (for pancreatitis) and urine tests are commonly used. Specific tests depend on the location of pain and associated symptoms.
QXL Diagnostic Support
QXL Diagnostics provides CBC, liver function tests, amylase, urine tests, stool examinations and H. pylori testing with home sample collection across Bengaluru.
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Medical Review
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Shantakumar Muruda, MD - Medical Biochemistry; Founder & CEO, QXL Diagnostics Super Speciality Lab, Bengaluru
Last medically reviewed: 2026-09-11
Clinical reference framework:Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics; and relevant specialty guidance as clinically appropriate.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended for general health education and does not diagnose an individual medical condition. It does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical attention for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms or any emergency warning signs described above.