Stomach and Gut Problems in Adults and Children in Africa: Stomach Pain Causes, Ulcer Symptoms, Diarrhea Treatment, and When to Act Fast

Stomach and gut problems are some of the most common reasons people feel unwell in Africa. One day, your stomach feels fine. The next day, you have cramps, burning, loose stool, or sharp pain. Your child may wake in the night crying about tummy pain.

You may also worry about ulcers, food poisoning, or something more serious. Life is busy. Adults have work, long commutes, business travel, school runs, and family responsibilities. Parents must make quick decisions: should I watch at home, call our doctor, or rush to the hospital now?

This guide is a big-picture roadmap for stomach and gut problems in adults and children in Sub-Saharan Africa. It explains:

• What stomach and gut pain really mean.
• Common causes of stomach pain in adults.
• Common causes of stomach pain in children.
• Ulcer symptoms and why they matter.
• Diarrhea in adults and children, and how to treat it safely.
• Constipation in adults and children.
• Recurrent or long-term stomach pain.
• Emergency stomach pain that needs fast action.
• Safe home steps.
• How doctors investigate stomach problems.
• How ongoing contact with your own doctor can help keep you safer.

What Do We Mean by “Stomach and Gut Problems”?

When people say “stomach problems” or “tummy pain,” they may be talking about:

• Pain high in the upper abdomen (just below the ribs).
• Pain around the belly button.
• Pain low in the lower abdomen.
• Bloating and gas.
• Burning in the chest or upper stomach.
• Loose stool (diarrhea).
• Difficulty passing stool (constipation).

The “gut” includes the stomach and also the long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. Problems can come from any part of this system. Pain can feel like cramping, burning, a sharp, stabbing pain, a dull, constant ache, or grip-like twisting pain. 

For children, the words are often simpler: “My tummy hurts,” “My stomach is paining me,” or “I feel like vomiting.”

Danger Signs for Any Stomach Pain

Most stomach pains are not life-threatening. However, some are serious and need fast care. For both adults and children, you should seek urgent in-person medical help if there is stomach pain with any of these. When in doubt, it is safer to go for urgent review than to wait at home.

• Pain that is sudden, very severe, or worsening rapidly.
• Stomach is hard, swollen, or very tender to the touch.
• Repeated vomiting, especially if there is green or dark brown content.
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or has blood.
• Black, tar-like stool or bright red blood in stool.
• High fever with severe stomach pain.
• Pain that makes it hard to stand up straight or walk.
• Fainting, pale or sweaty skin, or rapid heartbeat.
• In children: refusal to move, lying still with knees drawn up, or crying nonstop from pain.

Common Stomach Pain Causes in Adults

There are many possible causes of stomach pain in adults. Here are some of the common ones in African settings.

Gas and Indigestion

Pain is often mild to moderate and comes and goes. It may follow eating too fast, very spicy, oily, or heavy meals, or drinking with gas. Gas and simple indigestion can cause:

• Bloating.
• Fullness after eating.
• Mild crampy pain.
• Burping or passing gas.

Viral Stomach Infection or “Stomach Flu”

These infections often pass within a few days with good hydration and rest. But dehydration can still be dangerous, especially in hot climates. Viruses that affect the gut can cause:

• Sudden stomach cramps.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Mild fever.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning may stem from contaminated water with germs or toxins. Symptoms often start within hours after a bad meal and may improve within 1–3 days. Severe cases, or those with blood in stool, should seek medical care immediately. Signs include:

• Sudden stomach cramps.
• Vomiting.
• Watery diarrhea.
• Sometimes fever and body pains.

Ulcers and Acid Reflux

Ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or the upper intestines. Acid reflux is when acid flows back up from the stomach into the chest. Signs of ulcer or acid-related problems in adults can include:

• Burning pain in the upper stomach or chest.
• Pain that worsens when the stomach is empty.
• Pain that improves after eating or after antacid-type medicine.
• Nausea or early fullness.

Some ulcers are linked to a bacterium called H. pylori. Others are linked to painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. These need urgent evaluation. Warning signs with ulcer symptoms include:

• Vomit with blood or dark “coffee ground” material.
• Black, tar-like stool.
• Sudden sharp pain that does not diminish.

Constipation

Constipation means passing stool less often than usual, passing hard stools, or straining excessively. It can cause crampy lower stomach pain, a heavy feeling, and bloating. Sometimes it makes people think they have an “ulcer” or “infection.” Causes include:

• Low fibre diet.
• Not drinking enough water.
• Sitting for long hours at work or in traffic.
• Ignoring the urge to pass stool.
• Some medicines, such as certain painkillers and iron tablets.

Gallbladder and Liver Problems

The gallbladder sits under the liver on the upper right side. It helps digest fat. Gallbladder problems can cause:

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Pain after fatty meals.
• Pain that may spread to the shoulder or back.

Liver and bile duct infections or blockages can cause:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Yellow eyes or skin.
• Dark urine.

These problems need medical evaluation.

Kidney and Urinary Causes

Kidney stones or infections can present with stomach or side pain. These can be serious and should not be ignored. Signs can include:

• Pain in the side or back that may spread to the lower abdomen.
• Pain on passing urine.
• Frequent urination.
• Fever and chills (with infection).

Women’s Health Causes

In women, some causes of stomach pain come from the pelvis, not just the gut. Any lower abdominal pain in a woman who could be pregnant needs careful review. Examples include:

• Painful periods.
• Ovarian cysts.
• Pelvic infections.
• Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) – a medical emergency.

Long-Term or Recurrent Gut Conditions

Some adults have stomach pain that comes and goes for months. These conditions are rarely “fixed” in a single visit. They need a long-term plan with a doctor who knows you well. Causes can include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Inflammatory bowel disease (less common but serious).
• Food intolerances.
• Stress-related gut symptoms.

For a deeper guide focused on adults, you can read our detailed article on stomach pain causes in adults, which explains location-based pain and common patterns.

Common Stomach Pain Causes in Children

Children often say, “My tummy hurts.” For parents, it can be hard to know when to watch and when to rush. Some frequent causes in African children include:

Constipation

Constipation is common in children. They may avoid the toilet because it hurts, which then worsens the problem. It may cause:

• Pain around the belly button or lower abdomen.
• Hard, dry stools.
• Painful bowel movements.
• Stool accidents or small smears in underwear.

Worm Infections

Deworming advice from your doctor or local health ministry should be followed. Do not overdose or use random mixtures. In areas where worms are common, they can cause:

• Stomach pain.
• Poor appetite.
• Weight loss or poor growth.
• Itching around the anus (in some types).

Viral Gut Infections

In children, the biggest risk is dehydration. They have smaller bodies and lose fluid faster. Viruses that affect the gut can cause:

• Sudden stomach cramps.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Mild fever.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning from unsafe food or water can affect children quickly. If a child cannot drink, seems very sleepy, or has blood in stool or vomit, seek urgent care. Signs include:

• Vomiting.
• Watery diarrhea.
• Cramping abdominal pain.
• Sometimes fever.

Stress and Worry

Children sometimes develop tummy pain when stressed, anxious, or unhappy. These pains are real, even if no infection is found. They often improve when the underlying stress is addressed. Triggers can include:

• School tests or bullying.
• Changes at home.
• Fear of punishment.

Serious Surgical Causes

Some causes of stomach pain in children require urgent surgery or hospital care. These include:

• Appendicitis.
• Intussusception (part of the bowel slides into another part).
• Twisted bowel.
• Hernia that is stuck.

Signs that may point to a serious problem. If you notice these, seek emergency care immediately.

• Sudden, severe pain.
• Child not wanting to move.
• Pale, quiet child who appears to be very unwell.
• Vomiting green or yellow fluid.
• Swollen or very hard abdomen.

We have a dedicated parent-facing guide on stomach pain in children, which explains these causes in more detail and uses simple checklists parents can follow.

Ulcer Symptoms in Adults and Older Children

Ulcers and acid problems are often talked about in African homes and workplaces.

Ulcer Symptoms in Adults

Adults with ulcer disease may notice:

• Burning or gnawing pain in the upper stomach or chest.
• Pain on an empty stomach.
• Pain that improves after eating or after certain medicines.
• Nausea, early fullness, or bloating.

Some adults call any upper stomach pain an “ulcer,” but not all such pain is from an actual ulcer. Only tests and a doctor’s assessment can confirm this. These need urgent review. Warning signs include vomiting blood, a black, tar-like stool, sudden, sharp pain that does not diminish, or unexplained weight loss.

Ulcer-Type Symptoms in Teenagers and Older Children

Any child or teen with ongoing upper stomach pain, poor appetite, or weight loss should be evaluated by a doctor. Younger children rarely have true ulcers, but teenagers can sometimes develop ulcer-like symptoms, especially if they:

• Use painkillers often.
• Have H. pylori infection.
• Have high stress and irregular meals.

A guide about ulcer symptoms in adults explains how to detect patterns, common triggers, and when to seek specialist care.

Diarrhea in Adults and Children

Diarrhea means loose and watery stools, which occur more often than normal.

Diarrhea in Adults

In adults, diarrhea can come from:

• Viral gut infections.
• Food poisoning.
• Some medicines.
• Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Most simple diarrhea episodes in adults improve within a few days with oral rehydration solution (ORS), clear fluids, and light foods. Danger signs in adults include:

• Blood in stool.
• High fever.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Signs of dehydration (very little urine, dizziness, dry mouth).

Diarrhea in Children

In children, diarrhea is dangerous due to dehydration. You should seek urgent care if a child with diarrhea has:

• Sunken eyes.
• Very dry mouth.
• No tears when crying.
• Very little or no urine.
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking.

Safe home steps (if no danger signs) include frequent small sips of ORS, continue breastfeeding for babies, and offering simple foods such as porridge or mashed banana when they can eat.

We provide detailed guides on diarrhea treatment in adults and diarrhea treatment in children, including how long you can safely monitor at home and when to seek help.

Constipation in Adults and Children

Constipation in Adults

Constipation in adults is often linked to:

• Low fibre intake.
• Low fluid intake.
• Long sitting times.
• Irregular meal patterns.
• Medicines such as strong painkillers.

It can cause crampy lower stomach pain, bloating, and straining at the toilet. Red flags with constipation include:

• Blood in stool.
• Weight loss.
• Family history of bowel cancer.
• New constipation in an older adult.

Constipation in Children

In children, constipation is common and can become a cycle:

• Hard stool causes pain.
• Child avoids the toilet.
• Stool becomes even harder.

Parents may notice infrequent stools, very large or painful stools, blood streaks on the stool surface, and stool accidents. Gentle treatment involves fluids, fibre (as advised by your doctor), and a calm toilet routine. Some children need medication plans tailored by a doctor over weeks or months.

We have articles that explain constipation in adults and everyday constipation in children, including when it suggests something more serious.

Recurrent or Long-Term Stomach Pain

Some people have stomach pain that keeps coming back for months or years.

In Adults

Busy professionals, business owners, and frequent travellers may endure these symptoms for years. But recurrent pain still deserves a plan, not just repeated short-term fixes. Recurring stomach pain in adults may be linked to:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Food triggers (such as certain flours, dairy, or fried foods).
• Long-term acid problems.
• Stress and emotional strain.

In Children

Children can also have recurrent stomach pain. This often reflects stress or functional pain rather than serious disease, but only a doctor who knows the child’s history can say so with confidence. Common patterns:

• Pain is mostly during school days.
• Pain around the belly button.
• Normal growth and normal tests.

Our focused guides on recurrent stomach pain in adults and stomach pain in children explore these patterns and simple tracking tools.

Emergency Stomach Pain in Adults and Children

Some stomach pains must always be treated as possible emergencies. Conditions such as appendicitis, twisted bowel, or intussusception need fast action. Do not wait at home to see if they settle.

Emergency Stomach Pain in Adults

Adults should seek urgent care for:

• Sudden pain that moves to the lower right side (possible appendicitis).
• Pain in the upper middle or right side with vomiting and fever (possible gallbladder problem).
• Severe pain after heavy drinking or a very fatty meal.
• Pain with a rigid and board-like abdomen.

Emergency Stomach Pain in Children

In children, emergency stomach pain may show as:

• Child not wanting to move or walk.
• Drawing knees up to chest.
• Pale or sweaty child who looks “not like themselves.”
• Vomiting green or yellow fluid.
• Swollen, firm abdomen.

We have separate guides that explain emergency stomach pain in adults and emergency stomach pain in children in simple, parent-friendly language.

Safe Home Steps for Mild Stomach and Gut Problems

Not every stomach problem needs emergency care. For mild pain with no danger signs, you can often start with gentle home care while staying in touch with your doctor.

General Steps for Adults

• Rest and avoid heavy physical work.
• Drink clean water or oral rehydration solution.
• Choose light meals (porridge, rice, boiled yams, steamed vegetables).
• Avoid very spicy, oily, or fried foods while pain is present.
• Avoid alcohol.

General Steps for Children

• Offer small, frequent sips of water or ORS.
• Continue breastfeeding if the child is a baby.
• Offer simple foods when they can eat (porridge, mashed foods).
• Keep the child comfortable in a cool, quiet space.

Medicines

• Use only medicines your doctor has recommended.
• Do not give adult medicines to children.
• Avoid starting antibiotics “just in case.”
• Avoid using many different painkillers or strong combinations without guidance.

When Home Care Is No Longer Enough

Stop home care and seek medical review if:

• Pain gets worse or changes.
• New danger signs appear.
• There is no improvement after a short period of monitoring.

Our articles on safe home monitoring of fevers and hydration are also helpful for gut illnesses that come with fever or diarrhea.

How Doctors Investigate Stomach and Gut Problems

When you see a doctor for stomach or gut issues, they follow a step-by-step process. The goal is to narrow down from many possible causes to a clear and safe plan.

Your Story

They will ask about:

• When the pain started.
• Where the pain is located.
• What makes it better or worse.
• Your stool pattern (diarrhea or constipation).
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Medicines you are taking.
• For children: feeding, growth, and behaviour.

Examination

The doctor may:

• Check temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
• Look at your eyes, mouth, and skin.
• Press gently on different parts of the abdomen.
• Listen with a stethoscope.
• Check for signs of dehydration.

Tests

Depending on what they suspect, tests may include:

• Blood tests.
• Stool tests.
• Urine tests.
• Ultrasound scan.
• X-rays or other scans, in some cases.
• Endoscopy (camera test) for some ulcer or long-term stomach issues.

Prevention: Everyday Steps to Protect Stomach and Gut Health

You cannot prevent every stomach problem, but you can lower your risk. These steps support adult and child gut health over the long term.

Safer Food and Water

• Drink boiled, treated, or bottled water.
• Be careful with street food from unclean environments.
• Avoid undercooked meat, eggs, and fish.
• Wash fruits and vegetables well, or peel them yourself.

Smart Use of Medicines

• Avoid long-term use of painkillers without medical advice.
• Do not share or reuse antibiotics.
• Follow local guidance on deworming for children and adults.

Healthy Daily Habits

• Eat regular meals instead of long gaps and then very heavy meals.
• Include fibre (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) as advised by your doctor.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Move your body regularly.

Stress and the Gut

• Notice how your stomach behaves during high-stress times.
• Use simple stress tools that work for you (short walks, breathing exercises, prayer, quiet time).

Why Ongoing Contact With Your Own Doctor Matters

Stomach and gut problems often come and go. Some are simple. Others are more serious and need follow-up. Having a regular doctor or clinic that knows you and your family can make care safer and less stressful. Your own doctor can:

• Review symptom diaries for adults and children over time.
• Recognise patterns in pain, stool changes, or triggers.
• Guide you on when it is safe to watch at home and when you should go in.
• Plan tests in a focused way instead of sending you for everything at once.
• Adjust treatment plans as your gut symptoms improve or change.

Some doctors also use secure digital tools to stay in touch with their own patients between visits for non-emergency questions. These tools do not replace physical examinations or emergency care, but they can support continuity of care.

For busy adults, this can mean less guessing and faster, safer decisions. For parents, it means they can reach a doctor who already knows their child, rather than explain everything from the beginning during a new episode.

Related Deep-Dive Guides You Can Read Next

This article gives you the big picture. You can also read more focused guides, such as:

• Stomach pain causes in adults.
• Ulcer symptoms in adults.
• Diarrhea treatment in adults.
• Constipation in adults: causes and treatment.
• Recurrent stomach pain in adults.
• Emergency stomach pain in adults.
• Stomach pain causes in children.
• Diarrhea treatment in children.
• Vomiting in children.
• Emergency stomach pain in children.

Each of these guides delves deeper into a topic while still referencing this main overview.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stomach and Gut Problems

Q1:  When is stomach pain an emergency?

Stomach pain is an emergency when it is very severe, gets worse quickly, is joined by repeated vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, high fever, or a swollen, hard abdomen. In children, pale or quiet behaviour with severe pain is also worrying.

Q2:  How long can I watch mild stomach pain at home?

If pain is mild, there are no danger signs, and you feel otherwise well, you can usually watch for a short period while resting, hydrating, and easily digestible food. If pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or you feel worse, you should see a doctor.

Q3:  Is all upper stomach pain an ulcer?

No. Many things can cause upper stomach pain, including indigestion, acid reflux, muscle strain, heart problems, and more. Ulcer is one possibility. Only a proper medical assessment can tell.

Q4:  Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes. Stress can alter how the gut moves and how we feel pain. It can make existing problems worse and trigger cramps or bloating. But stress should not be blamed for persistent or long-lasting pain without checking for other causes.

Q5:  Should I give my child any pain medicine for tummy pain at home?

Never give prescription painkillers or adult doses to a child without medical advice. If you feel your child needs medication, speak with your doctor first. Pain medicine can sometimes hide important signs.

Know What To Do for Stomach and Gut Problems

Stomach and gut problems are common in African adults and children, but they are not all the same. Some are simple and pass quickly. Others are warnings of more serious conditions. You do not need to panic, but you should listen carefully to the body’s signals.

• Notice where it hurts, and how.
• Watch for danger signs.
• Take simple, safe home steps for mild problems.
• Seek timely medical care when pain is severe, long-lasting, or worrying.
• Build a long-term relationship with a doctor who knows you and your family.

If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or local clinic. Together, you can decide when home care is enough and when further tests or treatment are needed.