Tummy ache

Tummy Ache (Abdominal Pain)

Overview
Tummy ache, also referred to as abdominal pain, is one of the most common complaints in both adults and children. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic). Because the abdomen contains several organs (stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs), the causes are diverse, from benign digestive upset to serious medical conditions.

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Common Causes

• Digestive-related

  • Indigestion, gas, bloating

  • Constipation

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

  • Food intolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance)

  • Acid reflux or gastritis

• Infections and Inflammation

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

  • Appendicitis

  • Cholecystitis (gallbladder infection)

  • Pancreatitis

  • Hepatitis

• Gastrointestinal Diseases

  • Peptic ulcers

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

  • Diverticulitis

• Other Causes

  • Kidney stones

  • Gynecological conditions (menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis)

  • Hernias

  • Cancer (stomach, colon, pancreas, ovarian, etc.)

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When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Immediate evaluation is required if abdominal pain is accompanied by:

• Severe and sudden onset pain

• Pain with fever, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down

• Vomiting blood or black/tarry stools

• Abdominal swelling or hardness

• Pain with fainting, dizziness, or chest pain

• Pain during pregnancy

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Treatment Options

1. General Measures

• Rest and hydration with clear fluids

• Light meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods

• Warm compress on the abdomen for cramping

2. Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide) – for indigestion/acid reflux

• Simethicone (80–125 mg orally after meals and at bedtime) – for gas and bloating

• Loperamide (2–4 mg initially, then 2 mg after each loose stool; max 16 mg/day) – for diarrhea (only if no infection suspected)

• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) – for gastroenteritis-related dehydration

3. Prescription Treatments (depend on underlying condition)

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole 20–40 mg once daily for gastritis, peptic ulcers, reflux

• Antispasmodics: Hyoscine butylbromide 10–20 mg three times daily for cramping

• Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections such as H. pylori gastritis, diverticulitis, or UTIs

• Anti-inflammatory agents: Mesalazine for IBD, dosed typically 2–4 g/day in divided doses

• Analgesics: Paracetamol (500–1000 mg every 6–8 hours, max 4 g/day). NSAIDs are avoided unless clearly indicated as they may worsen gastritis/ulcers.

4. Non-Pharmacological

• Dietary modifications (fiber increase for constipation, low-FODMAP for IBS)

• Stress management, as anxiety may worsen functional abdominal pain

• Surgery may be required for appendicitis, gallstones, or hernia