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: 2026-01-02
Tummy Discomfort
Key Messages
- Most tummy discomfort is mild and improves with rest, simple foods, and hydration.
- Go to a clinic if pain is severe, persistent, or comes with warning signs.
- Common causes include indigestion, infections, worms, stress, and menstrual pain.
- Drink clean water, eat healthy foods, and manage stress to prevent tummy problems.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, and dairy if they worsen symptoms.
Introduction
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
Discussion
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.
Conclusion
- 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.
References
- 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
