Quick Overview
Abdominal pain refers to discomfort felt anywhere between the ribs and the pelvis. It is a common symptom with many possible causes. In many cases, abdominal pain is mild and temporary, but it can also signal a serious or life-threatening medical condition. Because abdominal pain can arise from different organs and systems, understanding its characteristics and knowing when to seek medical care is important.
What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain is pain or discomfort located in the belly area between the ribs and the pelvis. This region contains multiple organs and structures, including digestive organs and the abdominal wall. As a result, abdominal pain can have many different causes, ranging from self-limited conditions to medical emergencies.
How Abdominal Pain Is Evaluated
Pain Location and Why It Matters
The location of abdominal pain can provide useful clues during medical evaluation, although location alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.
- Upper right abdomen: May be related to the liver or gallbladder
- Upper left abdomen: May involve the stomach or spleen
- Lower right abdomen: Commonly associated with appendicitis
- Lower left abdomen: May involve the large intestine (colon)
- Generalized or central pain: Can be related to digestion or infections
Healthcare professionals use pain location as one of several tools to help guide further assessment.
What Abdominal Pain Can Feel Like
Abdominal pain varies widely in sensation and severity. It may be described as:
- Sharp or dull
- Cramping or twisting
- Burning or aching
- Constant or occurring in waves
Abdominal pain may also occur along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, diarrhea, or constipation.
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Common Causes
Many cases of abdominal pain are caused by conditions that are not serious. These include:
- Indigestion
- Gas or bloating
- Constipation
- Mild stomach or intestinal infections
- Muscle strain of the abdominal wall
These causes often improve on their own or with simple supportive care.
Serious Causes Requiring Prompt Evaluation
Some conditions that cause abdominal pain require urgent or emergency medical care. These include:
- Appendicitis
- Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
- Bowel obstruction
- Pancreatitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
These conditions can worsen over time and may lead to serious complications if not evaluated promptly.
When to See a Doctor or Seek Emergency Care
Seek medical attention right away if abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following:
- Sudden or severe pain
- Pain that does not improve or becomes worse
- Vomiting blood or passing black or bloody stools
- A rigid or hard abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain during pregnancy
- Pain lasting several hours without improvement
In these situations, emergency evaluation is recommended.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment
How Doctors Evaluate Abdominal Pain
Medical evaluation usually begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Depending on symptoms and findings, doctors may order:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Imaging studies, such as a CT scan
These tests help identify the cause of abdominal pain and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Options may include:
- Rest and hydration
- Medications to relieve symptoms such as pain or nausea
- Dietary changes
- Surgery for certain conditions
Self-treating severe or persistent abdominal pain without medical evaluation can be risky.
Can Abdominal Pain Be Prevented?
Not all abdominal pain can be prevented. However, some steps may help reduce risk:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Drinking enough water
- Managing known digestive or medical conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is abdominal pain an emergency?
Abdominal pain may be an emergency when it is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, shortness of breath, or pain during pregnancy.
Can gas cause abdominal pain?
Yes. Gas and bloating are recognized causes of abdominal discomfort. However, severe or persistent pain should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions.
What side is appendicitis pain on?
Appendicitis is commonly associated with pain in the lower right abdomen.
Should I go to the ER or urgent care for abdominal pain?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting a specific rule for choosing urgent care versus an emergency department based solely on pain severity. Severe, sudden, or worsening pain should be evaluated urgently.
Can urgent care diagnose appendicitis?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this claim.
Can gas pain last for hours?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this claim.
How long is too long to have abdominal pain?
Pain lasting several hours without improvement should be evaluated by a medical professional.
APA References List
American College of Emergency Physicians. (n.d.). Stomach pain—Know when to go to the ER. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/stomach-pain
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Abdominal pain in adults. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/abdominal-pain-in-adults
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, November 19). Abdominal pain: Causes, types & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4167-abdominal-pain
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, January 18). Appendicitis—Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
MedlinePlus. (2024, March 31). Abdominal pain. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Abdominal (tummy) pain A&E leaflet. https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/abdominal-pain-ed-leaflet/