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What are the causes of stomach pain during fasting?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having stomach pain for five days now, and I am not sure what is going on. I thought it might be due to my gastric problem, especially since I am fasting for Ramadan. But the pain has lasted longer than usual. Sometimes, I feel like I want to throw up, and I am also having trouble with constipation. I read about appendix problems and checked the symptoms, but I do not have a high fever, vomiting, or body aches. Still, I am worried about having appendicitis, especially since I am on a trip and far from home.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Arvind Guru

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on what you have mentioned, it is unlikely that you have appendicitis, but it could still be something serious. Fasting can cause acid to build up in the stomach for long periods, which can lead to ulcers. If untreated, ulcers can sometimes perforate, which could be dangerous. Your symptoms and history suggest that this might be happening. It is also possible that you could be dealing with gallbladder stones.

Before suggesting any medication, I need more information about your pain. Kindly be patient and answer the below questions.

1. When did your pain start? Where exactly is the pain in your abdomen (please point to it or take a picture)? How has the pain progressed? Has it gotten worse or better? What does it feel like—burning, stabbing, or cramping? Does the pain come and go?

2. Does the pain radiate to your back? If so, which side?

3. Are you feeling nauseous or have you vomited?

4. Have you gained or lost weight recently?

5. Do you have any other health problems?

6. How would you describe your constipation? Is it difficult to pass stools? Do you need to strain? Is it painful? Is there blood? Do you feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels? How often do these issues happen each week or month? When did they start? Have you had these issues since childhood, or is this recent?

7. Do you have any other diseases or allergies? Are you on any medications? Have you had any surgeries in the past?

8. Please describe your diet and lifestyle.

9. When was your last menstrual period, and have you had any pregnancies in the past?

Once I have this information, I can better help you with advice.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 21, 2025
Reviewed At March 24, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Stomach Pain During Fasting Awareness Builder

Stomach pain while fasting?

Five quick questions help you understand if your stomach pain during fasting is typical, worth mentioning to your doctor, or requires immediate attention.

Private and judgment-free. For guidance only, not a diagnosis.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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