Burping lots and stomach pain: possible causes

Acid reflux may cause upper abdominal discomfort, burping and regurgitation. Gastritis can irritate the stomach lining and produce burning or aching pain. Food poisoning and gastroenteritis often cause cramping, loose stools, nausea or vomiting. Gallstones may cause strong pain in the upper right abdomen or centre after eating, sometimes spreading to the back. Coeliac disease can cause bloating and abdominal symptoms after gluten exposure. Crohn's disease or diverticular disease may cause persistent pain with bowel changes.

Choose smaller meals, eat slowly and avoid fizzy drinks, chewing gum and smoking, which can increase swallowed air. Keep upright after eating and note whether fatty, spicy or other foods trigger pain. Drink enough fluid, especially if stools are loose. Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers for ongoing stomach pain without checking with a clinician, as they can irritate the stomach. A symptom diary should include pain location, bowel changes, fever, medicines and meals.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty, blood in vomit or stool, or black stools. Get prompt care for persistent vomiting, fever with worsening pain, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to pass stool or gas with swelling. Arrange an appointment if pain returns, wakes you, affects food intake or comes with unexplained weight loss.

Where is the pain and what pattern would make reflux, gallstones or bowel disease more likely? Could any medicine be irritating my stomach? Do my bowel changes suggest testing for infection, coeliac disease or inflammation? What pain relief is suitable for me?