What causes intermittent stomach pain?
Disease description:
My stomach has been hurting off and on, which is really annoying. I applied a warm towel, and it felt a bit better at the time, but the pain came back afterward. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Abdominal cramping is a common clinical symptom that may be caused by physiological factors or may be associated with various diseases. Unhealthy eating habits, such as irregular meal times or excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or cold foods, may damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.
This pain may originate from the digestive, urinary, or gynecological systems. For example, digestive system disorders such as gastrointestinal inflammation, gastric ulcers, cholecystitis, gallstones, and irritable bowel syndrome; urinary system diseases such as kidney stones and cystitis; and gynecological conditions such as ovarian cyst torsion and endometriosis can all cause abdominal cramping.
Emotional distress, such as excessive tension, anxiety, or depression, may also lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in abdominal pain. In addition, diseases such as gastroenteritis and appendicitis are also common causes of abdominal pain.
If persistent or recurrent abdominal cramping occurs, timely medical attention is necessary. A clear diagnosis can be achieved through detailed history taking, physical examination, and necessary ancillary tests, allowing for targeted treatment.
