Different root causes of abdominal discomfort include, but are not restricted to, indigestion after consuming, gallstones and gallbladder swelling (cholecystitis), maternity, gas, inflammatory digestive tract disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's illness), appendicitis, abscess, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux condition (GERD), pancreatitis, gastroenteritis (microbial or viral), bloodsucker infection, endometriosis, kidney rocks (nephrolithiasis), abdominal muscle injury, stomach hernia, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance (gastric condition), food poisoning, menstrual pains, peritonitis, serositis, ischemic digestive tract illness, vasculitis, stomach aneurysm, stomach organ injury from trauma, as well as irregular bowel movements. Gastritis is a general medical term for any mild inflammation, swelling or infection of the belly cellular lining. Intense gastritis occurs as an abrupt assault that can last from a couple of hours to a few days. Persistent gastritis, which is rather common amongst the senior, can take place over a long period and also might generate similar symptoms or only mild discomfort, along with loss of appetite and nausea. If you create a stabbing or hurting pain or stress in the upper stomach area simply under the ribs, this may suggest a heart-related issue, states Kristine Arthur, MD, internist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA.