Pain is the body's way of signaling that something is going on. Stomach pain alertsus to something that's happening inside us that we might not know about otherwise. What Causes Belly Pain? Some reasons for belly pain are obvious, like when someone gets hit in the gutor eats spoiled macaroni salad. Oher times, it might be hard to figure out. With somany organs in the abdomen, different problems can have similar symptoms. Here are some of the things that cause tummy troubles:or viruses get into a person's digestivesystem, the body reacts by trying to rid itself of the infection, often throughvomiting or diarrhea. Bacterial infections cause what we call "foodpoisoning." Bacteria are also responsible for other conditions that may givea person belly pain, such as:Food reactions can be more than eating too much or basic indigestion. When peoplecan't digest certain foods, doctors say they have a food intolerance. Lactoseintolerance, for example, causes belly pain when someone eats milk products. Ifyou notice pain or other symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea after eating certainfoods, call your doctor. Conditions like celiac disease(a reaction to proteins in some grains) or foodallergies (like peanutallergy) are different from food intolerance. They involve immunesystem reactions that can actually harm the body beyond causing a temporary reaction. Someone who has a true food allergy must always avoid that food. Women often feel nausea during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies (when the pregnancyimplants in the wrong place) can cause abdominal pain. Because problems like ectopic pregnancy need quick treatment, girls who have bellypain and think they might be pregnant should call a doctor right away. And girls whohave had unprotected sex shouldbe tested for STDs. Untreated STDs can cause problems like infertility and chronicbelly or pelvic pain. Always use a condomif you have sex to protect against STDs and pregnancy. Some diseases or defects can affect how the organs do their jobs, causing pain. Crohn's disease canmake the intestinal wall swell and scar so much that it may block the intestine. Hernias can also blockthe intestines, as can growths like tumors. Torsion is a medical term that means "twisting. "Torsion can affect the intestines, ovaries, and testicles,cutting off blood supply or or affecting how they work. When people get stressed,anxious, or depressed,their emotions can trigger physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach pain. Most bellyaches don't have a serious cause. They can happen for many differentreasons, but most are easy to treat. If stress or anxiety seem to be behind the pain, the doctor may recommend thatyou talk to a counselor or therapist. They help people figure out what's behind their stress and give advice on how to fixproblems or handle them better. Can Stomachaches Be Prevented?Not all belly pain can be prevented. But to help avoid common types of stomachaches:Wash your hands before eating or preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Don't overeat, and try not to eat right before going to sleep. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables,to keep food moving through your digestive system. Avoid foods thathave passed their expiration date or or weren't stored properly. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, avoid eating foods that make you sick. If you have a food allergy, always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors, and knowwhen you should use them.