Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStomach CrampsSwollen BellyBloody VomitBelly Button PainBloody Stool or UrinePain in the Upper StomachLower Right Abdominal PainConstantly Feeling FullBlack StoolSudden Pulsing PainStrong Hunger PangsConstant Diarrhea
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stomach Cramps
Swollen Belly
Bloody Vomit
Belly Button Pain
Bloody Stool or Urine
Pain in the Upper Stomach
Lower Right Abdominal Pain
Constantly Feeling Full
Black Stool
Sudden Pulsing Pain
Strong Hunger Pangs
Constant Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptomsaffect most people from time to time. The gastrointestinal tract is the body’sdigestive system. Common GI symptoms include bloating,indigestion, andheartburn. Other symptoms that may indicate a health problem may include sudden abdominal pain, constant diarrhea, and bloody stool.
This article discusses serious GI symptoms that should never be ignored, their possible causes, and what to do about them.
Kate Wieser / Getty Images
Stomach crampsare a common GI symptom that often feels like a dull, aching pain. The discomfort may be constant or come and go. Common causes of stomach cramps includeconstipation, gas, diarrhea, a virus, hormonal medication, amenstrual period, pregnancy, and ovulation.
Serious causes of stomach cramps may include:
If you notice a swollen belly, it is likely due to bloating. Common causes of bloating are gas, indigestion,premenstrual syndrome (PMS), IBS, orlactose intolerance, which causes bloating, gas, and diarrhea after ingesting lactose (dairy products).
Serious causes of a swollen belly include:
Digestive System Diseases
Bloody vomitindicates bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract. Never ignore bloody vomit because the cause of the bleeding requires treatment. Possible causes of bloody vomit include:
Pain around your belly button usually indicates a mild condition like indigestion or constipation. Serious causes ofbelly button painmay include:
Blood in the stool or urine means you are bleeding somewhere in your lower GI or urinary tract. A small amount of bright red blood with straining may indicatehemorrhoids.Serious causes of bloody stool may include:
Pain in the upper area of your stomach may indicate indigestion or heartburn. Sudden upper abdominal pain may indicate a problem with the organs located in that area. The stomach,pancreas, spleen, liver, gallbladder, andbile ducts are in the upper abdomen. Serious causes of upper stomach pain may include:
Pain in the lower abdominal area may indicate constipation, diarrhea, or menstrual cramps. If you notice pain localized in the right side of the lower abdomen, it may be yourappendix. Lower right quadrant pain could mean inflammation in your appendix (appendicitis). Rarely, it could indicate appendix cancer.
Feeling full without eating or after eating only a small amount is not normal. Temporary causes of feeling very full could be eating habits, indigestion, or constipation. More serious causes of constantly feeling full may include:
Black stoolusually means that there is bleeding in the digestive tract. Certain foods and supplements, such asblueberriesoriron supplements, can make stool appear darker. Black stool could mean esophagus, stomach, or small intestine bleeding. It may also mean that you have a bleeding ulcer.
It is possible to feel a pulsing sensation in the abdomen because of a large blood vessel called the abdominal aorta. You may feel the abdominal aorta pulse when there is more blood flow due to pregnancy, eating, or positioning (lying down). Anabdominal aortic aneurysmcould cause sudden pulsing pain in the abdomen.
It is normal to feel hunger pangs when you have gone a long time without eating. Hunger is your body’s way of communicating that it is time to eat. Common causes of hunger pangs include hunger,dehydration, and constipation. Serious causes of intense hunger pangs may include:
Most people experience diarrhea or loose stools from time to time. If you have been experiencing constant or chronicdiarrhea, see a healthcare provider. The types of diarrhea that may indicate a health problem include:
A Word From Verywell
—KUMKUM PATEL, MD, MPH, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and often include heartburn, indigestion, bloating, and cramping. Other GI symptoms are more serious and may indicate a health problem. If you ever experience bleeding with vomiting, urinating, or releasing stool, see a healthcare provider. Seek medical attention if you notice sudden abdominal pain that does not improve.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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