Author's details
- Hakim A Abubakre
- BA (Hons) International Business Management, Msc Digital Marketing.
Reviewer's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northen Sweden.
- Date Published: 2025-08-30
- Date Updated: 2025-08-30
Tummy Discomfort
❓ What is Tummy Discomfort?
Tummy problems, also called stomachache or abdominal pain, are discomfort in the belly area—from the ribs to the pelvis.
- Pain can come from the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small or large intestine
- Sometimes pain comes from the abdominal wall (muscles or skin) or even from chest, pelvis, or back
- Causes can be mild and temporary, or serious and chronic
Common causes:
🍲 Indigestion, gas, food poisoning, stomach bugs
💩 Constipation or diarrhoea
🪱 Worms in children
👩 Menstrual pain
😰 Stress or anxiety
💎 Kidney or gallstones, urinary infections
⚠️ Ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, appendicitis, tumours
⚠️ Warning Signs – Go to a Clinic or Hospital
🚨 Severe or sudden pain
🚨 Vomiting blood or coffee-coloured fluid
🚨 Blood in stool or black/tarry stools
🚨 Swollen or very tender tummy
🌡️ Fever with pain
💔 Chest, neck, or shoulder pain
💧 Persistent vomiting or dehydration
😵 Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
🩹 Pain after injury or accident
🏠 Self-Care at Home
💧 Drink plenty of safe water or clear fluids
🥣 Eat light, bland foods (rice, porridge, bananas, boiled yam)
🛌 Rest and lie down to ease cramps
🔥 Apply warm compress to the tummy
🍽️ Eat small, frequent meals and chew slowly
💩 Pass stool regularly; don’t hold back urges
🧘 Manage stress with breathing exercises or gentle movement
💊 Use antacids or paracetamol if needed (avoid aspirin/NSAIDs)
❌ Avoid: greasy, spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, soda, citrus, and dairy if they worsen symptoms
🛡️ Prevention
🥗 Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
💧 Drink clean water regularly
🚶 Exercise regularly
🍽️ Eat smaller meals; avoid eating just before bed
🧘 Manage stress and practice relaxation
⚖️ Maintain healthy weight
🚭 Quit smoking and alcohol
💊 Manage chronic gastrointestinal conditions (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac) with a doctor.
📌 Key Message
Most tummy discomfort is not serious and improves with rest, simple foods, and hydration.
⚠️ Go to a health center if pain is severe, persistent, or comes with warning signs.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health. 2019
- UNICEF. Nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2021
- Mayo Clinic. Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment. 2023
- Ministry of Health, Uganda. Integrated Community Case Management Manual. 2017
- Cleveland Clinic. Gastrointestinal Diseases Overview. 2022
