Everyone experiences some sort of pain or discomfort in the stomach or abdominal area at one point or another. In most cases, this discomfort will ease away on its own without any medical intervention. However, there are instances where the pain will linger or worsen, affecting your daily life and causing a great deal of emotional distress. Seeking out emergency medical care is smart if you are experiencing stomach pain, but proper understanding is also smart. Here are a few possible causes of your stomach pain.

Stomach Flu

Gastroenteritis, which is also known as the stomach flu, is one reason that many people see a doctor for their stomach pain. This disorder causes not only pain in the stomach but also the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

Most cases of gastroenteritis resolve themselves within a day or so. If you are still experiencing the symptoms after a few days, medical treatment is essential, since antibiotics or another medication may be necessary for treating the underlying cause – which could be bacteria or a virus.

Gas

Gas is another cause of stomach pain, and it can be so severe at times that it will warrant a trip to the emergency room.

If there is an excess amount of gas building up in the intestines, you may experience sharp pain and tightness in the abdominal area. Many people who have severe gas will also belch and pass gas excessively in an attempt to rid the intestine of the gas buildup.

If you are continuously experiencing stomach pain because of gas, talk to your primary care doctor about changing your diet. Avoiding certain foods can help prevent gas.

Constipation

Again, most people have experienced constipation at one point in time. This occurs when too much waste builds up in the bowels, causing pressure on the colon that can be painful. If you are constipated for a few days, the pressure will be even more severe, resulting in severe pain.

Constipation may occur if you are not eating fiber-rich foods, but it can also be an issue for people who do not drink enough fluids. Taking certain medications can also cause constipation.

On the other hand, constipation may also be a sign of a more severe disorder. If you are constantly dealing with constipation, talk to your doctor to determine if there is an intestinal blockage that requires immediate medical care.

Stomach pain may be simple or it could be a sign of something more serious. This guide will address a few common causes of stomach pain. If you're ever unsure of your stomach pains and need immediate care, reach out to an emergency health service.