Stomach cramps can strike out of nowhere. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re doubled over. Sometimes it’s gas or something you ate—but other times, it’s something more serious. Knowing when to wait it out and when to take action is the difference between comfort and crisis.

At Express Emergency Room – Temple, we’ve seen everything from mild tummy aches to life-threatening emergencies. Let’s break down eight possible reasons your stomach might be screaming at you—and when it’s time to act fast.

1. Food Poisoning or Contaminated Meals

You ate something that didn’t sit right. Maybe it was undercooked meat or leftovers that overstayed their welcome.

Common signs include:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sharp, twisting cramps

If symptoms show up within a few hours of eating and you’ve been to a questionable buffet, chances are you’ve got food poisoning. Most cases pass with rest and hydration, but severe dehydration or bloody stools mean it’s time for help.

2. Menstrual Cramps or Ovulation Pain

Menstrual cycles bring all kinds of cramping. Some women even feel pain during ovulation, known as “mittelschmerz.” This can feel like a sharp poke on one side of the lower belly.

What’s normal:

• Dull or throbbing pain before or during periods
• Cramps that improve with heating pads, pain meds, or rest

But if it’s suddenly different—sharper, longer, or worse than usual—don’t ignore it.

3. Appendicitis

Starts off like a stomach ache, but turns into something more. Pain starts near the belly button and travels to the lower right. It may get worse over time and doesn’t go away.

Look for:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Pain that hurts more when you move

If untreated, an appendix can rupture, which is dangerous. This is a cramp emergency care situation—don’t wait it out.

4. Gastroenteritis (The Stomach Flu)

Different from food poisoning, gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus. You might catch it from someone else or from contaminated food or water.

Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Crampy belly pain
• Low-grade fever

It usually lasts a few days, but if you’re losing fluids quickly, especially in kids or the elderly, get help. Dehydration is no joke. If you haven’t peed in over 8 hours, drink more or visit the nearest emergency room.

5. Gallstones

Ever felt a sudden, intense pain in the upper right side of your abdomen? Gallstones may be to blame.

You might notice:

• Pain after eating greasy food
• Pain that spreads to your back or shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting

Gallstones block the bile duct, causing bileting in bile to build up. That leads to severe belly pain that won’t ease up on its own.

If your pain is steady and not relieved by over-the-counter meds, it’s worth investigating.

6. Kidney Stones

Tiny but mighty, kidney stones are infamous for their pain. You won’t forget it if you’ve had one.

Signs include:

• Sharp, cramping pain in the back or side
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Blood in urine
• Frequent urge to pee

Pain from kidney stones is intense—patients describe it as worse than childbirth. If you’re writhing and can’t find a comfortable position, it’s time to head to the freestanding ER in Temple.

7. Gas and Indigestion

Let’s face it—sometimes, it’s just gas. It can cause surprising amounts of pain and bloating.

Common triggers:

• Carbonated drinks
• Chewing gum
• High-fiber foods
• Eating too fast

These types of stomach cramps are uncomfortable but usually harmless. You’ll often feel better after passing gas or using the restroom. Still, persistent or unusually strong bloating could be masking something more.

8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or IBS

Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome can create havoc on your gut.

Symptoms vary but can include:

• Chronic cramps
• Bloody stools
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue

A persistent stomach ache that doesn’t go away could be a sign of something deeper. If your digestive troubles are impacting your day-to-day life, don’t wait to get help.

When to Worry—and Act Fast

You know your body. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.

Get immediate help if you have:

• Pain lasting longer than a few hours
• Vomiting blood or having black stool
• High fever with cramps
• Severe pain that comes in waves
• Fainting or feeling dizzy

In these situations, the serious abdominal pain you’re feeling might signal an urgent issue. Time matters. Don’t tough it out.

What You Can Expect at the ER

At Express Emergency Room – Temple, we treat abdominal pain fast. No long lines or crowded waiting rooms. Our board-certified ER doctors are available 24/7.

We’ll quickly evaluate your pain with:

• Blood tests
• Urine analysis
• Imaging such as an ultrasound or a CT scan
• IV fluids and meds for relief

Getting a proper diagnosis can save you from unnecessary suffering—or something worse.

Conclusion

Stomach cramps can be annoying or alarming. Sometimes, they’re gone in an hour. Other times, they’re a red flag for something urgent. When the pain sticks around or hits hard, don’t guess.

If your stomach pain is getting worse or you’re just unsure, head to Express Emergency Room – Temple. We’re open 24/7, always ready to help you feel better fast.