Most stomach aches come from acidity, gas, constipation or a mild infection and settle in a day or two. Some need urgent care, and recurring pain needs a proper diagnosis.

Go to a hospital immediately if

• the pain is sudden and severe, or keeps getting worse
• the pain starts around the navel and moves to the lower right side
• the belly is hard and painful to touch
• you vomit blood or pass black stools
• there is high fever, or you can't pass stool or gas
• you are pregnant, or the pain followed an injury

Avoid strong painkillers before a doctor has examined you. They can hide important signs.

Common causes of recurring pain

• Acidity and reflux, often worse after meals or at night
• Gas and constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gallstones, often after oily meals, felt in the upper right side
• Worms, common in children
• Period pain in women

Tests that help

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may ask for an ultrasound of the abdomen, a stool test and blood tests.

Where homeopathy fits

Once serious causes have been ruled out, Dr Amit Kumar sees patients with recurring acidity, gas, IBS and period pain. He looks at where the pain is, what brings it on and your eating habits before prescribing homeopathic medicine.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation