Stomach aches are a common problem for people of all ages. They can be caused by something as simple as overeating or by something much more serious, such as cancer.

While most stomach aches are not serious, there are some signs that you should look out for that indicate a more serious problem. Here are eight signs that your stomach ache might be serious:.

1. Frequent Vomiting or Diarrhea

If you are experiencing frequent vomiting or diarrhea along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem. These symptoms could be caused by a number of issues, including infections or food poisoning.

If you are vomiting or having diarrhea more than a few times a day, it is important to see a doctor.

2. Severe Pain

If your stomach ache is accompanied by severe pain, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as an ulcer or pancreatitis. The pain may be sharp or dull and may be located in one specific area or be spread out across your abdomen.

If your stomach ache is so severe that it is difficult to move or breathe, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

3. Blood in Your Stool

If you notice blood in your stool along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.

Blood in your stool may be bright red or a darker color and may be mixed in with your stool or on the toilet paper after you have gone to the bathroom.

4. Abdominal Swelling

If you notice that your abdomen is swelling along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as liver disease or ovarian cancer.

Abdominal swelling may be caused by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen or by the growth of a tumor.

5. Loss of Appetite

If you have lost your appetite and are experiencing a stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as cancer or an infection.

Loss of appetite may be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in your hormones or a decrease in your body’s ability to digest food.

6. Yellowing of Your Skin or Eyes

If you have noticed that your skin or eyes have turned yellow along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as liver disease or gallstones.

Yellowing of the skin or eyes is known as jaundice and is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body.

7. Chest Pain

If you are experiencing chest pain along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism.

Chest pain may feel like a burning or tightening sensation and may be accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness.

8. Difficulty Urinating

If you are having difficulty urinating along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a kidney stone or bladder cancer. Difficulty urinating may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen or back.

While many stomach aches are not serious and can be treated with simple remedies such as over-the-counter medications or a change in diet, it is important to recognize the signs that your stomach ache might be something more serious.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.