We all have stomachaches, upset stomach, and abdominal pain from time to time, and they’re usually not serious. But they can be a sign that something inside your body is not functioning the way it should especially if you have severe stomach pain or sharp stomach pain. Causes can be anything from gas or a pulled muscle to something as serious as an internal infection or heart attack. If you get stomachaches or upset stomach often, or they hurt a lot or don’t go away, you may need to see a doctor.Your doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history. There are many different kinds of stomach pains, and your doctor may ask if it’s mild or severe, burning or achy, dull or sharp, cramp or colicky, in one spot or all over, constant or in waves. All this information will help your doctor find the cause of your pain and determine what to do about it.
The location of your pain, such as upper or lower abdominal pain as described below, also gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause.The location of your pain, such as upper or lower abdominal pain as described below, also gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause. Some stomach pains are unavoidable because they can be a symptom of a serious medical condition that’s developed over time.
