Why Do I Constantly Get Stomachaches? Recurrent Abdominal Pain

Upper abdominal pain

Upper abdominal pain is frequently caused by the by-products of the digestive process. The pain can be typically felt in the upper abdomen, chest, neck, and shoulders. Causes include:

• Bloating and gas
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

Lower abdominal pain

• Menstrual cycle
• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation

Right-sided abdominal pain

• Gallstones (pain originates in the upper right of the abdomen area and can spread to the right shoulder blade)
• Appendicitis (pain begins at the lower right side; as the pain moves lower, it becomes more constant and severe)

Left-sided abdominal pain

• Kidney stones
• Kidney infection
• Diverticulitis

Other possible causes

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (bulging and weakening of a major artery in the body)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Bowel blockage or obstruction
• Ischemic bowel (decreased blood supply to the intestines)
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, colon, or other organs
• Food poisoning
• Hepatitis
• Muscle strains
• Spleen problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ruptured ovarian cyst
• Fibroids
• Pregnancy or pregnancy complications

Stomachaches are usually tolerable and pass within minutes or hours. However, if the pain lasts longer than 6 hours, worsens, or is accompanied by vomiting or a high fever, you should seek medical attention. Symptoms that warrant a trip to the doctor include:

• Inability to urinate, pass gas, or have a bowel movement
• Pain that keeps you up at night
• Pain that prevents a person from moving or causes them to pass out
• Pain that persists in one area, especially in the right lower abdomen
• Abdominal pain accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Persistent abdominal pain could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Seek  immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sore and tender abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in your abdomen
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Yellowing skin or eyes
• Signs of a urinary tract infection

Certain characteristics of abdominal pain increase the likelihood of severity. Any of the following should be a cause for concern:

• Sudden onset of pain 
• Severe pain
• Pain that persists beyond an hour or two and does not go away with over-the-counter medications and home therapies
• Pain that is felt in other areas, such as the chest or testicles
• Pain in only one part of the abdomen rather than throughout the entire abdomen
• Pain that is worse when pressing against the abdomen or with movement

When experiencing abdominal pain, some people are more likely than others to have a serious condition, including:

• Pregnant women
• Infants and children younger than 5
• People older than 65 
• People who have had prior surgeries on their abdomen
• People with other medical problems

Severe abdominal pain that has persisted for several hours typically requires urgent treatment. To determine the cause of your stomachache, your doctor may inquire as to when it started, where it is located, and whether there have been any additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain when urinating, or blood in the urine or stool. 

To identify the source of your pain, your doctor will perform a physical examination, possibly focusing on specific regions of your stomach.

Common diagnoses of severe abdominal pain include:

• Gallstones
• Appendicitis
• Kidney stones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Endometriosis
• Hernia

Stomach pain can usually be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and other foods that irritate the stomach
• Consume clear liquids frequently until your urine is a pale yellow or clear
• If vomiting occurs, take small sips of water or suck on ice chips
• Try the BRAT diet until your pain and other symptoms subside:
  • Bananas
  • Rice (white)
  • Applesauce
  • Toast (plain or with only jelly or honey if desired)

Depending on the precise cause, treatment varies significantly. Common treatment options include:

• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or pain relievers
• Acid reducers for gastroesophageal reflux disease and acid reflux
• Imodium (loperamide) or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) for diarrhea
• Stool softeners or laxatives for constipation
• Antibiotics to treat an infection
• Surgery and intravenous hydration (in severe cases)

If you experience persistent abdominal pain, consult your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.