Abdominal Pain

The abdomen contains many vital organs including the stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and in women, the uterus and ovaries. Pain can originate from any of these organs or from the muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall. Sometimes, pain from organs outside the abdomen, like the heart or lungs, can be felt in the abdomen.

Abdominal pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting). It may be constant or come and go, and can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain. The location of the pain often provides important clues about its cause, as different organs occupy specific areas of the abdomen.

Understanding your pain's characteristics - including its location, timing, severity, and associated symptoms - helps healthcare providers determine the cause and appropriate treatment. While many causes of abdominal pain are not serious, some require prompt medical attention.

Digestive System Causes

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of appendix, requires surgery
• GERD: Acid reflux causing burning pain
• Gastritis: Stomach lining inflammation
• Peptic ulcers: Sores in stomach or duodenum
• Gallstones: Stones blocking bile ducts
• Pancreatitis: Pancreas inflammation
• IBS: Functional bowel disorder
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's, ulcerative colitis
• Constipation: Common cause of pain
• Food poisoning: Contaminated food
• Intestinal obstruction: Blockage requiring emergency care

Urinary System Causes

• Kidney stones: Severe flank pain radiating to groin
• UTI: Infection causing lower abdominal pain
• Kidney infection: Pyelonephritis with fever
• Bladder problems: Cystitis, bladder stones

Reproductive System (Women)

• Menstrual cramps: Monthly cyclic pain
• Ovarian cysts: Can rupture causing severe pain
• Endometriosis: Tissue growing outside uterus
• Ectopic pregnancy: Medical emergency
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: Infection of reproductive organs
• Ovarian torsion: Twisted ovary, emergency
• Mittelschmerz: Ovulation pain

Reproductive System (Men)

• Testicular torsion: Emergency, twisted testicle
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of epididymis
• Inguinal hernia: Bulge in groin area
• Prostatitis: Prostate inflammation

Other Causes

• Abdominal muscle strain: From exercise or injury
• Shingles: Viral infection affecting nerves
• Heart attack: Can present as upper abdominal pain
• Pneumonia: Lower lung infection
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Complication of diabetes
• Lead poisoning: Chronic exposure
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Bulging aorta

Sharp, Stabbing Pain

• Often indicates inflammation or obstruction
• May suggest: Appendicitis, kidney stones, ovarian cyst rupture
• Usually well-localized
• Worsens with movement

Cramping Pain

• Comes and goes in waves
• Often from hollow organs contracting
• May suggest: IBS, menstrual cramps, gastroenteritis
• May be relieved by bowel movements

Burning Pain

• Often related to acid or inflammation
• May suggest: GERD, ulcers, gastritis
• May improve with antacids
• Often in upper abdomen

Dull, Aching Pain

• Constant, nagging discomfort
• Hard to pinpoint exact location
• May suggest: Constipation, gas, stress
• Often less serious but can be chronic

Abdominal pain often occurs with other symptoms that help identify the cause:

• Nausea and vomiting: Common with many abdominal conditions
• Fever: Suggests infection or inflammation
• Diarrhea: May indicate gastroenteritis, IBS, IBD
• Constipation: Can cause or result from pain
• Bloating: Gas, obstruction, or digestive issues
• Loss of appetite: Common with many conditions
• Weight loss: Concerning if unintentional
• Blood in stool: Requires medical evaluation
• Jaundice: Yellow skin/eyes suggests liver/gallbladder
• Urinary symptoms: Burning, frequency, urgency
• Fatigue: May accompany chronic conditions
• Skin rash: Some conditions have skin manifestations

Medical History

• Pain location, onset, duration
• Pain quality and severity (1-10 scale)
• Aggravating and relieving factors
• Associated symptoms
• Menstrual history (women)
• Recent travel or food
• Medications and allergies
• Previous abdominal surgeries

Physical Examination

• Inspection for distension, scars
• Listening for bowel sounds
• Gentle palpation for tenderness
• Checking for rebound tenderness
• Murphy's sign (gallbladder)
• Psoas sign (appendicitis)
• Rectal or pelvic exam if indicated

Common Tests

• Blood tests: CBC, liver function, pancreatic enzymes
• Urine tests: Check for infection, pregnancy
• Imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
• Endoscopy: Upper or lower GI examination
• Stool tests: For blood, infections, inflammation

• Healthy diet: High fiber, plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake daily
• Regular exercise: Promotes healthy digestion
• Manage stress: Stress affects gut health
• Avoid trigger foods: Identify and limit problematic foods
• Food safety: Proper storage and preparation
• Limit alcohol: Can irritate stomach lining
• Don't smoke: Increases ulcer risk
• Maintain healthy weight: Reduces strain on abdomen
• Good hygiene: Prevent infections
• Regular check-ups: Catch problems early

See a Doctor Soon For:

• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Recurring abdominal pain
• Pain that wakes you from sleep
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool or dark stools
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Pain with urination
• Missed menstrual period with pain