What Are the Signs of Stomach Problems?

Common stomach problems are typically due to problems in the digestive tract. However, other disorders of the circulatory system, urinary tract, reproductive system, respiratory system, or nervous system may also be associated with stomach problems.

12 Digestive tract causes

1. Bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract
2. Celiac disease (severe gluten sensitivity that causes intestinal damage)
3. Diverticulitis (inflammation of an abnormal pocket in the large intestine)
4. Lactose and other food intolerance
5. Gallbladder disease
6. Liver disease
7. Diseases of the pancreas
8. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
9. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
10. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
11. Irritable bowel syndrome
12. Ulcers of the stomach or duodenum (first section of the small intestine)

Other causes

• Abdominal hernia (weakening in the abdominal wall through which internal organs can pass)
• Cancer of an abdominal or pelvic organ
• Endometriosis (tissues resembling the uterine lining grow in other areas of the body outside the uterus)
• Kidney stones
• Menstrual cramps
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of female reproductive organs)
• Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs)
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Shingles (a painful, blistering rash that results from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster or chickenpox virus)
• Urinary tract infection

13 Serious or life-threatening causes

1. An abdominal abscess (pus collection)
2. Abdominal, pelvic, or testicular trauma
3. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (life-threatening bulging and weakening of the wall of the abdominal aorta that can burst and cause severe bleeding)
4. Appendicitis
5. Bowel obstruction or perforation
6. Acute pancreatitis
7. Chemical or heavy metal poisoning
8. Colonic volvulus (twisting of the colon) or intussusception (telescoping of the intestines into themselves)
9. Ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening pregnancy growing outside the uterus)
10. Intestinal ischemia (loss of blood supply to the intestines leading to the death of intestinal tissue)
11. Heart attack
12. Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining around the abdomen)
13. Torsion of an ovary or a testicle (twisting of an ovary or spermatic cord)

The above of serious or life-threatening causes should see the doctor, go to emergency, or call 911 immediately.

Depending on the underlying cause, stomach issues may be accompanied by other symptoms, indicating problems in the digestive tract or other body systems. 

15 Digestive problem symptoms

1. Abdominal pain
2. Abdominal cramps
3. Abdominal swelling
4. Bloating
5. Belching (burping)
6. Diarrhea
7. Bloody stools (may appear red, black, or tarry and stick to the toilet)
8. Constipation
9. Alternating diarrhea and constipation
10. Nausea
11. Vomiting
12. Vomiting blood (appears red or like coffee grounds)
13. Urgent need to pass stools
14. Burning chest pain
15. Loss of appetite

Other body system problem symptoms

• Cough
• Enlarged liver
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or burning with urination
• Swelling or mass in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Rash
• Weight loss

Mild stomach problems may resolve on their own or with some lifestyle modifications in a few days. However, if symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical care. Stomach problems that are accompanied by the following signs and symptoms may indicate a serious life-threatening condition and require emergency treatment:

1. Bleeding and abdominal pain during pregnancy
2. Mental confusion
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
5. Palpitations
6. High-grade fever (over 101 degrees F)
7. Inability to pass stools
8. Bloody diarrhea
9. Rectal bleeding
10. Blood in urine
11. Vomiting blood
12. Breathing difficulty
13. The rigid appearance of the abdomen
14. Severe abdominal pain or sharp abdominal pain that comes on suddenly
15. Trauma to the abdomen, pelvis, or testicles
16. Seizures
17. Severe dehydration