Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP explains that the exact location of your stomach pain may ‘give us clues’ to what’s causing it
Many of us have dealt with stomach pain at some point – be it sharp cramps or persistent, dull aches. While it’s usually no cause for concern, paying attention to exactly where the pain is could help you figure out what’s wrong.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at the UK Care Guide, stressed that it isn’t quite a foolproof tool for establishing your condition, but it’s certainly a good start. “In my experience, the location of stomach pain can often give us clues about what’s going on,” he told the Mirror in an exclusive interview.
“The reason location can be helpful is that different parts of our abdomen house different organs. For instance, pain in the upper part can involve the stomach or liver, while lower pain might be related to the intestines or reproductive organs.
“Understanding this map of the body can help us figure out the issue. However, it’s not always a perfect science, and sometimes other symptoms need to be considered.”
Starting with the upper abdomen, Dr Cunningham explained that pain here is frequently caused by indigestion or gastritis. The latter describes a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining, often resulting from an infection.
In more serious cases, upper stomach pain can be linked to gallbladder or liver issues, too. Still, Dr Cunningham said it is essential to consider eating habits and stress levels, among other factors, when identifying a cause.
Moving on to the central stomach area, he continued: “Pain in the central area often points to the intestines. In my experience, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even constipation can start here. Sometimes, though, it can also be a sign of more serious issues like appendicitis.
“[Meanwhile,] lower stomach pain is frequently associated with the intestines or urinary tract issues. I often see it in cases of bladder infections or bowel problems. For women, it can sometimes indicate reproductive system concerns, like ovarian cysts.”
Despite this, it’s crucial to note that indigestion and gas are among the most common symptoms of stomach pain. If your pain is especially severe, over-the-counter remedies can help.
However, Dr Cunningham said visiting a GP is crucial if your pain is persistent. He added: “I’d always recommend seeing a GP if the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or vomiting.
“I’ve seen these signs often indicate a need for professional assessment. Trusting your instincts about unusual symptoms is key. I’d [also] say that it’s important to remember everyone’s body is different.
“What might be a minor issue for one person could be more serious for another. Keeping an eye on your overall health and any changes can be crucial.”
