Aches in the belly are something everyone on the planet gets at least twice in a lifetime. In other words, abdominal pain is really common and is usually caused by our eating habits. Sometimes women may experience unpleasant sensations in the tummy with period cramping too. 

In most cases, stomach aches will go away on their own, even without any specific treatment. 

But sometimes a belly ache can signal a serious medical condition or even a medical emergency. So it is important to know when to see a doctor if you have abdominal pain.

When you should seek medical advice 

The following signs indicate a possible emergency: 

• The pain is severe, sudden and sharp

• You are short of breath

• Your belly is extremely tender in the region of pain

• Significant abdominal distention

• The pain extends above the abdomen 

• The pain is colicky - occurs in waves

• Vomiting blood

• Bloody stools

• You are pregnant

• You have been diagnosed with cancer 

• You’ve had a recent injury

See (or at least call) your healthcare provider if you have any of these signs:

• The pain persists for more than a day or two

• The stomachache becomes more severe after the first day

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than a day or two

• Prolonged poor appetite or weight loss

• Persistent vaginal bleeding

• Burning with urination

• Frequent urination

• Pain that, while mild and self-limiting, recurs frequently

• Inability to keep food down for several days

• Fever

If you have any of the symptoms that might suggest a serious problem, don’t put it off and seek medical advice.