Nearly everyone has had a tummy ache at some point in their lives, often following an especially large or heavy meal. In most instances, discomfort clears up within a few hours. But sometimes, a stomachache can be a sign of a more serious issue that requires medical attention.
At Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, our team has extensive experience treating stomach pain caused by all sorts of underlying gastrointestinal issues. In this post, learn about the signs and symptoms that could mean your belly pain is an indicator of a more serious problem.
A relatively mild stomachache isn’t uncommon, but if your pain is sudden, severe, or stabbing, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, like appendicitis or gallstones. You should call our office if your pain persists for hours or gets worse over time.
Mild stomach upset also isn’t uncommon, and if it resolves quickly, it’s typically not anything to worry about (as long as you stay hydrated). But if your stomach pain is accompanied by continual nausea and vomiting or your symptoms worsen, it’s time to call our office. The same is true if you have a worsening fever.
Constipation is another common gastrointestinal issue that’s often caused by a poor diet or dehydration. But if constipation persists for more than a day or is accompanied by vomiting or bloating, it could be a sign of a bowel blockage that can lead to life-threatening complications. Call our office right away.
Belly pain accompanied by blood in your vomit or stool can be a sign of a perforation or tear in your digestive tract, colorectal cancer, or a serious infection. If you notice blood in your stool or if your vomit looks like coffee grounds (a sign of blood), call our office.
A sudden change in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea, can also be a sign of a more serious condition, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colorectal cancer.
Belly tenderness is another symptom that can indicate a serious problem, whether it’s accompanied by a stomachache or not. Appendicitis, liver problems, pancreatitis, infection, and internal bleeding are all possible causes of severe abdominal tenderness and require prompt medical attention to avoid serious and even life-threatening complications.
Yellowing of your skin and eyes is associated with jaundice, a medical condition affecting your liver or gallbladder. These symptoms are never normal and are always a reason to call our office.
Stomach pain accompanied by swelling or bloating can be a sign of a bowel blockage, serious infection, or even cancer. If your belly is bloated, call us, especially if your bloating occurs suddenly or your pain is severe.
Stomach pain combined with shortness of breath could be caused by a blood clot, severe infection, or heart attack. Call our office immediately or dial 9-1-1 if you experience this combination of symptoms.
Stomach pain is common, and it’s tempting to wait to see if it clears up on its own. But if your stomach pain is severe or accompanied by the symptoms on this list, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
To find out what’s causing your stomach pain, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
