Learn Stomach Pain Medication: OTC, Prescription, and More
If your stomach discomfort appears suddenly or is severe, it could be caused by one of the following conditions, which require immediate medical attention:
- Appendicitis
- Bowel blockage or obstruction
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Ectopic pregnancy
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you or someone you’re with experiences any of the following symptoms besides stomach pain, seek emergency medical attention.
They could indicate a more serious ailment or infection:
- Severe pain that comes on suddenly
- Pain that lasts for an entire hour or comes and goes for 24 hours
- Blood in bowel movements
- Black, tarry bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Inability to eat or drink, or keep food and water down
- Fever of 102ºF or higher
- Rapid weight loss without trying
- Lack of appetite
- Feeling a lump in the abdomen
- Inability to pass urine or a bowel movement
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Speak with a healthcare practitioner if you have stomach discomfort that does not indicate a serious ailment but lasts for an extended period of time or does not resolve.
- Appendicitis
- Bowel blockage or obstruction
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Ectopic pregnancy
