Reasons Why My Stomach Aches

Joseph Abu

Updated: 15 Oct, 2025 • 0 • min read

Table of Contents

Introduction: When My Own Stomach Flared Up

I still remember the first time I had a stomach ache so bad that I had to cancel my evening plans. I was working late on a blog post and grabbed a heavy, greasy meal from a roadside spot. Within an hour, I felt crampy, bloated, and nauseous. Over the next few days, I did what many of us do: Googled symptoms, self‑medicated, tried herbal teas, and tracked when the pain hit. Through that experience (and many follow‑ups), I realized that stomach pain is rarely simple — there are many possible causes, and treating it effectively means understanding why it’s happening.

If you’re asking “why does my stomach ache?”, you’re not alone. Millions experience periodic abdominal discomfort. This article will walk you through common causes (from mild to serious), real stories, red flags, and practical steps you can take. My goal: by the time you finish reading, you’ll have clarity on possible causes, what to monitor, and when to seek medical help.

What Do We Mean by “Stomach Ache”?

First, a bit of clarity: when people say “stomach ache,” they often mean abdominal pain — anywhere between the chest and pelvis, involving organs like the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, etc. Medically, this is called abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort. (Mayo Clinic)

Abdominal pain can be:

Acute: sudden onset, lasting hours to days
Chronic or recurrent: comes and goes over weeks, months, or longer
Localized or diffuse: felt in one area or generalized across the belly

The pattern, timing, what makes it better or worse—all these clues help you and a clinician narrow down causes. (Mayo Clinic)

Common Reasons Why Your Stomach Aches

Below are major categories and examples. Use them as detective clues — but remember, only a medical professional can deliver a definitive diagnosis.

1. Digestive / Gastrointestinal Causes

These are among the most frequent reasons for stomach aches.

a) Indigestion / Dyspepsia & Acid Reflux (GERD)

When you eat too much, too fast, or consume spicy / greasy foods, stomach acid can irritate the lining, causing burning pain, fullness, or nausea. Reflux (acid flowing back into the esophagus) can manifest as upper abdominal pain or heartburn. (Apollo 24|7)

Example: A friend of mine who loves late-night fried rice began noticing burning pain behind her sternum about 1 hour after dinner. She tried antacids and discovered it lessened when she ate lighter meals and avoided lying down soon after eating.

b) Gas, Bloating & Flatulence

Gas is a very common cause of discomfort: swallowing air, fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria, or intolerance to certain foods (e.g. beans, high-fiber veggies) can cause pressure and pain. (nhs.uk)

c) Constipation

When stool moves slowly (or not at all), it stretches and pressures the colon, causing crampy lower‑abdominal pain and a sense of fullness. (MedlinePlus)

d) Food Intolerances / Sensitivities

Lactose intolerance: inability to digest dairy can cause cramps, bloating, diarrhea after consuming milk, cheese, ice cream. (healthdirect.gov.au)
Gluten sensitivity / celiac disease: in some, gluten triggers inflammation and abdominal pain.

e) Stomach Ulcers / Gastritis

Ulcers are sores in the stomach lining or duodenum; gastritis is inflammation of that lining. Pain often feels burning, comes between meals or at night, sometimes relieved by food or antacids. Risk factors: H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), alcohol, smoking. (Wikipedia)

f) Gastroenteritis / Food Poisoning (Stomach Flu)

Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection of the stomach and intestines causes cramping, diarrhea, nausea, sometimes vomiting. The pain is often diffuse and accompanied by other symptoms. (Mayo Clinic)

Case study: In my city, there was a norovirus outbreak in 2023. Many people reported sudden abdominal cramps, vomiting, watery diarrhea. Symptoms peaked in 24–48 hours. Most recovered with hydration and rest. (Norovirus is a common cause of “stomach flu” symptoms.) (AP News)

2. Organ-Related / Non-Gastrointestinal Causes

Pain in the abdomen can arise from organs outside the digestive system or via referred pain.

a) Appendicitis

Classic scenario: pain starts near the belly button, then shifts to lower right abdomen, gets worse with movement, often with nausea or fever. This is a surgical emergency. (healthdirect.gov.au)

b) Gallstones / Biliary Colic / Gallbladder Issues

If gallstones block bile flow, you can feel sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often after fatty meals; pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder. (healthdirect.gov.au)

c) Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe, burning upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often worsened by eating. (Medical News Today)

d) Kidney Stones / Urinary Tract Problems

A kidney stone may manifest as sharp, cramp‑like pain starting in the back or flank, radiating into the lower abdomen or groin, sometimes with blood in urine. UTIs also cause lower abdominal discomfort plus urinary symptoms. (healthdirect.gov.au)

e) Gynecological Causes (in people assigned female at birth)

Ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or menstrual cramping can manifest as lower‑abdominal or pelvic pain.
Mittelschmerz: pain during ovulation in mid‑cycle (on one side). (Mayo Clinic)

f) Serious & Rare Causes

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): sudden severe pain may radiate to back — life-threatening. (healthdirect.gov.au)
Cancer (stomach, colon, ovarian) or ischemic bowel: usually chronic progressive pain plus weight loss, anemia. (Mayo Clinic)

Comparison Table: Mild vs Serious Causes

Symptom / Clue	More Likely Benign Cause	Red Flag / Possible Serious Cause
Onset	Gradual, recurrent	Sudden, intense
Duration	Hours to a day	Persistent for days or worsening
Location	Diffuse, crampy	Focal (e.g. lower right, upper right)
Associated symptoms	Bloating, gas, loose stools	Fever, vomiting blood, black stool, jaundice, inability to pass stool or gas
Response to remedies	Improves with rest, hydration, antacids	Little or no relief; worsening despite home care
Weight loss	Unlikely	Unintentional, significant
Urinary signs	None	Blood in urine, painful urination
Women’s health signs	Menstrual cramping	Unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain not tied to period

If you see red flag signs (severe pain, bleeding, prolonged vomiting, jaundice, high fever, etc.), seek medical attention immediately. (nhs.uk)

Real‑Life Examples & Case Studies

Example 1: The Late‑Night Spicy Meal

A client in Lagos once told me she often ate suya or spicy soup late at night. She developed burning stomach pain and regurgitation. After elimination of triggers (less spice, earlier meals) and taking a PPI (proton pump inhibitor), her symptoms eased. Diagnosis: acid reflux / gastritis.

Example 2: The Student with IBS

A university student in Abuja had recurrent crampy lower abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and felt relief after bowel movement. After evaluation, she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and managed it via diet modifications (low FODMAP), stress reduction, and fiber regulation.

Example 3: The Appendicitis Surprise

In Jos, a man in his 30s visited the hospital complaining of vague abdominal pain that progressed over 12 hours. Initially misattributed to gastritis, but later localized to lower right quadrant with fever. He was diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent surgery — his quick treatment saved him from complications.

How to Think Like a Detective: Diagnosing Your Stomach Ache

Below is a practical, step-by-step approach you can apply if your stomach is giving you grief (as a helpful guide — not a substitute for medical care):

Track timing & relation to meals
- Does pain come after eating certain foods?
- Does it happen at night or on an empty stomach?
Pinpoint location
- Upper, middle, lower, left, right?
- Does it move (e.g. belly button → lower right = appendicitis)?
Decode quality of pain
- Burning, crampy, sharp, dull?
- Is it constant or intermittent?
Note triggers / alleviators
- Eating, drinking, lying down, coughing, movement?
- Relief from passing gas or defecation?
Look for associated symptoms
- Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight loss?
- Fever, vomiting, blood in stool or vomit?
- Urinary symptoms or vaginal symptoms?
Duration & severity
- Hours, days, weeks?
- Mild vs unbearable?
Check medical history / medications
- Do you use NSAIDs regularly?
- Family history of GI diseases?
- Stress or anxiety?

Using these clues, you or your physician can narrow probable causes and decide when further tests (ultrasound, endoscopy, blood work) are needed.

Self‑Care & Home Measures (When It’s Likely Mild)

If your symptoms are mild, here are safe strategies. Again: if symptoms worsen or red flags appear, see a doctor.

Hydration: Sip water, oral rehydration solutions.
Gentle diet (BRAT): Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast — light, bland foods.
Avoid trigger foods: Spicy, fried, carbonated, caffeinated, alcohol.
Probiotics / fermented foods (if not contraindicated): can support gut balance.
Heat / warm compress: A warm water bottle on your abdomen can ease cramping.
Over-the-counter relief (with caution): antacids, simethicone (for gas), laxatives (if constipated). But don’t overuse.
Rest & stress reduction: Stress can amplify gut sensitivity. (Tua Saúde)
Eliminate NSAIDs / irritants: If you suspect your pain is from frequent ibuprofen usage, pause under medical guidance.
Eat slowly / chew well: Avoid swallowing excess air.

MedlinePlus suggests avoiding solid food for a few hours during acute episodes, then returning to mild foods when tolerable. (MedlinePlus)

When to Seek Medical Help (Red Flags)

Please take these seriously — sometimes pain is a warning sign:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially localized
Persistent vomiting, or vomiting blood
Black, tarry, or bloody stool
Inability to pass gas or stool
Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
High fever
Unexplained weight loss
Pain with pregnancy, or abnormal vaginal bleeding

Don’t delay — early diagnosis can prevent complications. (nhs.uk)

A YouTube Video That Explains Abdominal Pain

Here’s a helpful video that breaks down causes and red flags in simple terms:

“Abdominal Pain Explained – Causes, Red Flags, & When to See a Doctor”

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

If your stomach hurts, it’s natural to feel worried. But don’t panic. Many causes are mild, treatable, and reversible. Use this article as a guide—to observe patterns, rule out harmless causes, and know when to seek help.

Here’s what I encourage you to do next:

Track your symptoms for 1–3 days (time, location, triggers, other symptoms).
Make small changes (diet, hydration, reducing irritants).
See a doctor if red‑flag symptoms emerge or pain persists beyond a few days.
Ask for investigations (blood tests, ultrasound, endoscopy) if needed.
Share your story — you’re not alone. Others have gone through similar discomforts and recovered.

If you found this helpful, feel free to drop a comment below: tell me what your symptoms are, and I’ll try to help you think through possible causes (informally). Wishing you quick relief and better health ahead.

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