Underlying causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain has many causes, and may be short-term, long-term or come and goes. Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a medical emergency.

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Abdominal pain

Abdominal (tummy) pain can have many causes. Read about the causes and treatment for abdominal pain, as well as when to see a doctor.

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Abdominal pain in children

Abdominal pain in children has many causes. Most tummy pain is not serious, but it’s important to know when to take your child to the doctor.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal pain and change in bowel habits can impact your quality of life. Learn how to manage your symptoms.

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Appendicitis

Learn about appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix, including possible causes, common symptoms and the main treatment options.

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Duodenal ulcer

Duodenal ulcers are a common cause of abdominal pain, but they can be treated. Learn what causes duodenal ulcers and how best to deal with them.

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Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis appears as sudden, severe upper abdominal (tummy) pain, that may spread to your back. Read about pancreatitis symptoms and treatment.

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Mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis causes tummy pain due to swollen lymph nodes and is common in children under 16 years old. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

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Hiatus hernia

A hiatus hernia is where a part of the stomach pushes up through a gap in the diaphragm. Read on about symptoms and treatment options.

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Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

Cholecystitis is inflammation of your gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones. Cholecystitis can be very painful and needs hospital treatment.

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Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a severe infection causing intense pain, fever and a hard abdomen. It requires immediate hospital treatment, often in ICU.

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Jaundice in adults

Jaundice is yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes. Find out about the causes and symptoms of jaundice, and how the cause can be diagnosed.

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Diarrhoea in children

Diarrhoea in children is very common. It can sometimes be serious. Read more here to find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction can cause serious health problems. If you have a bowel obstruction, you will usually need immediate treatment in hospital.

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Causes of diarrhoea

Read more about what can cause diarrhoea. Various acute infections as well as long-term health conditions, bowel disease and even medical treatments.

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Gallstones

Gallstones are pebble-like masses in your gallbladder that can cause pain, fever or jaundice. Find out about gallstone symptoms, treatment and causes.

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Typhoid and paratyphoid

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are diseases that are common in developing nations. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for typhoid.

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Open cholecystectomy

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. Find out more about the symptoms of crypto and when to see a doctor.

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Warning signs during pregnancy

Many changes to your body during pregnancy are normal, but some signs may indicate complications. Learn to recognise them and seek help if necessary.

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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This fluid is essential, but too much can damage your brain.

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Gut health

Gut health is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Find out about how to maintain your gut health and about your gut microbiome.

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Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles around your stomach don't work properly. Although gastroparesis cannot be cured, the symptoms can be relieved.

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Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Find out what causes Crohn’s disease, and about the symptoms and treatment.

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Medicines and alcohol

You need to be careful if you drink alcohol when taking some medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies. Learn more here.

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Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)

Blood-borne viruses are viruses that are carried in the blood, like Hepatitis and HIV. Learn about treatment and prevention here.

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Vomiting

Vomiting is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to only last one or two days. Learn about the causes and when to get medical advice.

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Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can lead to vomiting blood or passing blood in stools. GI bleeding can be serious and may need emergency treatment.

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Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the anus to view the inside of the large bowel to help diagnose or treat some medical conditions.

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