A sudden stomach ache could be a sign of appendicitis, constipation, a ruptured aorta, or even ruptured ovarian cysts, according to Dr Evelyn Lewin.
Don’t delay, and call an ambulance if a sudden tummy pain takes hold, Dr Lewin added.
“It’s quite common to get a tummy ache every now and then but if you develop a sudden or severe pain in your gut, take heed,” said Dr Lewin in Whimn.
“If you develop severe abdominal pain, especially if it comes on suddenly, don’t wait to see what happens next.
“You’re best off calling an ambulance so you can be seen ASAP.”
Don’t feel “silly” if the doctor says there’s nothing seriously wrong with you, Dr Lewin added.
Similarly, if the symptoms reappear, it’s important to get checked again.
Other causes of sudden stomach ache include a stomach ulcer, kidney stones or diverticulitis – an inflammation of the bowel.
Appendicitis is a common condition which includes a painful swelling of the appendix.
Around 40,000 people admitted to hospital with appendicitis every year in England, and it’s estimated than one in 13 people will develop it at some point in their lifetime.
Other symptoms of the condition include losing your appetite, feeling nauseous and sporadic diarrhoea.
A stomach ulcer could be causing the severe stomach pain. These are open sores that form on the lining of the stomach.
While the ulcers are relatively common – about one in 11 usually develop a stomach ulcer at some point in their lifetime – some complications can be relatively life-threatening.
These include a perforation, where the stomach lining splits open – as seen in one of the most memorable scenes of Downton Abbey.
Meanwhile, this is why you should never ignore an unquenchable thirst.