Overview
Abdominal pain is a common symptom rather than a disease itself. It may come from the stomach, intestines, appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, muscles, or the lining of the abdomen. The pain may start suddenly or develop gradually, and it may last for a short time or continue over longer periods.
Key Symptoms
Abdominal pain can feel different from person to person. It may be cramping, stabbing, aching, burning, or a sense of fullness. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, heartburn, loss of appetite, fever, pain with urination, vaginal bleeding, or pain that moves to the back or shoulder.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes include indigestion, gas, constipation, stomach infection, food poisoning, menstrual cramps, and acid reflux. Other causes include ulcers, gallstones, appendicitis, kidney stones, urinary tract problems, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, and problems related to pregnancy. Risk factors depend on the cause and may include recent infection, certain foods, alcohol use, some medicines, pregnancy, previous abdominal surgery, and long-term digestive conditions.
Who Is Affected
Abdominal pain can affect people of any age. Children, older adults, and pregnant people may need extra attention because symptoms can be harder to describe or may point to more serious causes. People with chronic digestive diseases, kidney stones, gallbladder disease, or past abdominal surgery may also be more likely to have repeated episodes.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional will usually ask where the pain is, when it started, how severe it is, and whether anything triggers or relieves it. They may ask about bowel movements, urination, menstrual history, appetite, fever, travel, medicines, and recent illnesses. Depending on the situation, evaluation may include a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause, so the right approach varies widely. Care may involve fluids, rest, changes in eating, treatment for infection, treatment for constipation or acid-related problems, or procedures or surgery for conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, or bowel blockage. Ongoing or recurring pain should be medically assessed rather than self-managed for long periods.
Diet and Lifestyle
Simple steps that may help some mild digestive causes include drinking fluids, eating smaller meals, avoiding foods that seem to trigger symptoms, and preventing constipation through regular habits. Limiting alcohol and paying attention to food safety may lower the risk of some abdominal problems. If pain keeps coming back, keeping a symptom diary with meals, bowel habits, and other symptoms may help during a medical visit.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if abdominal pain is severe, keeps coming back, lasts more than a short time, or interferes with eating, drinking, work, sleep, or daily activities. You should also get medical advice if the pain comes with fever, repeated vomiting, diarrhea that does not improve, constipation with swelling, pain when urinating, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or blood in vomit or stool. Pregnant people, older adults, and young children should be assessed sooner when abdominal pain is significant.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency help right away if abdominal pain is sudden and severe, follows an injury, or happens with chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, a rigid or swollen abdomen, heavy bleeding, or signs of shock. Emergency care is also needed for severe pain with persistent vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, black or bloody stool, vomiting blood, or possible pregnancy-related emergency. These symptoms can be signs of conditions that need urgent treatment.