Q1. Why does my stomach hurt?
“Stomach pain” is a broad term. In clinic, it usually falls into a few patterns:
- Burning or gnawing pain high in the upper abdomen – often linked to gastritis, indigestion, acid reflux, H. pylori or peptic ulcers.
- Crampy pain with bloating and a change in bowels – common with IBS, SIBO, food intolerances or gut microbiome imbalance.
- Pain with diarrhoea, weight loss or blood in stool – raises concern for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
- Pain with tiredness or low iron – may relate to iron deficiency, gastritis, ulcers, coeliac disease or IBD.
A careful history, examination and targeted tests usually narrow this down quickly.
Q2. How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Seek urgent medical help if:
- Sudden, very severe pain
- Pain worsening over hours
- Fever, uncontrollable vomiting
- Blood in vomit or black stools
- Jaundice
- Dizziness or collapse
- Severe pain during pregnancy
Q3. What are the common non-emergency causes of stomach pain in Dubai?
- Gastritis and indigestion
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- H. pylori infection
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Gut microbiome imbalance
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Iron deficiency–related symptoms
Q4. Why do I get stomach pain after eating?
Common reasons include:
- Gastritis or indigestion
- Acid reflux
- H. pylori or peptic ulcer disease
- IBS or SIBO
- Food intolerances (lactose, fructose)
Q5. Could this be “leaky gut”?
Medically, this refers to increased intestinal permeability or gut inflammation. It can be associated with IBS, IBD, SIBO or gut microbiome imbalance.
Q6. How are iron deficiency and stomach pain connected?
Iron deficiency may result from menstrual loss, diet, inflammation, ulcers, gastritis or IBD. Some patients worsen with iron tablets and may require IV iron after evaluation.
Q7. What tests might be needed?
- Blood tests
- Stool tests (including H. pylori and calprotectin)
- Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test for SIBO
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Imaging (ultrasound or CT)
Q8. How does life in Dubai affect stomach pain?
- Late-night meals
- High coffee/energy drink intake
- Frequent fast food
- Stressful work patterns
- Sleep disruption
Q9. Could it be Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
More likely if accompanied by diarrhoea, bleeding, weight loss, night symptoms, or anaemia.
Q10. When should I see a gastroenterologist?
When pain persists more than 3–5 days, recurs, affects daily life, or occurs with other GI symptoms.
Recommended Guides
- Gastritis
- Indigestion
- Acid Reflux Treatment in Dubai
- H-pylori
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Bloating
- Peptic Ulcer
- Iron Deficiency
Lifestyle, Diet & Dubai-Specific Factors
- Ultra-Processed Foods & the Gut Microbiome
- Fast Food & Gut Health
- Late-Night Eating & Acid Reflux
- Morning Coffee & Gut Motility
- Stress & the Gut–Brain Axis
- Sleep & Gut Health
- Vitamin D & Gut Health
Related Gastroenterology Topics
- Gallstones – often cause upper right abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals.
- Constipation – can lead to cramping, bloating and lower abdominal discomfort.
- Diarrhea – commonly associated with IBS, infections or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Celiac Disease – gluten-related inflammation causing abdominal pain, bloating and nutrient malabsorption.
- Crohn’s Disease – chronic inflammation leading to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue.
- Ulcerative Colitis – inflammation of the colon causing cramping, urgency and rectal bleeding.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – umbrella term for Crohn’s and UC, often presenting with abdominal pain.
- Upper Gastrointestinal Disease – oesophageal, stomach and duodenal disorders that can present as “stomach pain.”
- Diverticulosis – small pouches in the colon that may cause pain when inflamed, typically on the left side.
- Functional Dyspepsia
- Pancreatitis
- Rectal Bleeding
- Food Intolerances
Investigations & Procedures
- Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test for SIBO
- Gut Microbiome Test
- Gastroscopy Care
- Colonoscopy Care
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Diagnostic Tests for Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Investigation of Abnormal Liver Enzymes
- CT Abdomen / CT Enterography
- MRI Abdomen / MR Enterography
- Ultrasound Abdomen
- Urea Breath Test
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page. A member of our team will contact you within 12 business hours.