Dull pain in the stomach is caused by a wide variety of different factors. Some common causes are gastritis, ulcers, and urinary tract infections. Due to the many causes of dull stomach ache, it is recommended that a doctor is consulted to determine the exact cause.

Gastritis is one of the most common causes of a dull stomach ache. Gastritis describes stomach inflammation or, more specifically, inflammation of the stomach lining. There are many different factors that can lead to gastritis, such as bacterial infection, ingestion of poisons, and some medications. Food allergies, stomach trauma, and even physical stress from the flu can cause stomach inflammation. If left untreated, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers.

Stomach ulcer, or peptic ulcer, is another leading cause of dull stomach ache. Stomach ulcers are painful ulcers or sores on the lining of the stomach. Other signs that the stomach ache may be caused by an ulcer are burning pain in the stomach between meals, heartburn, and vomiting. Many ulcers will heal on their own, but can result in serious digestive problems and bleeding and can even create a hole in the stomach wall if not properly cared for.

One of the more serious conditions that can cause a dull stomach ache is a hiatal hernia. This is when the upper stomach squeezes through an opening in the diaphragm. This opening is supposed to allow the esophagus to pass through, but if there is too much pressure in the stomach and the opening is weak, it can result in a hernia. Muscle weakness might be caused by overexertion, poor nutrition, or smoking, and stomach pressure is often caused by constipation, obesity, or constant coughing or sneezing.

Menstrual cramps can also cause a dull stomach ache. This pain generally occurs in the lower abdomen and may spread to the low back. It may be chronic pain or come in waves. Other symptoms that may be present with menstrual cramps are bloating, nausea, and fatigue. There are many options available to treat menstrual cramping, such as over-the-counter medications, heating pads, and exercise.

A dull stomach ache might be a symptom of a miscarriage. If stomach pain occurs during pregnancy or if there is a possibility of pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted right away. Bleeding is usually the first symptom of a miscarriage, followed by abdominal pain. The pain may be a dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping similar to menstrual cramps.

Urinary tract infection may also be the cause of a dull stomach ache. A urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs in the urinary tract, like the kidney or bladder. If this is the case, the stomach ache will be accompanied by other symptoms. Frequent or uncontrollable urges to urinate and cloudy or foul-smelling urine are some examples of urinary tract infection symptoms.

If the dull stomach ache is accompanied by other symptoms, a doctor may need to be consulted. Some of the symptoms to look out for include fever, vomiting, and constipation. Other symptoms are difficulty breathing as well as painful or frequent urination. If the pain lasts for several days or occurs during pregnancy, there is cause for concern. Any time there is blood in the stool or vomit, the person should seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment for a dull stomach ache depends on the cause. The treatment plan may be as simple as adjusting diet and exercise habits and reducing stress. Medications may be prescribed for infections and inflammation. In some cases, such as a hernia, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms.