What causes severe stomach pain in elderly adults?

Dear Kamlammani ji,

It is understandable to feel worried when your mother-in-law is 70 years old and still having stomach pain even after getting tests done. The good thing is that she has already been evaluated at the hospital. The next step is to review all her reports and understand whether any further testing is needed.

Possible Causes of Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can happen due to several reasons, including :

• Gas, acidity or indigestion

• Gastritis or stomach ulcer

• Constipation

• Gallbladder stones or inflammation

• Liver or pancreas-related problems

• Urine infection or kidney stones

• Intestinal problems

• Medication-related stomach irritation

Sometimes the cause is not clear from the initial tests, and the doctor may need to reassess the symptoms or perform additional tests.

What Treatment Be Needed?

Treatment depends completely on the cause. The doctor may recommend medicines for acidity, constipation, infection or another identified problem. If needed, further tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopy, blood tests or urine tests may be advised.

Please avoid giving painkillers, antibiotics or herbal medicines without medical advice, as some medicines can irritate the stomach or affect the kidneys or liver, especially in older adults.

Precautions at Home

• Give her light, easily digestible meals.

• Avoid very spicy, oily and fried foods.

• Keep her adequately hydrated unless her doctor has restricted fluids.

• Prevent constipation with suitable fibre and fluids, as advised by her doctor.

• Keep a note of when the pain occurs, where it hurts, and whether it is related to food or bowel movements.

• Continue her regular medicines as prescribed.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Take her to an emergency department immediately if she develops severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, black stools, high fever, yellowing of the eyes, severe abdominal swelling, fainting, confusion, chest pain, or inability to pass urine or stool.

Since she is 70 and the pain is continuing, please take all her previous reports and scans back to her doctor or a gastroenterologist for a complete review. Finding the exact cause is important so that she gets the right treatment and does not have to keep suffering with unexplained pain.

Wishing you and your family good health always.

Warm regards,

Team HexaHealth