It could be a kidney stone

A kidney stone is a hard mineral and crystalline material formed within the kidney or urinary tract, when there is a decrease in urine volume or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine.

Dehydration through reduced fluid intake or strenuous exercise without adequate fluid replacement increases the risk of kidney stones. The shooting loin to groin pain, remains on one side of the abdomen and is associated with burning urine and/or blood in the urine.

Your pancreas are swollen

Most common among alcoholics, Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas are inflamed. There are two forms of pancreatitis. The acute form occurs suddenly and may be a severe, life-threatening illness with  complications.

If injury to the pancreas continues, by persistent consumption of alcohol, a chronic form of the disease may develop, bringing severe pain and reduced functioning of the pancreas.

You suffer from acidity

The most common cause of stomach pain, the recurring pain manifests itself in the upper belly, and is caused due to erratic meal times. Try antacids, munching simple fruit and eating small frequent meals in the day.

A small amount of food each time is easier on the stomach and requires less acid secretion for digestion. Be sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, such as bread and potato. Avoid overeating as it stimulates the stomach to secrete more acids for digestion.

You have worms

It is common among children, especially with poor hygiene. It occurs because of colonisation of worms in the intestine. Eating raw or insufficiently cooked meat and vegetables increases the risk of infection.

You could have stomach infection

If you have a gripping pain in the stomach accompanied by vomiting and runny stools, it could be due to a stomach infection because you have consumed contaminated food in the last 72 hours. It is known as stomach flu.

You suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Coupled with mucoid stools and periods of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome is a common cause of stomach ache, but you should refrain from diagnosing the syndrome unless symptoms persist for three to four months. It is believed to be due to the abnormal function of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract or the nerves controlling the organs.

You have Biliary Colic 

Caused due to gallstones, the pain occurs only in the right upper abdomen, and shoots through the back or right shoulder. Gallstones are stones that form in the gall (bile), a watery liquid made by the cells of the liver.

Gallstones form more commonly in women than men and their prevalence increases with age. Obese individuals are more likely to form gallstones than thin individuals. Pregnancy increases the risk for cholesterol gallstones because during pregnancy, bile contains more cholesterol, and the gallbladder does not contract normally.

If you want to keep tummy ache at bay, follow these tips

* Don't OD on painkillers.
* For mild stomach pain, try antacids for relief before consulting the doctor.
* Carry a water bottle since many diseases spread through water.
* Eat food hot from the oven, stove.
* Food handlers are a big cause of stomach ache. Make sure you eat from a hygienic eatery.
* If you have stomach pain with black stools, blood in stool, loss of appetite or weight loss, consult a specialist.


See a doctor if:

* The pain shifts from your navel to the right lower area of your stomach. This suggests appendicitis.
* The pain is very severe, and last long.
* You have suffered a recent abdominal injury.
* You are pregnant.

Sajid ka pet kyun dukha?

Recently, TV anchor and film director Sajid Khan had to be admitted to hospital when he complained of severe stomach pain. Sajid thought it was a gastric infection. But he was diagnosed with kidney stones, and had to undergo laser surgery