Common Causes (Usually Not Serious)
- •Indigestion: Upper stomach discomfort after eating
- •Gas and bloating: Cramping, relieved by passing gas
- •Constipation: Lower abdominal cramping
- •Period pain: Cramping in lower abdomen (women)
- •Mild food poisoning: Cramping with diarrhea
Home Treatment
For mild stomach pain without red flags:
- •Rest and avoid solid food for a few hours
- •Sip clear fluids (water, ginger tea)
- •Antacids for indigestion (Gaviscon, Mylanta)
- •Heat pack on abdomen for cramping
- •Buscopan for cramping pain
⚠️RED FLAGS - See a Doctor Immediately
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- •Severe pain that comes on suddenly
- •Pain in the lower right abdomen (possible appendicitis)
- •Vomiting blood or blood in stool
- •Rigid, board-like abdomen
- •Pain with fever over 38°C
- •Pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain
- •Pain that wakes you from sleep
- •Unexplained weight loss with pain
When to See a GP (Non-Urgent)
- •Pain lasting more than a few days
- •Recurring pain in the same location
- •Pain affecting your daily activities
- •Changes in bowel habits with pain
- •Unexplained bloating or discomfort
ℹ️Appendicitis Warning
Appendicitis typically starts with pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen within 12-24 hours. The pain gets worse with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area. This is a medical emergency—don't wait.