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Stomach ache, or abdominal pain, is extremely common and has many possible causes, ranging from trapped wind, indigestion, and constipation to infections or, less commonly, more serious conditions. The location, severity, and pattern of pain often help identify the likely cause.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance for Stomach ache, covering the article's core clinical information and relevant assessment, management or safety considerations.
Public health education article
Self-care advice — See your GP if stomach pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever or vomiting.
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Stomach ache, or abdominal pain, is extremely common and has many possible causes, ranging from trapped wind, indigestion, and constipation to infections or, less commonly, more serious conditions. The location, severity, and pattern of pain often help identify the likely cause.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
Pain is severe, sudden, or getting steadily worse
Stomach ache, or abdominal pain, is extremely common and has many possible causes, ranging from trapped wind, indigestion, and constipation to infections or, less commonly, more serious conditions. The location, severity, and pattern of pain often help identify the likely cause.
Most stomach aches are mild and settle within a day or two without needing medical treatment, though certain patterns and accompanying symptoms should prompt a more urgent assessment.
See your GP if stomach pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever or vomiting.
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Most stomach aches are mild and settle within a day or two with simple self-care, but severe, persistent, or unusual pain always needs assessment.
Pain that's severe, localised, or accompanied by fever or vomiting is the pattern that most warrants prompt medical attention.