Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons adults in Africa feel unwell. It can start suddenly in the middle of a busy workday or wake you up at night. Sometimes it comes with gas or loose stool. Other times, it feels like burning, twisting, or sharp stabbing pain.
Because so many people talk about “ulcer” or “infection,” it is easy to blame every pain on one of these. However, in reality, there are many possible causes of stomach pain in adults, and not all need the same treatment.
This guide explains common reasons for adult stomach pain in African settings, the danger signs you should not ignore, and how a long-term relationship with your own doctor helps you move from fear and guessing to a clear, safe plan.
What Doctors Mean by “Stomach Pain” in Adults
These details help narrow down the possible causes. When adults say “my stomach is paining me,” they may point to different areas:
- high in the upper abdomen (just below the ribs)
- around the belly button
- low in the lower abdomen
- one side is more than the other
The pain can feel crampy or grip-like, burning, sharp and stabbing, or dull and constant. Doctors also listen to:
- how suddenly the pain started
- what you were doing or eating before it began
- what makes it better or worse
- whether there is vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- whether there is fever
When Stomach Pain Is More Likely to Be Simple
Not all stomach pain is an emergency. Pain is more likely to be from a simple cause when:
- mild to moderate, not severe
- comes and goes rather than staying constant
- no fever
- can still walk, talk, and think clearly
- no blood in stool or vomit
Common simple causes include gas, indigestion, and mild viral gut infections. These often settle with rest, light food, and fluids. Even “simple” causes, however, can be very uncomfortable. If pain keeps returning, you still deserve a proper assessment.
Common Stomach Pain Causes in Adults in African Settings
Here are the frequent causes of stomach pain in adults. This is not complete, but it covers many day-to-day situations.
1. Gas and Simple Indigestion
Gas and indigestion are common, especially after:
- eating too fast
- very spicy or oily meals
- eating late at night
- drinking a lot of fizzy drinks
Pain is around the upper or middle abdomen. It often improves after passing gas or stool. You may notice:
- bloating
- fullness
- mild to moderate crampy pain
- burping or passing gas
2. Viral Stomach Infection
These infections spread when people come in contact with contaminated surfaces or share food and water. Most cases improve within a few days with good hydration and rest. The main risk is dehydration, especially in hot climates. Viruses that attack the gut can cause:
- sudden stomach cramps
- loose stool (diarrhea)
- nausea or vomiting
- mild fever
- body aches
3. Food Poisoning (Gastroenteritis or “Stomach Flu”)
Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something contaminated with harmful germs or toxins. Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines. In Africa, it’s most often caused by viral infections (like rotavirus), bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), and contaminated food or water. It is common in Africa due to:
- limited access to clean water in some areas
- traditional food markets or street food kept too long without refrigeration
- undercooked meat, eggs, or fish
- food handled with poor hand hygiene
- seasonal outbreaks after heavy rains
Symptoms often begin within hours of the risky meal. Mild cases settle in 1–3 days. Severe cases or those with blood in the stool need medical care. Signs include:
- sudden stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- watery diarrhea
- sometimes fever
Seek care immediately if you cannot keep fluids down, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output).
4. Ulcers and Acid Reflux
Ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into the chest area. Ulcer-type problems may cause:
- 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 or early fullness
Some ulcers are linked to a germ called H. pylori. Others come from frequent use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. Warning signs with ulcer symptoms include:
- vomiting blood or dark “coffee ground” material
- black, tar-like stool
- sudden sharp pain that does not go away
- weight loss without trying
5. Constipation
Constipation may mean you are passing stool less often than usual, or passing hard, dry stool, or straining a lot on the toilet. It can cause:
- crampy lower stomach pain
- bloating
- heavy feeling in the abdomen
If constipation is new, severe, and accompanied by weight loss or includes blood in the stool, it needs medical review. Causes include:
- low fibre diet (few fruits, vegetables, or whole grains)
- not drinking enough water
- long hours sitting at a desk or in traffic
- ignoring the urge to pass stool
- some medicines, such as painkillers and iron tablets
6. Gallbladder Problems
The gallbladder sits under the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. It stores bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. Gallbladder problems can cause:
- pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen
- pain after a heavy or fatty meal
- pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder
- nausea or vomiting
If gallbladder infection or stones block the bile ducts, these problems can become serious quickly and should not be ignored. You may notice:
- fever
- yellow eyes or skin
- dark urine
7. Kidney and Urinary Causes
Kidney stones and urinary tract infections can sometimes feel like stomach pain. These infections can be dangerous and often require urgent medical treatment. Signs include:
- pain in the side or back that moves toward the lower abdomen
- pain when passing urine
- needing to pass urine very often
- fever and chills (with infection)
8. Women’s Health Causes
In women, some stomach pains are related to the reproductive organs. Any lower abdominal pain in a woman who could be pregnant should be reviewed by a doctor as soon as possible. Examples:
- period cramps
- ovulation pain (mid-cycle)
- ovarian cysts
- pelvic infections
- ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb) – a medical emergency
Stomach Pain Locations and What They May Suggest
Location alone cannot provide a diagnosis, but it gives clues.
- Upper middle pain – indigestion, ulcer, acid reflux, gallbladder, or heart problems
- Upper right pain – gallbladder, liver, or sometimes lung or heart issues
- Upper left pain – stomach, gas, muscle strain, sometimes spleen
- Around the belly button – early appendicitis, viral gut infection, gas
- Lower right pain – appendicitis, constipation, ovarian issues in women
- Lower left pain – constipation, gut pockets (diverticular disease), ovarian issues in women
- Across the whole abdomen – gas, viral gut infection, food poisoning, constipation
These are only patterns. Your doctor will combine this with your full story, examination, and diagnostic tests.
When Stomach Pain in Adults Is an Emergency
Seek urgent in-person care if you have stomach pain plus any of these:
- pain that is sudden, very severe, or worsens quickly
- stomach that is hard, swollen, or very tender to the touch
- repeated vomiting, especially if it is green, yellow, or dark brown
- vomit with blood or coffee ground material
- black, tar-like stool or bright red blood in stool
- high fever with severe pain
- fainting, rapid heartbeat, or feeling “about to collapse”
Do not try to treat these at home. Do not take strong painkillers on your own, as they can hide important signs. These signs may point to:
- appendicitis
- gallbladder infection
- bowel blockage
- perforated ulcer
- severe infection
How to Track Stomach Pain Before You See Your Doctor
Keeping a simple record makes your doctor’s job easier and improves your care. You can use a notebook or notes on your phone. Bring this record when you talk to your doctor. Write down:
- time and date of each pain episode
- location of the pain (upper, lower, right, left, middle)
- type of pain (burning, crampy, sharp, dull)
- what you have eaten before the pain started
- stool pattern (normal, loose, hard, blood present)
- other symptoms (fever, vomiting, gas, bloating, weight loss)
How Doctors Evaluate Stomach Pain Causes in Adults
When you see a doctor, they will:
- Listen to your story: when the pain started, how it feels, where it is, and what else is happening
- Examine your abdomen: gently pressing different areas, listening with a stethoscope, and looking for swelling or tenderness
- Check your vital signs: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing
- Order tests if needed, such as blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, an ultrasound scan, X-ray or other imaging, or an endoscopy in a few cases.
The aim is to move from “it could be many things” to a short list and then to a clear plan. Avoid taking random antibiotics or repeated self-treatment while waiting. This can hide clues and lead to drug resistance.
Safe Home Steps While You Wait for Review
Do not give yourself injections or combine many painkillers without guidance. If pain gets worse, new symptoms appear, or you feel very unwell, seek in-person care. But if your pain is mild, there are no danger signs, and your doctor has not advised immediate hospital review, you can:
- rest and avoid heavy physical work
- drink clean water or oral rehydration solution
- choose light, low-fat meals
- avoid very spicy, greasy, or fried foods
- avoid alcohol and smoking
- take only the medicines your doctor has recommended
How This Article Connects to Other Guides
This article gives a broad view of stomach pain in adults. For more details on specific issues, you can read:
- Our guide on ulcer symptoms in adults.
- Our guide on diarrhea treatment in adults.
- Our guide on constipation in adults (causes and treatment).
- Our guide on recurrent stomach pain in adults.
- Our guide on emergency stomach pain in adults.
All of these link back to the main overview on stomach and gut problems in adults and children.
Why Ongoing Contact With Your Own Doctor Matters
Stomach pain can change over time. Some causes are simple. Others need tests and follow-up. Having a regular doctor or clinic who knows your history can make each episode safer and less stressful. Your doctor can:
- Review your symptom diary over days or weeks, not just once.
- Spot patterns in pain location, timing, and triggers.
- Decide when you can safely watch at home and when you must go in.
- Plan tests in a stepwise way instead of guessing.
- Follow your progress after treatment to ensure pain truly settles.
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 in-person examinations or emergency care, but they can support continuity of care.
FAQs
Q: What are the common causes of stomach pain in adults?
Adults in African settings often experience stomach pain from indigestion, infections, food poisoning, ulcers, reflux, constipation, gallbladder issues, kidney and urinary problems, and women’s health issues.
Q: How can I tell if my stomach pain is serious?
Seek urgent care if pain is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, jaundice, or dehydration.
Q: Can stress really cause stomach pain?
Yes. The gut and brain are connected — stress can trigger real intestinal discomfort without an infection.
Q: When should I see my doctor for stomach pain?
If pain lasts more than a few days, worsens, or disrupts your life, talk to your personal physician.
Free Yourself From Worry to a Clear Plan
Stomach pain in adults is common, but it is not always “just an ulcer” or “just gas.” Many different problems can cause similar pain. Some are simple. Some need urgent attention. You do not have to solve this alone.
- Notice where and how it hurts.
- Watch carefully for danger signs.
- Use gentle home steps when pain is mild.
- Avoid random self-treatment.
- Work with a doctor who knows you and can follow your symptoms over time.
If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or local clinic. Together, you can move from fear and guessing toward a clear, safe plan.