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Stomach ache

Most stomach aches are not anything serious and will go away after a few days.

Common causes of stomach ache

These are some common types of stomach ache and what may be causing them. But see a GP if you're unsure and worried.

Types of stomach ache and possible common causes
Type of stomach ache Possible condition
Type of stomach ache

Feeling bloated, farting a lot

 Possible condition

Trapped wind (flatulence)
Type of stomach ache

Feeling full and bloated after eating, heartburn, feeling sick

 Possible condition

Indigestion
Type of stomach ache

Cannot poo

 Possible condition

Constipation
Type of stomach ache

Watery poo, feeling sick, vomiting

 Possible condition

Stomach bug or food poisoning
A pharmacist can help with stomach ache

Speak to a pharmacist about:

  • what might be causing your stomach ache
  • treatments that might help
  • medicines for constipation and indigestion

See a GP if:

  • a stomach ache gets much worse quickly
  • stomach pain or bloating will not go away or keeps coming back
  • you have stomach pain and problems with swallowing food
  • you're losing weight without trying to
  • you suddenly pee more often or less often
  • peeing is suddenly painful
  • you bleed from your bottom or vagina, or have abnormal discharge from your vagina
  • you have diarrhoea that does not go away after a few days

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • a stomach ache came on very suddenly or is severe
  • it hurts when you touch your stomach
  • you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
  • your poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly
  • you cannot pee
  • you cannot poo or fart
  • you cannot breathe
  • you have chest pain
  • you have diabetes and you're vomiting
  • someone has collapsed
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
  • always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
  • you cannot sleep
  • it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
  • always there
  • makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
  • you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
  • comes and goes
  • is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
Other causes of stomach ache

Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.

Types of stomach ache and possible less common causes
Type of stomach ache Possible condition
Type of stomach ache

Pain and cramps when you have your period

 Possible condition

Period pain
Type of stomach ache

Sudden pain in the lower right-hand side

 Possible condition

Appendicitis
Type of stomach ache

Ongoing cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation

 Possible condition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Type of stomach ache

Bad ongoing pain that can go down to your groin, nausea, pain when peeing

 Possible condition

Kidney stones
Type of stomach ache

Severe pain that lasts for hours in the centre of your tummy or just under the ribs on the right-hand side

 Possible condition

Gallstones
Last Reviewed
13 June 2023
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