Abdominal pain is usually a dull, constant ache, a burning sensation or sharp, stabbing pain around the stomach and abdominal area. Although the pain often seems to come from the stomach area, it can also come from other affected organs.

 

Other possible organs from which the pain originates are the appendix, pancreas, kidneys, gall bladder and intestines. If the pain persists for more than a few days, you should see a doctor to determine whether there is a serious illness.

 

Right-sided abdominal pain can have various causes, some may be serious, others not. For example, it could be an upset stomach, accumulated flatulence or constipation. However, right-sided abdominal pain can indicate more serious conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, food poisoning, gallstones, abdominal pregnancy, diverticulitis, viral hepatitis, kidney stones, gastritis, peptic ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, urinary tract infections or diaphragmatic hernia.

 

It is important to look at other symptoms to determine the possible cause of the abdominal pain. Other causes such as blood in the stool, bloody vomiting and high fever indicate a serious illness and you should see a doctor immediately. If the abdominal pain is accompanied by flu-like symptoms, you can wait a few days to see if they disappear. If the pain persists after a few days, you should see a doctor. If you have difficulty sitting still because of the pain, you should also see a doctor.

 

If the pain occurs more immediately after eating, it is probably due to a digestive disorder. You should avoid all foods that trigger the pain for some time. Typical foods that can cause increased abdominal pain are, for example, dairy products, strongly flavoured food or fatty foods. If the pain disappears as soon as you stop eating these foods, you may have lactose intolerance or reflux. In this case, you should discuss an alternative diet plan with a doctor.

Diseases such as kidney infections, urinary tract infections and appendicitis manifest themselves very quickly. It is therefore important to monitor symptoms, take a temperature and drink plenty of water at the onset of symptoms.

 

Note: Even without the presence of other symptoms such as bloody stools, bloody vomiting or dizziness, a serious illness may be present. If the pain persists for more than three days, you should always see a doctor.