Patient Education1 min read

Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can range from a mild, short-lived discomfort caused by gas or indigestion to a sign of a condition that needs urgent treatment. The location, character and timing of the pain, together with other symptoms, help your doctor work out the cause.

Symptoms

Dull, cramping, burning or sharp pain in the abdomen

Pain that comes in waves or stays constant

Bloating, fullness or excess gas

Nausea or vomiting

Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)

Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

Common Causes

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Indigestion, gastritis or peptic ulcer

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Gas, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome

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Gastroenteritis (stomach infection) or food poisoning

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Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas

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Inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or food intolerance

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Appendicitis, bowel obstruction or other surgical conditions

Self-Care Tips

Note where the pain is, when it starts, and what makes it better or worse

Eat smaller, regular meals and avoid foods that clearly trigger your symptoms

Drink fluids steadily, especially if you have diarrhea or vomiting

Avoid taking anti-inflammatory painkillers on an empty stomach unless your doctor advises it

Keep a short symptom diary to share with your doctor

Do not ignore pain that keeps returning or keeps getting worse

When to See a Doctor

Seek emergency care right away if the pain is severe or sudden, the abdomen is rigid or very tender, or you have a high fever, repeated vomiting, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, yellow skin or eyes, chest pain, or you are unable to pass stool or gas. Book a clinic visit if pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, wakes you from sleep, or comes with weight loss, poor appetite or a change in bowel habits.

How doctors investigate it

Your doctor will ask about the pain, your diet, medications, bowel habits and family history, then examine your abdomen. Blood and stool tests can look for infection, inflammation, anemia and problems with the liver or pancreas. Ultrasound is often the first imaging test, and a CT scan may be added when needed. If the history suggests it, an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy may be recommended to look directly at the lining of the digestive tract.

Treatment options

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Many cases improve with dietary changes, treating constipation or infection, or medicines prescribed for acid-related conditions. Gallstones, appendicitis and bowel obstruction may need procedures or surgery. Chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease are managed with a long-term plan that your doctor tailors to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the abdomen is the pain on, and does it matter?

Location gives useful clues but is not definitive. Pain in the upper right abdomen may point to the gallbladder or liver, upper middle pain to the stomach or pancreas, and lower right pain to the appendix, while lower left pain is often related to the colon. Your doctor combines location with your other symptoms and an examination.

Is abdominal pain from stress real?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can affect how the gut moves and how sensitive it is, which can cause real pain, cramping and bloating. Even so, a doctor should first rule out physical causes, particularly when there are warning signs such as weight loss, bleeding or night-time pain.

Should I take painkillers for abdominal pain?

It is best not to self-medicate repeatedly. Some painkillers can irritate the stomach or hide the signs of a serious problem. If you need medication more than occasionally, or the pain is not settling, see a doctor to find the cause.