Q. My stomach hurts when I press it. Why is that?

If you feel pain when pressure is applied to a certain area of ​​the abdomen, it may be due to abdominal tenderness. If you still feel pain after the pressure is removed, it could be a case of rebound pain.

Abdominal tenderness is usually due to inflammation of underlying organs.

• Appendicitis or inflamed appendix
• An abdominal abscess caused by a ruptured intestine, appendix or ovary, inflammatory bowel disease, or infection
• Merkel’s diverticulum
• Diverticulitis or inflammation of the lining of the intestine

Q. If I am experiencing abdominal pain, should I see a doctor?

Yes, you should. Although abdominal pain may not seem serious at first, it can be the first sign of intra-abdominal disease. If you’re going through persistent pain, check in with your doctor to make sure you’re not suffering from a serious illness. Many cases show no symptoms before reaching the final stage. Therefore, you should not take risks when it comes to your health and well-being.

Q. What are the symptoms of gas ?

Gas is subjective feeling of abdominal distension due to:

• Intra abdominal pressure
• Bloating
• Flatulence

Q. Is it advisable to take over-the-counter painkillers?

Many times, people will get over-the-counter painkillers to reduce their gastric problem symptoms only to find that their pain is getting worse. These medications can cause gastric irritation. This will make the pain worse and change from mild to severe in a short period. Avoid taking over-the-counter medications and contact your doctor.

Q. How can I treat abdominal pain?

Consult a doctor and get investigated accordingly to find the cause of pain. Don’t treat yourself.

Q. Is there a way to determine the cause of abdominal pain?

Most of the time a doctor can clinically determine the cause of pain. To confirm it the doctor may ask you to undergo tests like blood investigations, X ray and sonography etc.

Q. How do I know if my abdominal pain is serious?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.

• Severe and sudden abdominal pain
• High fever
• Shortness of breath
• Stiff or firm abdomen
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Vomiting with blood
• Bloody diarrhea
• Black or tarry stools