Stomach Pain

Stomach pain, medically termed as "abdominal pain," is discomfort that an individual feels anywhere between the chest and groin region, specifically in the area occupied by the stomach and other abdominal organs. It can manifest in various forms, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, excruciating pain and can be acute, occurring suddenly and possibly signaling a life-threatening condition, or chronic, persisting over a longer period and potentially indicative of a recurring issue. The pain may be generalized, affecting a large area of the abdomen, or localized to a specific organ, reflecting a problem at that site.

The etiology of stomach pain is diverse, as it can arise from a multitude of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system or be referred pain from conditions in adjacent systems. Common causes include gastritis, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome, while more severe sources of pain include appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or organ perforation. Diagnosis generally requires a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging studies, or endoscopy. Treatment varies according to the underlying cause, ranging from medication and dietary modifications to, in some cases, surgical intervention.