The symptom of pain in the abdomen or stomach can be caused by numerous conditions. Often these pains are transient and relate the something we’ve eaten or sensitivities to foodstuffs such as dairy products, wheat or fibre. If the pain settles spontaneously it is probably reasonable to simply watch and review. Ongoing or persistent symptoms warrant further attention. Often patients find that their pain relates to certain actions or activities such as eating. This sort of stomach pain can relate to gallstones, heartburn or indigestion. Many patients will suffer from irritable bowel syndrome which is a collection of symptoms including bloating or windiness, abdominal distension swelling and constipation or diarrhoea. Other, perhaps more worrying associations, include a change in the way patients go to the toilet (looser or more frequent visits) or associated nausea and vomiting.
In addition, weight loss, a feeling of tiredness or breathlessness may also be associated with a more sinister underlying condition. It is difficult to be specific about what to do in the event of pain in the stomach but persistent or ongoing symptoms otherwise unexplained certainly warrant discussion with your GP. Associated symptoms as described above equally warrant a visit to the GP. Our surgeons would be very happy to see you and can direct appropriate investigations to decide what is going on and how best to treat it.
