Introduction

In India, stomach pain is often casually dismissed as “gas,” “acidity,” or “something I ate.”
But not all abdominal pain is harmless.

As a surgeon, one of the most common lines patients tell Dr. Sanjeev Gupta is:
“Doctor, I thought it was just gas… but suddenly the pain became unbearable.”

Abdominal pain can be your body’s early warning signal for appendicitis, gallstones, hernia, intestinal infection, or even surgical emergencies.
Understanding the pattern of pain can literally save your life.

1. Types of Abdominal Pain & What They Usually Indicate

🔹 Sharp, sudden pain on the right lower side

Possible cause: Appendicitis
If untreated, it can burst and become life-threatening.

🔹 Severe pain in the upper right abdomen after meals

Possible cause: Gallstones / Gallbladder inflammation
Pain may radiate to the back or shoulder.

🔹 Burning pain in the upper abdomen / chest area

Possible cause: Acidity, gastritis, GERD
If persistent, it needs evaluation.

🔹 Crampy pain with bloating + gas + diarrhoea

Possible cause: Intestinal infection / IBS
If symptoms last more than 3 days, consult a doctor.

🔹 Pain around the belly button shifting to right side

Classic sign of acute appendicitis — needs urgent attention.

🔹 Lower abdominal pain with fever or vomiting

Could be infection, kidney stone, urinary infection, or even a pelvic condition.

🔹 Pain with a visible bulge in the abdomen/groin

Possible cause: Hernia
Hernias do not get better on their own and can strangulate.

2. When Abdominal Pain Becomes a Surgical Emergency

Seek immediate help if you notice:

• Pain lasting more than 6–12 hours
  
• Pain with vomiting
  
• Pain with fever
  
• Pain that wakes you up at night
  
• Inability to pass stool or gas
  
• Pain after a heavy or oily meal (gallbladder issue)
  
• Sudden severe pain with abdominal swelling (possible obstruction)
  
• Pain with a growing bulge in the abdomen or groin (dangerous hernia) 

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to:

✔ Appendicitis rupture
✔ Gallbladder infection
✔ Intestinal blockage
✔ Hernia strangulation
✔ Peritonitis (life-threatening infection)

3. Common Medical Conditions Behind Abdominal Pain

📌 1. Gallstones
Pain comes in attacks, especially after eating oily or heavy food.

📌 2. Appendicitis
Starts near the navel, moves to the right lower abdomen.

📌 3. Hernia
A bulge that causes pain while standing, coughing, or lifting.

📌 4. Kidney Stones
Back-to-front shooting pain + burning urination.

📌 5. Gastritis & Acidity
Burning sensation, bloating, nausea.

📌 6. Intestinal Infections
Common after outside food, contaminated water.

4. Why Ignoring Abdominal Pain Is Dangerous

Many patients delay consultation thinking the pain will “go away on its own.”
But untreated abdominal conditions can worsen within hours.

Delaying treatment may lead to:

• Emergency surgery instead of planned surgery
  
• Longer hospital stay
  
• Higher risk of complications
  
• Severe infections 

Early diagnosis = faster recovery.

5. How a Surgeon Diagnoses Abdominal Pain

Dr. Sanjeev Gupta may recommend:

• Physical examination
  
• Ultrasound
  
• Blood tests
  
• CT scan (if required) 

These tests quickly reveal issues like stones, appendicitis, hernia, or infection.

✅ Doctor’s Insight — From Dr. Sanjeev Gupta

“Most patients who visit me say the same thing: ‘Doctor, I thought it was just gas.’
But abdominal pain is one symptom you should never ignore.

Early intervention prevents complications and often avoids emergency surgeries.
If you experience persistent or sharp abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, fever, or a bulge, please get evaluated.
Your body always gives signals — we just need to listen.”