In short & important: what you can do right now
If your stomach is currently rebelling
- 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.
