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Stomach Virus, Food Poisoning, or Something Else: What's Causing My Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain is distressing, especially when you're unsure of the cause. While certain clues can indicate the source of the pain, it can be tricky to figure out without a medical assessment.
That’s because abdominal pain has a wide variety of causes. Your pain may signal a chronic illness, a life-threatening medical emergency, or just a benign moment of discomfort. Such uncertainty can be confusing and scary.
You don’t need to be afraid if you act quickly to assess your situation. Here at Memorial Springs ER, serving Spring, Texas, and surrounding communities, we’re with you every step of the way.
In this blog, Dr. Kene Enekebe and Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang explore common causes of abdominal pain, how to differentiate between them, and when you should seek medical help.
Common causes of abdominal pain
Stomach virus
Gastroenteritis, commonly called stomach flu, is a viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. Depending on severity, a stomach virus may lead to dehydration and require ER treatment.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning results from consuming contaminated food or drink. Symptoms can be similar to those of a stomach virus but often include more severe vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms typically last from a few hours to several days.
Other common causes
There are numerous other causes of abdominal pain, with symptoms including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits
- Gallstones: Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often after eating fatty foods
- Peptic ulcers: Burning stomach pain that may improve with eating or antacids
- Urinary tract infections: Burning sensation during urination; lower abdominal pain
Another common cause, appendicitis, starts as a dull pain near the navel, shifts to the lower right abdomen, and becomes sharp and severe.
How to determine the cause of your pain
To identify the source of your abdominal pain, consider the following:
Location of pain
Pain in the upper abdomen might indicate issues with the stomach, liver, or gallbladder, while lower abdominal pain could be related to the intestines, bladder, or reproductive organs.
Nature of pain
Cramping or bloating often points to digestive issues, while sharp, localized pain might suggest something more serious, like appendicitis or gallstones.
Accompanying symptoms
Pay attention to accompanying symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or urinary discomfort. Your concurrent symptoms can guide us to identify the source of the issue.
Timing of symptom onset
Note when the pain occurs. Is it after eating certain foods? Is it persistent or intermittent? That can clue us in as to the cause of your discomfort and how you can avoid it in the future.
Medical history
Consider if you or anyone in your family has a history of intestinal or other abdominal issues. If you’ve had a recent abdominal procedure, you’ve experienced trauma to the abdominal area, or you’re pregnant (or could be), we recommend visiting the ER as soon as you can.
Is it an emergency?
If you’re unsure whether to visit the emergency room, we recommend you contact your primary care provider, describe your symptoms, and ask for their professional opinion. If you can’t reach them, go to the ER; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Memorial Springs ER is open 24/7, and our providers can see you immediately with little to no wait time. We accept all private insurance carriers and offer a free medical screening examination upon arrival.
Contact us by phone or online to book an appointment or ask any questions, but don’t hesitate to stop by our care center if you need immediate assistance.