Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor

What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain, commonly known as stomach pain or stomach ache, is pain or discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and pelvic region.
Abdominal pain can develop suddenly or gradually. It may be mild, moderate, or severe and can occur for a short period or continue for a longer time. Some people experience pain in one specific area, while others may feel discomfort throughout the abdomen.
The pain may feel:

Crampy

Aching

Burning

Dull

Sharp

Stabbing

Pressure-like

Abdominal pain can have many different causes. Common causes include gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis. However, abdominal pain can also occur with conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, intestinal disorders, and other medical conditions.
The location, severity, duration, and nature of the pain, along with other symptoms, can help a healthcare professional determine its possible cause.

Symptoms Associated With Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may occur alone or together with other symptoms.
Common symptoms may include:

Bloating

Gas

Belching

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Loss of appetite

Heartburn

Abdominal swelling

Changes in bowel movements

Pain or burning during urination

Fever or chills

Pelvic pain

Menstrual pain

Blood in the stool

Blood in vomit

Unexplained weight loss

The presence of additional symptoms can be important when evaluating the possible cause of abdominal pain.

Where Does Abdominal Pain Occur?

The location of abdominal pain may provide clues about its possible cause. However, the location of pain alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Upper Abdominal Pain

Pain in the upper abdomen may occur with conditions such as:

Indigestion

Acid reflux

Gastritis

Peptic ulcers

Gallbladder conditions

Certain pancreatic conditions

Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain may occur with:

Constipation

Irritable bowel syndrome

Appendicitis

Urinary conditions

Diverticular disease

Menstrual cramps

Other pelvic or reproductive-system conditions

Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

Right-sided abdominal pain may occur with:

Appendicitis

Gallbladder conditions

Kidney stones

Liver-related conditions

Intestinal disorders

Left-Sided Abdominal Pain

Left-sided abdominal pain may occur with:

Gas

Constipation

Diverticular disease

Kidney stones

Intestinal disorders

Because several different conditions can cause pain in the same area, medical evaluation may be necessary.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain has many possible causes. Some are temporary and relatively mild, while others may require medical evaluation or treatment.

Gas

Gas in the digestive tract can cause bloating, pressure, cramping, and abdominal discomfort. Certain foods, eating habits, and digestive conditions may contribute to increased gas.

Indigestion

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, may cause discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen. It can also be associated with fullness, bloating, belching, or nausea.

Constipation

Constipation can cause abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. It may occur when bowel movements become less frequent or difficult to pass.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can cause abdominal cramps and discomfort along with frequent loose or watery stools. It may result from infections, food-related illnesses, medications, or other digestive conditions.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is commonly associated with infections and may cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can occur after consuming contaminated food or water. Depending on the cause, symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the oesophagus. It commonly causes heartburn and may also be associated with upper abdominal discomfort.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder associated with recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Some people experience constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating bowel patterns.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea after consuming lactose-containing foods.

Other Conditions That May Cause Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may also occur with:

Appendicitis

Gallstones

Kidney stones

Kidney infection

Hernia

Crohn’s disease

Diverticulitis

Peptic ulcers

Intestinal obstruction

Urinary conditions

Abdominal infections

Inflammatory conditions

Certain cancers or abnormal growths

Having abdominal pain does not necessarily mean that a serious disease is present. A healthcare professional can assess the symptoms and determine whether further evaluation is needed.

Abdominal Pain in Women

Abdominal or pelvic pain in women may sometimes be associated with conditions affecting the reproductive system.
Possible causes include:

Menstrual cramps

Endometriosis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Ovarian cysts

Ectopic pregnancy

Other gynaecological conditions

Abdominal or pelvic pain during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Severe pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms during pregnancy require prompt medical assessment.

Serious Causes of Abdominal Pain

Some causes of abdominal pain require urgent medical evaluation.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Pain may initially occur around the belly button and later become more noticeable in the lower-right abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever may also occur.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder. If a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it may cause significant abdominal pain, often in the upper-right or upper-middle abdomen.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side or back that may spread toward the lower abdomen or groin. Blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, or urinary symptoms may also occur.

Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction prevents the normal movement of food, fluids, gas, or stool through the intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain or cramping, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and difficulty passing stool or gas.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement or weakening of part of the abdominal aorta. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause sudden severe abdominal or back pain and may be life-threatening.

When Should You See a Doctor for Abdominal Pain?

Consider consulting a healthcare professional if abdominal pain:

Does not improve or repeatedly returns

Becomes progressively worse

Interferes with normal daily activities

Is associated with unexplained weight loss

Occurs with persistent diarrhoea or constipation

Is accompanied by repeated vomiting

Occurs with fever

Is associated with significant changes in bowel habits

Occurs with urinary symptoms

Develops during pregnancy

A doctor can assess your symptoms and determine whether further tests or specialist evaluation are necessary.

When Is Abdominal Pain an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention for sudden or severe abdominal pain, particularly when it occurs with:

Fainting or severe dizziness

Difficulty breathing

Chest pain

Persistent or severe vomiting

Vomiting blood

Blood in the stool

Black or tarry stools

A swollen or extremely tender abdomen

High fever

Severe weakness or confusion

Inability to pass stool or gas

Severe abdominal pain following an injury

Do not assume that severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain is simply gas or indigestion.

How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will usually ask about the pain and other symptoms and may perform a physical examination.
Questions may include:

When did the pain begin?

Where is the pain located?

Is it constant or intermittent?

What does the pain feel like?

Does the pain move to another area?

Does eating make it better or worse?

Have your bowel movements changed?

Are you experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever?

Do you have urinary symptoms?

Are you taking any medicines?

Have you had previous illnesses or abdominal surgery?

Depending on the symptoms and suspected cause, a healthcare professional may recommend tests such as:

Blood tests

Urine tests

Stool tests

Pregnancy testing when appropriate

Abdominal ultrasound

X-ray

CT scan

MRI

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Colonoscopy

Not everyone with abdominal pain needs diagnostic tests. The appropriate evaluation depends on the person’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical examination.

Treatment of Abdominal Pain

There is no single treatment for abdominal pain because treatment depends on its underlying cause.
A healthcare professional may recommend appropriate management after assessing the symptoms and determining the possible cause. Depending on the condition, management may involve dietary or lifestyle measures, prescription or non-prescription medicines, or other medical procedures.
Some conditions may require urgent medical treatment or surgery.
Do not take antibiotics or other prescription medicines without appropriate medical advice. Persistent, severe, recurrent, or unexplained abdominal pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional rather than repeatedly treated without determining its cause.

Preventing Abdominal Pain

Not all causes of abdominal pain can be prevented. However, some healthy habits may help reduce the risk of certain digestive problems.

Eat a balanced diet.

Drink adequate water.

Eat meals at regular intervals.

Avoid overeating.

Identify foods that consistently trigger digestive symptoms.

Follow good food-safety practices.

Wash your hands regularly.

Exercise regularly.

Maintain a healthy body weight.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Avoid smoking.

Take medicines only as directed.

Get adequate sleep.

Manage stress.

People with a diagnosed digestive condition should follow the recommendations provided by their healthcare professional.

Which Doctor Should You See for Abdominal Pain?

A Gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the digestive system and may evaluate persistent, recurrent, or unexplained abdominal pain.
Depending on the suspected cause, a patient may also need evaluation by:

General Physician

Gastroenterologist

General Surgeon

Urologist

Gynaecologist

If the cause is unclear, a general physician or primary-care doctor can provide an initial assessment and determine whether specialist evaluation is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal Pain

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is pain or discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and pelvic region. It can have many causes, including digestive problems, infections, inflammation, urinary conditions, and reproductive-system conditions.

What are the most common causes of stomach pain?

Common causes include gas, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes include appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, and intestinal disorders.

When should I worry about abdominal pain?

Seek medical attention if abdominal pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms such as repeated vomiting, fever, blood in vomit or stool, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, or significant abdominal swelling.

Can gas cause abdominal pain?

Yes. Gas can cause bloating, pressure, cramping, and abdominal discomfort. However, severe, persistent, or worsening pain should not automatically be assumed to be caused by gas.

Can constipation cause stomach pain?

Yes. Constipation can cause abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. Persistent constipation or abdominal pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Can abdominal pain be a sign of appendicitis?

Yes. Appendicitis commonly causes abdominal pain that may begin around the belly button and later become more prominent in the lower-right abdomen. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite can also occur.

Can kidney stones cause abdominal pain?

Yes. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side or back that may spread toward the lower abdomen or groin. Blood in the urine, nausea, and urinary symptoms may also occur.

Which doctor treats abdominal pain?

A gastroenterologist can evaluate abdominal pain when a digestive-system condition is suspected. A general physician can also provide an initial assessment and refer the patient to an appropriate specialist when necessary.

Can abdominal pain occur during pregnancy?

Yes. Abdominal or pelvic discomfort can occur during pregnancy for various reasons. Severe or persistent pain, particularly when accompanied by bleeding, dizziness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms, should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.References and Further Reading For additional information about abdominal pain and related digestive conditions, readers may consult reputable medical and public-health resources:

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical conditions can affect individuals differently, and information presented on this website may not apply to your particular situation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms, diagnosis, medicines, or treatment.Never delay seeking medical care because of information you have read on MyMediLand. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek urgent medical attention.

Written by: MyMediLand Editorial Team