Common Causes
Temporary causes
- Eating habits. The way a person eats can contribute to feeling uncomfortably full after meals. Examples include overeating, eating too quickly, or eating while stressed.
- Indigestion. Occasional indigestion is very common and may improve with dietary changes. ...
- Constipation. Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week. ...
Related Conditions
What if your belly feels bloated every day?
- Intestinal and stomach issues and bloating. Certain diseases and issues with the gastrointestinal (GI) system are some possible causes of bloating.
- Other medical conditions and bloating
- Medications and bloating. Bloating may also be a side effect from certain medications you take. ...
Why does my stomach feel so uncomfortable?
Other causes include:
- Hernia
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Endometriosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD)
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery)
- Bowel blockage or obstruction
- Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
Why do I wake up with abdominal pain every day?
Stomach (or abdominal) cramps can occur after eating and can feel dull or like sharp pains. Sometimes it causes diarrhea. Causes include food poisoning, an intolerance to dairy products or gluten, or you may have picked up a stomach bug. Getting your period and some chronic GI conditions can also cause cramps.
What causes persistent abdominal discomfort?
What happens when your stomach hurts bad?
What causes abdominal pain?
How long does abdominal pain last?
What is the term for a blood clot in the vein that holds the intestines in place?
Is abdominal pain episodic or chronic?
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About this website
What does abdominal discomfort feel like?
Abdominal pain may be felt anywhere between the chest and groin region of your body. The pain may be generalized, localized, or it may feel like cramps in your belly. If you have cramping or discomfort in your stomach, it may be due to gas, bloating, or constipation.
When should I be concerned about abdominal pain?
If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as: Fever.
How can I manage abdominal discomfort?
Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.Soak in a warm bath. ... Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.More items...
What are signs of abdominal issues?
Seek immediate medical help if pain is accompanied by other worrisome signs and symptoms, including:Severe pain.Fever.Bloody stools.Persistent nausea and vomiting.Weight loss.Skin that appears yellow.Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.Swelling of the abdomen.
What does pancreatic pain feel like?
Acute pancreatitis signs and symptoms include: Upper abdominal pain. Abdominal pain that radiates to your back. Tenderness when touching the abdomen.
What are the four types of abdominal pain?
There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are discussed below.
What are the do's and don'ts in abdominal pain?
Wait until 48 hours after all symptoms have gone away before you have spicy foods, alcohol, and drinks that contain caffeine. Do not eat foods that are high in fat. Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These can cause stomach upset.
How do I know if my stomach pain is gas?
Signs or symptoms of gas or gas pains include:Burping.Passing gas.Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen.A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating)An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)
Where is abdominal pain located?
Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly region — between your ribs and your pelvis. We often think of abdominal pain as “stomach pain” or a “stomachache,” but pain in your abdomen could be coming from other organs too.
Why do doctors press on your abdomen?
Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.
9 signs your stomach pain isn't normal - Providence
This article was updated in March, 2022 to reflect recent information and research. [5 MIN READ] In this article: Nine types of stomach pain and what it could mean for you.
Why Does My Stomach Hurt? 17 Possible Causes of Stomach Pain
National Institutes of Health. Mayo Clinic: "Abdominal Pain." "Dehydration." FamilyDoctor.org: "Dehydration." American College of Gastroenterology: “Abdominal Pain ...
Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
During pregnancy, lower abdominal pain can indicate ectopic pregnancy.This happens when an embryo grows and implants outside of the uterus. People with an ectopic pregnancy may experience severe abdominal pain in the lower abdomen or on one side.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. Abdominal pain can be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp. It’s also called a stomachache. Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain. Major organs located in the abdomen include:
What is the pain in the abdomen?
Abdominal pain can be described as localized, cramp-like, or colicky. Localized pain is limited to one area of the abdomen. This type of pain is often caused by problems in a particular organ. The most common cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers (open sores on the inner lining of the stomach).
How to diagnose abdominal pain?
The cause of abdominal pain can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Before ordering tests, your doctor will do a physical examination. This includes gently pressing on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling.
Why does colicky pain go away?
This pain comes and goes, and may go away on its own without treatment. Colicky pain is a symptom of more severe conditions, such as gallstones or kidney stones.
What causes pain in the lower abdomen?
ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb) In women, pain in the reproductive organs of the lower abdomen can be caused by: severe menstrual pain (called dysmenorrhea) ovarian cysts. miscarriage. fibroids. endometriosis. pelvic inflammatory disease. ectopic pregnancy.
What tests are used to diagnose abdominal pain?
Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays, are used to view organs, tissues, and other structures in the abdomen in detail.
What is the appendix?
appendix (a part of the large intestine) spleen. stomach. gallbladder. liver. pancreas. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that affect the stomach and intestines may also cause significant abdominal pain.
Indigestion
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, causes mild stomach discomfort in the upper area of the abdomen. It is not considered a disease but rather a collection of symptoms that starts following a meal.
GERD
GERD leads to symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and stomach pain. It occurs when the muscle at the end of your esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, does not close properly. 3 This allows stomach acid and the food you eat to make its way back up the esophagus, which connects your throat to your stomach.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs because the small intestines lack enough of the digestive enzyme lactase to help break down and digest milk sugars, which are known as lactose.
Medication Side Effects
Some oral medications can irritate various parts of the gastrointestinal tract and cause stomach discomfort. If medications get stuck in the esophagus or don’t make their way to the stomach, they may release chemicals and cause irritation. Some medications can hinder the way the lower esophageal sphincter muscle operates. 8
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance occurs when your body cannot digest or break down gluten. Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones to help the body function. When the thyroid doesn’t work as it should, a thyroid disorder occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certain foods can trigger an upset stomach, such as fatty or greasy foods, dairy products, or foods that contain gluten. If you are not sure what is causing your upset stomach, talk to your doctor about an elimination diet to figure out what food is triggering it.
How long does abdominal pain last?
There are several types of abdominal pain, which are based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts: Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms. Chronic pain lasts longer -- from weeks to months or more -- and may come and go.
What to do if your stomach hurts but doesn't go away?
If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as: Fever.
What is the term for a swollen artery in the belly?
Diverticulitis. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery) Bowel blockage or obstruction. Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells. Ovarian cancer or cysts.
Does aspirin cause stomach pain?
These tests may include: Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Don’t take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use. Some diet and lifestyle changes may help belly pain caused by gas and indigestion.
Why does my stomach hurt?
The digestive tract occupies a large portion of the abdomen and is often the source of abdominal discomfort, although abdominal discomfort can also be due to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, or urinary tract. Occasionally, conditions of the reproductive organs or the chest can create abdominal discomfort.
What to do if you have abdominal pain?
If your abdominal discomfort is persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care , particularly if you have pain that is worsening instead of improving. Do not eat or drink anything until your symptoms are evaluated. If you have bladder symptoms, fever, decreased appetite, or unexplained weight loss, you should also seek prompt medical ...
What is the term for a bulging and weakening of the abdominal aorta that can bur
Abdominal abscess. Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (life-threatening bulging and weakening of the wall of the abdominal aorta that can burst and cause severe hemorrhage) Appendicitis. Bowel obstruction or perforation.
What is the name of the disease that does not cause intestinal damage?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; digestive discomfort that does not cause intestinal damage or serious disease) Liver disease, including hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Ulcers of the stomach or duodenum (first section of the small intestine)
What are the symptoms of a symtom?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including: Bleeding while pregnant. Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness. Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, or palpitations.
What is the term for a hernia in the abdomen?
Abdominal or hiatal hernia (weakening in the abdominal wall or diaphragm, through which internal organs can pass) Cancer of an abdominal or pelvic organ. Endometriosis (condition where tissues resembling the uterine lining grow in other areas of the body) Kidney stones. Menstrual cramps.
What is the term for a disease that causes a person to eat gluten?
Bacterial, parasitic or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage) Food intolerance such as lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products)
What is the pain in the lower abdomen?
What is lower abdominal pain? Pain in the lower abdomen is often related to the digestive tract, but can also be related to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, or reproductive organs. The area may be tender to the touch or the pain may be severe and the whole abdomen might be rigid.
Why does my lower abdomen hurt?
Digestive tract causes of lower abdominal pain. Lower abdominal pain may be caused by digestive tract conditions including: Appendicitis. Bacterial, parasitic or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage)
What causes lower abdominal pain?
These include: Abdominal abscess. Bowel obstruction or perforation.
What are the side effects of abdominal abscess?
Adverse effects of treatment of lower abdominal pain. Bowel obstruction, perforation or infarction (severe injury to an area of the bowel due to decreased blood supply) Fistula (abnormal hole or tube between organs or tissues) Infertility. Internal hemorrhage.
Is lower abdominal pain a life threatening condition?
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition. In some cases, lower abdominal pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
Why does my upper stomach hurt?
A cause of upper stomach pain may be gas. Gas occurs naturally in the intestines and digestive tract. When this gas accumulates, it can cause feelings of pressure, bloating, or fullness. An infection, virus, diarrhea, or constipation can cause gas pain to become very intense. Gas may be the culprit if:
What is the pain around the belly button?
Without treatment, it can cause the appendix to rupture, and the condition can become life-threatening. In the early stages of appendicitis, a person may notice a dull ache around their belly button, but this pain can radiate to the upper stomach.
Why does my stomach swell?
Gastritis. Gastritis causes the stomach lining to become swollen and painful. Acute gastritis occurs in the short term and comes on quickly, usually because of a bacterial infection, such as with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Some conditions irritate the stomach lining, causing chronic gastritis.
How to treat gastritis?
For many people, reducing stomach acid by eating a less acidic diet or taking medications can also help. Pain relievers can help with symptoms, while medicines that protect the stomach lining can prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
How long does it take to see a doctor for stomach pain?
A person should see a doctor within 24 hours if they have a fever and abdominal pain. In most cases, it is safe to wait and see if upper stomach pain goes away without treatment. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is best to see a doctor. See a doctor within 24 hours if: Vomiting lasts longer than 12 hours.
What are the symptoms of a bowel obstruction?
In addition to stomach pain, symptoms of a bowel obstruction include: vomiting bile, a greenish-yellow substance. a swollen stomach. an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. intense cramping.
What organs are involved in digestion?
The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder work together to support digestion. All three organs are in the upper-right side of the stomach. Sometimes, untreated gallstones block biliary ducts, causing pain in the liver or pancreas. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, can cause liver pain.
What are the symptoms of acute abdominal pain?
Concomitant symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, melena, hematuria, hematemesis, weight loss, and mucus or blood in the stool help direct subsequent evaluation. A drug history should include details concerning prescription and illicit drug use as well as alcohol. Many drugs cause gastrointestinal upset. Prednisone or immunosuppressants may inhibit the inflammatory response to perforation or peritonitis and result in less pain, tenderness, or leukocytosis than might otherwise be expected. Anticoagulants can increase the chances of bleeding and hematoma formation. Alcohol predisposes to pancreatitis.
What causes pain in the lower abdomen?
Hindgut structures (distal colon and genitourinary tract) cause lower abdominal pain. Somatic pain comes from the parietal peritoneum, which is innervated by somatic nerves, which respond to irritation from infectious, chemical, or other inflammatory processes. Somatic pain is sharp and well localized.
What causes peritoneal inflammatory disease?
Peritonitis can also result from any abdominal condition that causes marked inflammation (eg, appendicitis, diverticulitis, strangulating intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, mesenteric ischemia ).
What is the most serious cause of peritoneal inflammation?
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. The most serious cause is perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, which causes immediate chemical inflammation followed shortly by infection from intestinal organisms.
Why are textbook descriptions of abdominal pain limited?
Textbook descriptions of abdominal pain have limitations because people react to pain differently. Some, particularly older people, are stoic, whereas others exaggerate their symptoms. Infants, young children, and some older people may have difficulty localizing the pain. The term acute abdomen refers to abdominal symptoms and signs ...
What causes visceral pain?
Visceral pain comes from the abdominal viscera, which are innervated by autonomic nerve fibers and respond mainly to the sensations of distention and muscular contraction—not to cutting, tearing, or local irritation. Visceral pain is typically vague, dull, and nauseating. It is poorly localized and tends to be referred to areas corresponding to the embryonic origin of the affected structure. Foregut structures (stomach, duodenum, liver, and pancreas) cause upper abdominal pain. Midgut structures (small bowel, proximal colon, and appendix) cause periumbilical pain. Hindgut structures (distal colon and genitourinary tract) cause lower abdominal pain.
What are the structures that cause pain in the upper abdomen?
It is poorly localized and tends to be referred to areas corresponding to the embryonic origin of the affected structure. Foregut structures (stomach, duodenum , liver , and pancreas) cause upper abdominal pain. Midgut structures (small bowel, proximal colon, and appendix) cause periumbilical pain.
What is the term for an inflammation of the stomach?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Weaknesses or injury to the mucus-lined barrier that protects your stomach wall allows your digestive juices to damage and inflame your stomach lining. A number of diseases and conditions can increase your risk of gastritis, including Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis, ...
How do you know if you have gastritis?
The signs and symptoms of gastritis include: Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting. A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating. Gastritis doesn't always cause signs and symptoms.
What is the name of the condition where the stomach pulverizes food?
Once your stomach pulverizes the food, strong muscular contractions (peristaltic waves) push the food toward the pyloric valve, which leads to the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum). Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions with one thing in common: inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
What is it called when your body attacks the cells that make up your stomach?
Your own body attacking cells in your stomach. Called autoimmune gastritis, this type of gastritis occurs when your body attacks the cells that make up your stomach lining. This reaction can wear away at your stomach's protective barrier.
What are the risk factors for gastritis?
Risk factors. Factors that increase your risk of gastritis include: Bacterial infection. Although infection with Helicobacter pylori is among the most common worldwide human infections, only some people with the infection develop gastritis or other upper gastrointestinal disorders.
When to see a doctor for gastritis?
Most cases of indigestion are short-lived and don't require medical care. See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of gastritis for a week or longer.
What to do if you have a black stomach?
Tell your doctor if your stomach discomfort occurs after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, especially aspirin or other pain relievers . If you are vomiting blood, have blood in your stools or have stools that appear black, see your doctor right away to determine the cause.
What causes abdominal pain?
Causes of progressive abdominal pain include: Cancer. Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) Gallbladder cancer. Hepatitis.
How long does abdominal pain last?
Chronic abdominal pain may be intermittent (episodic), meaning it may come and go. This type of pain may be present for weeks to months, or even years. Some chronic conditions cause progressive pain, which steadily gets worse over time.
What is the term for a blood clot in the vein that holds the intestines in place?
Mesenteric ischemia (decreased blood flow to the intestines) Mesenteric lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes in the folds of membrane that hold the abdominal organs in place) Mesenteric thrombosis (blood clot in a vein carrying blood away from your intestines) Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
Is abdominal pain episodic or chronic?
Chronic (intermittent, or episodic) The specific cause of chronic abdominal pain is often difficult to determine. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, coming and going but not necessarily worsening over time.