Quick answer. Abdominal (stomach) pain is usually caused by indigestion, gas, infections or period pain, but can sometimes signal a serious problem. Sudden severe pain with a rigid, tender belly is an emergency — call 995 or go to A&E.
Abdominal pain, or stomach ache, is extremely common and most often harmless. But because the abdomen holds many organs, certain patterns of pain can point to a serious problem needing urgent care.
This guide explains common and serious causes of abdominal pain, the red flags that mean emergency care, and which specialist to see for ongoing symptoms.
At a glance
| Possible cause | What it may suggest | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden severe pain with a hard, rigid, tender belly | Perforation, peritonitis or other surgical emergency | Emergency – call 995 or go to A&E |
| Pain starting near the navel then moving to lower right | Appendicitis | Urgent – same-day care |
| Upper-right pain after fatty meals, with nausea | Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation | See a doctor soon |
| Burning upper-tummy pain, worse when hungry or at night | Stomach ulcer or gastritis | See a doctor soon |
| Cramping with bloating, gas or changes in bowel habit | Indigestion, IBS or gastroenteritis | Often settles, see GP if persists |
What abdominal pain feels like
Abdominal pain can be cramping, burning, sharp, dull or colicky (coming in waves). Its location often hints at the cause — upper-tummy pain may relate to the stomach or gallbladder, lower pain to the bowel or pelvic organs. Noting where the pain is, how it started, and what makes it better or worse helps your doctor narrow down the cause.
When it's an emergency
Call 995 or go to A&E immediately if abdominal pain comes with any of these red flags:
- Sudden, severe pain with a hard, rigid or very tender belly
- Pain with vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools
- Pain with a high fever, or that you cannot bear to move with
- Pain spreading to the chest, shoulder or back with breathlessness or sweating
- Inability to pass stool or wind, with a swollen, painful abdomen
- Pain in pregnancy, or with fainting or signs of shock
These can signal appendicitis, a perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction, internal bleeding or other surgical emergencies. Do not wait — seek emergency care.
Common causes
Most abdominal pain comes from minor causes such as indigestion, trapped wind, heartburn, overeating, constipation, period pain or a viral or bacterial stomach infection (gastroenteritis). These usually settle on their own or with simple measures, though dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea should be watched, especially in children and the elderly.
Serious causes to rule out
Serious causes include appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, stomach ulcers, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, pancreatitis and, less commonly, cancers of the digestive tract. Gynaecological causes such as an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian problems can also present as abdominal pain. Pain that is severe, persistent, getting worse, or paired with weight loss, bleeding or fever needs medical assessment.
Which specialist should you see?
For persistent, recurrent or unexplained abdominal pain that is not an emergency, your GP can examine you and arrange initial tests. If a digestive cause is suspected, see one of the gastroenterologists, who can investigate with blood tests, scans and endoscopy. Some abdominal conditions may also need a general surgeon, and your gastroenterologist can refer you if surgery is required.
How abdominal pain is diagnosed
Doctors begin with your history and an examination of the abdomen. Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include blood and urine tests, stool tests, an ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy (gastroscopy or colonoscopy). Keeping track of the pain’s timing, location, triggers and associated symptoms such as bowel changes helps reach a diagnosis.
What to expect at the appointment
Your doctor will want a clear story of the pain: where it is, when it started, whether it is constant or comes in waves, what makes it better or worse, and whether it has moved, for example starting near the navel and shifting to the lower right. They will ask about associated symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bowel changes, urinary symptoms, and, in women, the menstrual cycle and possibility of pregnancy. The examination involves gently pressing the abdomen to find tenderness, guarding or a mass. Depending on what is suspected, tests may include blood and urine tests, a stool test, an ultrasound or CT scan, or endoscopy. Bring a list of your medicines and note the date of your last period if relevant.
How to prepare and self-manage at home
For mild, short-lived pain from indigestion, wind or a stomach bug, simple measures often help: rest, sips of fluid to prevent dehydration, bland foods, and avoiding alcohol, very fatty meals and painkillers that irritate the stomach. Keep a simple note of when the pain comes, what you ate, and any link to bowel habit or meals, as this helps spot patterns such as reflux or constipation. If you may need urgent assessment, avoid eating or drinking until seen, since a full stomach can delay certain tests or procedures. Watch children and older adults more closely, as they can become dehydrated quickly with vomiting or diarrhoea.
Special situations
Some groups need extra caution. In pregnancy, new or severe abdominal pain should always be assessed promptly, as causes such as ectopic pregnancy can be serious. Older adults and people with diabetes may feel less pain than expected even with a significant problem, so do not be falsely reassured by mild symptoms. Anyone on blood thinners, or who has had recent abdominal surgery, should seek advice sooner. When pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or paired with fever, bleeding, weight loss or a rigid, very tender belly, seek medical care rather than waiting it out.
Common questions
When is abdominal pain an emergency?
Call 995 or go to A&E for sudden, severe pain with a hard, rigid or very tender belly, vomiting blood or black stools, pain you cannot bear to move with, or pain with fainting, especially in pregnancy.
How long can I safely wait with mild tummy pain?
Mild pain from wind or a stomach bug often settles within a day or two. See a GP if it persists beyond that, keeps returning, or is joined by fever, weight loss or bleeding.
Related guides
- Best Gastroenterology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- gastroenterology clinics directory
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
Sources
- MOH Singapore – Abdominal Pain or Indigestion
- SingHealth – Abdominal Pain
- HealthHub Singapore – Abdominal Pain
- NHS – Stomach Ache
- Mayo Clinic – Abdominal Pain
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