Stomach Pain

Where it hurts can be a clue

Discomfort in the upper-centre tummy after eating often points to indigestion or heartburn. But heart attack pain can feel like indigestion, and upper tummy pain that worsens with exercise could be angina or a heart attack: call Triple Zero (000). Appendicitis pain often starts near the belly button, then moves to the lower right side and hurts more when you move or cough. Diverticulitis usually causes pain low on the left. Gallstones can cause pain in the upper tummy, back or right shoulder, sometimes after a fatty meal. If wind and fullness are the main problem, see bloating.

Pain relief, and when to get help

Don't use aspirin or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen for tummy pain other than period pain, as they can cause or irritate a stomach or bowel problem. For mild pain with a known cause, try a warm wheat pack and clear fluids, and ask a pharmacist about simple pain relief or an antispasmodic. Severe pain needs an emergency department or Triple Zero (000). Get urgent help if pain has lasted several hours, is getting worse, wakes you or spreads to your neck, chest or shoulders, or comes with a fever, bleeding from the bowel or persistent vomiting.

Sources: healthdirect — Abdominal pain; healthdirect — Indigestion; healthdirect — Appendicitis; healthdirect — Diverticular disease and diverticulitis; healthdirect — Gallstones