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Symptom guide

Stomach ache

Read about a stomach ache and abdominal pains, including stomach cramps or an ache in the tummy (abdomen).

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, contact routes and treatment arrangements may differ in other countries.

Common causes of stomach ache

These are some common types of stomach ache and what may be causing them. But see a GP if you're unsure and worried.

A pharmacist can help with stomach ache

Speak to a pharmacist about:

  • what might be causing your stomach ache
  • treatments that might help
  • medicines for constipation and indigestion

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You have a stomach ache and:

  • it gets much worse
  • it does not go away or keeps coming back
  • you have bloating that does not go away or keeps coming back
  • you have problems with swallowing food
  • you're pregnant
  • you're losing weight without trying to
  • you suddenly pee more often or less often
  • peeing is suddenly painful
  • you bleed from your bottom
  • you have unusual bleeding or abnormal discharge from your vagina
  • you have diarrhoea that does not go away after a few days

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • a stomach ache came on very suddenly or is severe
  • it hurts when you touch your stomach
  • you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
  • your poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly
  • you cannot pee
  • you cannot poo or fart
  • you cannot breathe
  • you have chest pain
  • you have diabetes and you're vomiting
  • someone has collapsed

A&E safety messaging

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Stomach ache

Causes

Stomach ache

Self-care

Common causes of stomach ache include trapped wind, indigestion, constipation and food poisoning.

A pharmacist may be able to help find the cause of a stomach ache and suggest treatments like medicines for constipation or indigestion.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.