Symptoms guide

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere between the chest and the groin. It is very common and usually caused by minor problems, but some causes need urgent medical treatment.

Last updated 3 sources

At a Glance

  • The abdomen contains many organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
  • The location of abdominal pain can offer clues to clinicians but does not reliably identify the cause.
  • Common minor causes include indigestion, gas, constipation, and stomach viruses.
  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially with a rigid belly, vomiting blood, or fainting, is generally treated as a medical emergency; in the US, people are advised to call 911.
  • Pain from organs outside the abdomen, such as the heart or lungs, can sometimes be felt in the upper abdomen.

What It Is

Abdominal pain, often called stomach ache or belly pain, can be cramping, dull, sharp, burning, or colicky (coming in waves). It may be widespread or limited to one area, and it may be short-lived or long-lasting.

Clinicians often describe abdominal pain by area, such as upper right, upper middle, lower right, or lower left, because different organs sit in different regions. Pain can also be referred, meaning it is felt in a place different from its source.

Most abdominal pain is not serious and improves on its own. However, conditions such as appendicitis, bowel blockage, or an ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain and need prompt treatment.

Common Terminology

Acute abdomen
Sudden, severe abdominal pain that may need urgent evaluation and sometimes surgery.
Colic
Pain that comes in waves, often linked to the intestines, gallbladder, or kidneys.
Referred pain
Pain felt in a location different from where the problem actually is.
Peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, often from infection, which can cause severe pain and a rigid belly.
Guarding
Tightening of the abdominal muscles when the belly is touched, which clinicians note during an exam.
Ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, which can cause abdominal pain and internal bleeding.

Common Causes and Associations

Abdominal pain is commonly associated with the following. This list is general education, not a way to identify the cause of a particular case.

  • Digestive upsets such as indigestion, gas, constipation, and food intolerance.
  • Infections such as gastroenteritis (stomach bug), urinary tract infections, or food poisoning.
  • Acid-related conditions such as GERD, gastritis, or stomach ulcers.
  • Inflammation or blockage of organs, such as appendicitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction.
  • Kidney stones, which often cause severe pain in the side or back that can spread to the lower abdomen.
  • Reproductive causes such as menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, or ectopic pregnancy, and long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms and Features

This is a general description of how this symptom is often described, not a diagnostic checklist.

  • The pain may be cramping, dull, sharp, burning, or come in waves.
  • It may be spread across the abdomen or focused in one area.
  • It may come with bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite.
  • Some people notice changes with eating, bowel movements, or movement.
  • Fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or blood in vomit or stool may occur with some causes.

Tests and Evaluation

Clinicians generally combine history, a physical exam, and selected tests.

  • Questions about where the pain is, how it started, and related symptoms, followed by an abdominal exam.
  • Blood tests such as a complete blood count and tests of liver, kidney, and pancreas function.
  • Urine tests, and a pregnancy test when relevant.
  • Imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray.
  • Endoscopy or colonoscopy to look inside the digestive tract in some cases.

Treatment Overview

Treatment depends on the cause identified by a healthcare professional.

  • Mild causes such as gas or indigestion often improve with time, rest, and changes in eating.
  • Stomach infections are commonly managed with fluids and rest, while some bacterial infections may need antibiotics.
  • Acid-related conditions are often treated with acid-reducing medicines and lifestyle changes.
  • Conditions such as appendicitis or some gallbladder problems may require surgery.
  • Long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome are often managed with diet changes, stress management, and medicines.

When Professional Care May Be Discussed

Health organizations generally describe these situations as reasons for urgent or prompt evaluation.

  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain, a hard or rigid belly, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, or fainting is generally treated as a medical emergency; in the US, people are advised to call 911.
  • Abdominal pain during pregnancy or with a possible pregnancy is commonly evaluated promptly.
  • Pain that begins near the belly button and moves to the lower right side is a pattern commonly associated with appendicitis and generally evaluated promptly.
  • Abdominal pain with fever, ongoing vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, or yellowing skin is generally evaluated promptly.
  • Pain that lasts several days, keeps returning, or comes with unexplained weight loss is commonly discussed with a healthcare professional.

Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional

General questions people often find useful to bring to an appointment:

  • Why does the location of abdominal pain matter to clinicians?
  • What are common minor causes of abdominal pain?
  • Which tests are commonly used to find the cause of abdominal pain?
  • What is referred pain and how does it affect the abdomen?
  • What abdominal pain warning signs are considered emergencies?
  • How are long-term conditions like irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

Sources

This guide was written in plain language from the following authoritative references.

  1. Abdominal Pain — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
  2. Stomach ache — NHS (UK National Health Service)
  3. Appendicitis — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)

Last updated October 8, 2026. FreeDoc guides are general educational information and are not a substitute for care from a qualified professional.