Body aches and abdominal pain: what to know

Gastroenteritis or Food Poisoning can cause cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and general aching. Gastritis or Acid Reflux may cause upper abdominal discomfort, nausea or burning, while Gallstones can cause pain beneath the right ribs, particularly after meals. Coeliac Disease and Crohn's Disease may cause recurring digestive symptoms with tiredness or aches. Diverticular Disease can cause lower abdominal pain and a change in bowel habit. The exact location, onset, severity and relation to food or bowel movements are useful clues, but they do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Sip fluids regularly and choose simple foods if nausea or diarrhoea is present. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen the discomfort. Rest, but note whether movement, coughing, eating or passing stool changes the pain. Record vomiting, stool changes, fever, urine symptoms and any recent meal or travel exposure. Ask a pharmacist before taking pain medicine if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems or use regular medicines; avoid self-treating severe or unexplained abdominal pain for long.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood or black stool, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to pass urine. Prompt medical assessment is also appropriate when pain is steadily worsening, localised to one area, accompanied by fever, or persists despite rest and fluids. Pregnancy, older age or significant medical conditions lower the threshold for advice.

Ask what the pain location suggests, whether dehydration is present, which foods and medicines are safe, and which changes in vomiting, stool, fever or urine should trigger urgent review.