Stinging pain in abdomen

Dear Bellyache,

If you have severe abdominal pain, it's crucial to visit a health care provider as soon as possible in order to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment (both things you can't get online). There are many potential explanation for abdominal pain and tenderness, including (but not limited to):

• Ulcers
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis
• Bacterial infection
• Giardia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Food poisoning
• Gastroenteritis
• Diverticulitis

If not treated promptly, some of these conditions can have consequences for your health. If you can't visit your health care provider right away, acute abdominal pain is a good reason to go to the emergency room. Although medical care can be expensive, it's still a small price to pay for your health.