Abdominal pain: Causes, what helps & warning signs

Stomach pain can completely disrupt your daily life. Whether it's sharp cramps, nausea after eating, or a dull pressure during stress: the causes are varied. Here you'll learn how to correctly interpret your symptoms, which home remedies can help, and how to use brite to check if your medications are triggering your gastrointestinal discomfort.

Better understanding abdominal pain

In short & important: What you
can do right now

If your stomach is currently rebelling, these steps will help to relieve the discomfort.

Warmth

A hot water bottle or a cherry pit pillow relaxes the smooth muscles in the abdomen and relieves cramps.

Bland diet

Eat only small amounts of food like rusks or steamed rice. Avoid fat, spices, and dairy products.

Gentle liquid

Drink lukewarm tea (fennel, caraway, anise, or chamomile) in small sips. Avoid carbonated drinks.

Check

Have you taken a new medication or swallowed painkillers on an empty stomach?

Physical rest

Lie flat and bend your legs slightly to relax your abdominal muscles.
Important: If you experience a board-like abdominal wall, bloody stool, high fever or pain radiating to the back: Call emergency services (112) immediately.

Understanding stomach pain – Why the stomach sends so many signals

Your abdomen houses a multitude of organs: stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys lie close together. Furthermore, the intestines are closely linked to your psyche via the "gut brain." Abdominal pain can be sharp, burning, or pulling. The precise location—whether upper or lower abdomen—is crucial for narrowing down the cause.

Common causes of abdominal pain

What causes the pinching or pressing? These triggers are particularly common:

Nutrition & Digestion (Stomach pain after eating)

Eating too quickly, consuming excessively large portions, or having food intolerances (lactose, histamine) often leads to bloating and pressure in the upper abdomen. Read more about nausea after eating here.

Gastrointestinal infections

Viruses or bacteria often cause wave-like cramps accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting. In these cases, adequate fluid intake is paramount.

Stress & functional disorders

Stress hormones directly affect bowel function. Many people react to emotional pressure with an upset stomach or painful intestinal cramps.

Upper abdominal vs. lower abdominal pain

Upper abdomen: Often stomach (gastritis) or esophagus (reflux). The gallbladder can also cause pain here. Lower abdomen: Often intestinal problems or urinary tract infections. In women, gynecological causes are also common.

Medications as “stomach irritants”

A critical factor: Many medications (especially anti-inflammatories and certain painkillers) irritate the stomach lining. This can lead to chronic pain if they are not optimally timed with meals.

Is it your medication causing the problem? Find out now.

Especially with gastrointestinal problems, there's a good chance your medication is the cause. With brite, you stay in control:

Digital medication plan : Document all medications and check whether the pain correlates with taking a medication or changing the dose.
Drug interaction check : Find out if your combination of medications is putting unnecessary strain on the stomach lining.
Dosage reminder : Make sure you take any medication prescribed to be taken "with food" correctly to minimize side effects.

Warning signs – When you need to act immediately

Please do not hesitate to call the emergency number (112) if:

the abdominal pain is sudden and devastatingly intense.
Your stomach is hard and tense (defensive tension).
You notice blood in your stool (red or black) or in your vomit.
High fever and severe nausea may also occur.
The pain is located in the lower right abdomen and is increasing (suspected appendicitis).

Preparing for your
doctor's appointment - Your checklist

To help your doctor quickly find the cause, prepare this information:

Localisation

Where exactly does it hurt? (Top, bottom, right, left?)

Dependence

Does it get better or worse after eating or during bowel movements?

Schmerztyp

Are they cramps, a burning sensation, or constant pressure?

Medikamente

Are you taking any over-the-counter painkillers or vitamins? Bring your full list from the brite app!

How Brite helps you keep track of everything

brite brings structure to your observation and helps you find the cause of your pain:

Central medication plan for maximum safety at the doctor's office.
Examination of drug interactions in cases of abdominal discomfort.
Stable routines thanks to the medication reminder.
Start now for free and gain an overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What to eat when you have stomach pain.
Why does my stomach hurt after eating?
Do herbal teas really help?
Can drug interactions trigger abdominal cramps?
When is dizziness dangerous when accompanied by abdominal pain?
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