We all get abdominal pain from time to time. It could be something you ate, a little too much stress or a stomach bug. In most cases, the discomfort goes away on its own. But sometimes, the pain lingers or it keeps coming back. Sometimes it can get worse or there could also be other worrying signs. That’s when it’s common to think: Is this something serious? Should I be concerned?
At Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre , we meet a lot of patients who’ve been living with abdominal pain for weeks or even months. Many of them ignore it, thinking it would settle on its own. But deep down, they’re asking themselves the same question: Does this pain indicate something serious?
Let’s understand when abdominal pain is harmless and when it’s time to get it checked.
When Is Abdominal Pain Just a Minor Issue?
Most abdominal pain is not serious. Common causes of mild or temporary tummy aches include:
- Indigestion from food or stress
- Constipation
- Gas or bloating from trapped wind
- Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, due to spicy food or medications
- Mild stomach infections or “stomach flu”
These types of issues usually settle on their own. You just need some simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies.
But if the pain doesn’t go away or if it keeps you up at night, or affects your appetite, it’s time to consult a specialist.
Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
If you’re experiencing continuous abdominal pain along with other symptoms, don’t delay medical advice. Some red flags to watch for include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating that doesn’t go away
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood in your stool
- Pain that wakes you up at night or keeps coming back
These are warning signs that cannot be cured with just home remedies. In fact, many other health problems start this way.
Possible Causes of Persistent Abdominal Pain
There are many reasons for ongoing abdominal pain. Some of the more serious but treatable causes include:
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers: Sores in stomach lining or small intestine that can cause burning pain and nausea.
- Gallbladder disease: Including gallstones or inflammation, often causing pain after meals, especially fatty ones.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be painful and may need hospital care.
- Bile duct problems: Such as blockages or narrowing, which may cause pain, jaundice, or infections.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause long-term gut inflammation.
- Rare but serious issues: Including gastrointestinal or pancreatic tumours.
How Do Doctors Find the Cause?
The first step is always a consultation and examination. At Harmony, our specialists listen to you very carefully. When did the pain start? Where is it located? What makes it better or worse? These details matter.
Then, we might recommend some tests to understand what’s going on inside your body. These can include:
- Blood tests: To check for infection, inflammation, liver or pancreas issues.
- Stool tests: To look for signs of infection or bleeding.
- Scans: Such as an ultrasound or MRI to view your organs and structures.
- Upper endoscopy (OGD): A quick, safe test to look inside your stomach and small intestine. This is used when we suspect ulcers, reflux, or inflammation.
At every step, we focus on clear answers and personalized care.
Why Choose Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre?
At Harmony, we understand that abdominal pain can be physically and emotionally tolling. So, we don’t want you to wait or worry any longer than necessary. Here’s what makes us different:
- Same-day scans available onsite
- Fast-track blood and stool tests
- Quick access to upper endoscopy: Usually done without sedation for faster results.
- Experienced specialists who listen, explain clearly, and involve you in every decision
When your health is concerned, we don’t tell you to wait and see. We act quickly and carefully, so you can move forward with confidence.
Don’t Wait—Get the Answers You Deserve
If you think that your abdominal pain is something to worry about, don’t spend another day guessing. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, you don’t need a GP referral to book an appointment with our expert gastroenterology team. Whether your symptoms are new or ongoing, we’re here to help you find clarity and relief.
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