Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain — discomfort anywhere from the chest to the groin — is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. The cause can be as benign as gas or as serious as appendicitis.
Quick Facts
- ICD-10: R10
- Common causes: Indigestion, IBS, infection, inflammation
- Emergency?: Sometimes — see warning signs
- Diagnosis: History, exam, sometimes imaging
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Sudden and severe
- Accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting
- Associated with vomiting blood, bloody or black stools
- Accompanied by a rigid or board-like abdomen
- Following abdominal trauma
- Associated with fever and inability to keep fluids down
- Accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- In a pregnant person with bleeding or severe one-sided pain
Understanding Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can come from any organ in the abdomen — the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, or even structures outside the abdomen referring pain inward. Pain may be sharp or dull, constant or cramping, and may stay in one place or move.
What the Location Tells You
- Upper right — gallbladder, liver, lower right lung
- Upper middle (epigastric) — stomach (gastritis, ulcers), pancreas, heart attack referred pain
- Upper left — stomach, spleen, pancreas tail
- Around the navel — small intestine, early appendicitis
- Lower right — appendix, right ovary, end of small intestine
- Lower middle — bladder, uterus, prostate
- Lower left — colon (diverticulitis), left ovary
- Generalized — gastroenteritis, IBS, peritonitis
Common Causes
Digestive
- Indigestion, gas, constipation
- GERD and peptic ulcers
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Gallstones and cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
- Bowel obstruction
Urinary and reproductive
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney stones
- Menstrual cramps and endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Ectopic pregnancy (medical emergency)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Other
- Hernias
- Food poisoning
- Lactose intolerance and food sensitivities
- Anxiety and stress
- Abdominal wall muscle strain
Diagnosis
Evaluation typically starts with a thorough history (timing, location, triggers) and physical exam. Common tests include:
- Blood tests (complete blood count, liver and pancreatic enzymes, inflammatory markers)
- Urine tests (urinary infection, pregnancy)
- Stool tests (infection, blood, inflammation)
- Abdominal ultrasound (gallbladder, kidneys, pelvis)
- CT scan (especially for severe or unclear pain)
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy in selected cases
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Examples include:
- Dietary changes and over-the-counter remedies for indigestion or IBS
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antacids or acid-reducers for GERD/ulcers
- Surgery for appendicitis, gallstones, or bowel obstruction
- Pain management and rest while the underlying cause is being addressed
Self-Care at Home
For mild, short-lived abdominal pain without warning signs:
- Sip clear fluids; advance to bland foods (toast, rice, banana) as tolerated.
- Avoid spicy, greasy, or very acidic foods.
- A warm (not hot) compress on the abdomen may help muscle pain.
- Acetaminophen is generally safer than ibuprofen for stomach pain, but check with a doctor if pain persists.
- Rest, and re-evaluate within 24 hours.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if pain:
- Lasts more than a few days
- Is severe or interferes with daily activities
- Is associated with unintended weight loss, blood in stool, or persistent vomiting
- Wakes you from sleep
- Recurs frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
Worry about severe sudden pain, pain with fever and inability to keep fluids down, blood in vomit or stool, a rigid abdomen, pain after trauma, or pain during pregnancy. These need urgent medical evaluation.
Neither side is automatically more serious. The cause matters more than the side — appendicitis tends to be lower right, diverticulitis lower left, and kidney problems either side.
Yes. Stress and anxiety commonly cause abdominal pain, especially in people with IBS or functional abdominal disorders. The pain is real even when no structural problem is found.
Mild pain that resolves within 1–2 days is usually not concerning. Pain lasting more than a few days, recurring frequently, or steadily worsening warrants a medical evaluation.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcers or gastritis. Acetaminophen is usually a safer first choice for stomach pain.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology. Abdominal Pain Patient Education.
- Mayo Clinic. Abdominal pain — When to see a doctor.