Common Causes
Other possible causes include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Food poisoning
- Food allergies
- Gas
- Urinary tract infection
- Abdominal muscle strain or pull
Related Conditions
- Pain that’s worse than anything you have experienced
- Pain that’s so severe you can’t stand up straight
- Pain that gets worse even with minor movements, like walking or riding in a car
- It hurts to take a deep breath
- You can’t drink fluids without vomiting
- You have a fever in addition to the pain
What are other possible causes of abdominal pain?
The most common symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often)
How to identify abdominal pain?
Types of abdominal pain include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Localized abdominal pain is limited to a certain area. ...
- Cramp-like abdominal pain normally comes and goes. ...
- Colicky abdominal pain typically occurs suddenly and is usually severe. ...
What are the signs of abdominal pain?
What are the different types of abdominal pain?
See more
What diseases are associated with abdominal pain?
Conditions that may cause chronic abdominal pain include:Angina (reduced blood flow to the heart)Celiac disease.Endometriosis.Functional dyspepsia.Gallstones.Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Hiatal hernia.More items...•
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.
Which abdominal pain is serious?
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 are different diagnosis of abdominal pain?
Selected Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal PainPain locationPossible diagnosesLeft lower quadrantColonic: colitis, diverticulitis, IBD, IBSGynecologic: ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, ovarian mass, torsion, PIDRenal: nephrolithiasis, pyelonephritisAny locationAbdominal wall: herpes zoster, muscle strain, hernia25 more rows•Apr 1, 2008
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 is Covid stomach pain?
In addition to other symptoms (like fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath), stomach upset can be a hallmark sign of COVID-19. A recent study showed that 1 in 5 people who tested positive for COVID-19 had at least one gastrointestinal symptom, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or belly pain.
When is abdominal pain an emergency?
If the pain is sudden, severe or does not ease within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Sudden abdominal pain is often an indicator of serious intra-abdominal disease, such as a perforated ulcer or a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, although it could also result from a benign disease, such as gallstones.
How do I know if my lower stomach pain is serious?
Get help right away if you have any of these symptoms along with stomach pain:Extremely hard abdomen.Abdominal tenderness when touched.Coughing up or vomiting blood.Vomiting that won't stop.Bloody diarrhea.Chest pain or pressure.Trouble breathing.Dizziness.More items...•
What does colon pain feel like?
Inflammation, irritation, and obstruction in the colon can all cause pain, which a person will typically feel as abdominal pain. Possible causes of colon-related abdominal pain include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer.
What is the best test for abdominal pain?
Common testing for abdominal pain includes blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies like a CT scan or ultrasound. But all of these tests aren't always necessary to make — or rule out — a diagnosis. Not all abdominal pain needs a medical evaluation.
What is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain?
Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain are appendicitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, diverticulitis, and small bowel obstruction.
What is appendagitis?
Appendagitis happens when the blood flow to these sacks is cut off or restricted. This may happen if there is inflammation of the tissue around the sacks. It can also happen if the sacks get twisted around themselves. These sacks, or epiploic appendages, are sensitive.
What are the 4 quadrants of the stomach?
The abdomen can also be divided into four quadrants, known as the right upper, the left upper, the right lower, and the left lower quadrants. It is common to see these quadrants abbreviated as RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, and LLQ, respectively.
What kind of abdominal pain comes and goes?
Peptic ulcers, such as stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, can cause dull abdominal pain that comes and goes. The condition may develop a few hours after eating or during the night. Taking antacids or eating some food may relieve it.
What causes abdominal pain in females?
The most common cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers (open sores on the stomach's inner lining). Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or flatulence. In people assigned female at birth, it can be associated with menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications.
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.
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.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly — from ribs to pelvis. It’s often called ‘stomach’ pain or a ‘stomach’ ache, although the pain can be coming from any number of internal organs besides your stomach. A brief episode of pain is called acute, which means 'of recent onset.'.
What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?
If your abdominal pain is severe or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible: Nausea, fever, or the inability to keep food down for several days. Bloody stools. Difficulty breathing. Vomiting blood.
Why does my abdomen hurt during pregnancy?
The pain occurs during pregnancy. The abdomen is tender to the touch. Pain is the result of an injury to the abdomen in the previous days. Pain lasts for several days. These symptoms may be an indication of an internal inflammation, infection, or bleeding that requires treatment as soon as possible.
Why does my child's stomach hurt?
Up to 15% of children between 5 and 16 years have ongoing or on-again, off-again abdominal pain. Oftentimes, when children get a tummy ache, it’s from constipation. Other common causes of abdominal pain in children include: Appendicitis. GERD.
What does it mean when your abdomen hurts?
Abdominal pain comes in many forms, and may range from cramps that come and go to sudden, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. Even mild pain can be an early sign of a serious condition, which is why healthcare providers often monitor these patients for changes in their conditions.
How to tell where pain is coming from?
Healthcare providers can often determine where pain is coming from by taking a detailed history from you. Depending upon the physician’s style, you may be simply asked to relate your medical story in your own words as a narrative. Other physicians may prefer to ask a series of detailed questions.
Where does pain come from?
Sometimes you feel the pain in your belly, but it’s actually coming from the chest, back or pelvis.
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 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.
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.
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 abdomen hurt?
Other causes. In some cases, abdominal pain is a sign of a medical condition that can be fatal without immediate medical care. Less common causes of abdominal pain include: appendicitis (ruptured appendix) or any other ruptured abdominal organ. kidney infection, disease, or stones.
What causes sharp pain in the stomach?
Gas. Gas occurs when bacteria in the small intestine break down foods that the body finds intolerant. An increased pressure of gas in the intestine can cause sharp pain. Gas can also cause tightness or restriction in the abdomen and flatulence or belching.
What causes stomach pain after eating?
1. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) In this case, the abdominal pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loose, fluid-filled stools that occur much sooner and more frequently than normal after eating. Bacteria or viruses cause most cases, and symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
What causes pain in the small intestine?
Celiac disease happens when a person has an allergy to gluten, a protein found in many grains, such as wheat and barley. It causes inflammation in the small intestine, resulting in pain. Diarrhea and bloating are also common symptoms. Over time, malnutrition can occur, resulting in weight loss and exhaustion.
What does it mean when your stomach hurts?
Here’s our process. Abdominal, or stomach, pain refers to discomfort in the space between the chest and pelvis. Most cases of abdominal pain are mild and have a variety of common causes, such as indigestion or muscle strain. Symptoms often resolve quickly on their own or with basic treatment.
What causes bloating and gas?
11. Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s causes inflammation of the digestive tract lining, which results in pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Given its chronic nature, the condition may lead to malnutrition, causing weight loss and exhaustion.
Why does my stomach hurt?
Image credit: baona/ istock. Digestive problems are considered the most common cause of abdominal pain. Discomfort or irregularities in any organ or part of the abdomen can cause pain that radiates throughout the entire area. Many people refer to abdominal pain simply as a stomachache.
What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?
Consequently, the subjective requirements that most doctors consider as serious causes of abdominal pain are any causes that may generate at least one or more of the following signs or symptoms: Penetration (injury) of an object into the abdomen or back. Blunt object injury to the abdomen or back. Dehydration.
What is the pain in the upper abdomen?
This is especially evident with upper abdominal pain that occurs in an organ and/or organ system close to the upper abdomen like the lower part of lungs ( pneumonia) or occasionally heart problems ( angina, heart attack) especially in women).
What causes abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy (unknown to the patient but delivering!) Sickle cell anemia. Ulcerative colitis. Uremia. The above lists are examples of many (not all) causes of abdominal pain. The doctor makes use of the location, type, and intensity of pain to try to arrive at a diagnosis.
What causes diffuse abdominal pain?
However, there are causes that result in diffuse abdominal pain: Aortic aneurysm. Bloating.
What is the pain score of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
For example, if an older patient has acute pain (a few hours) that is relatively constant, located in the left and or center of the lower abdomen with a pain score of 9 out of 10, that is sharp or tearing, the doctor would likely place a thoracic aortic aneurysm high on the list of suspected causes.
What are the three ways the abdomen is divided?
The abdomen can be roughly subdivided several ways; all of these ways (terms) have appeared in the medical literature: Upper abdomen (horizontal line about the level of the umbilicus), lower, Right upper and lower, Left upper and lower , and. Pelvis (right and left).
What is the scale of pain?
The doctor often enquires about the intensity of the pain, usually on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 as the most pain (causes crying and inability to function or move, for example). Just as the type of pain may be further described, the intensity of pain may be characterized as constant, intermittent, variable, and changed by movement, eating, bowel movements, walking, or modified by other situations like stress or certain medications.
What causes lower abdominal pain?
These include: Abdominal abscess. Bowel obstruction or perforation.
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 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.
What is the pain in the abdomen?
Pain in the belly (abdomen) can come from conditions affecting a variety of organs. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side.
Where does abdominal pain come from?
Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (for example, skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity (for example, beneath the skin and muscles).
What is abdominal adhesion?
Abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal organs and tissues. Symptoms of abdominal adhesions are pelvic or abdominal pain. Abdominal adhesions on the intestines can cause bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency.
Why is abdominal pain called referred pain?
This latter type of pain is called "referred" pain because the pain, though originating outside the abdomen, is being referred to (felt) in the abdominal area. Abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset, or the pain can be chronic and longstanding.
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid pulse. Treatment of pancreatitis often requires hospitalization.
What organs are affected by abdominal pain?
These organs include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Occasionally, pain may be felt in the abdomen even though it is arising from organs that are close to but not within the abdominal cavity, for example, the lower lungs, the kidneys, and the uterus or ovaries.
How do you know if you have gallstones?
Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause signs or symptoms; however, when they do occur the primary sign is biliary colic. Symptoms of biliary colic are constant pain for 15 minutes to 4-5 hours, and it may vary in intensity; nausea, severe pain that does not worsen with movement; and pain beneath the sternum. Treatment of gallstones depends upon the patient and the clinical situation.
What is acute abdominal pain?
Acute abdomen symptom checker. Acute abdominal pain is severe abdominal (belly) pain that develops all of the sudden and does not go away. Unlike cramps or an upset stomach, acute abdominal pain can be so intense that you may not be able to rest or relax. The pain may just be in one part of the belly or it may affect the entire area.
What is the pain of the appendix?
The pain is sensitive to touch. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch in the lower right side of your intestines. The inflammation occurs when something blocks the appendix, which causes irritation, infection, and swelling of the appendix.
What is a hernia that cuts off blood supply to the intestines?
A strangulated hernia is a hernia that cuts off blood supply to the intestines. A volvulus occurs when the bowel becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the bowel may be cut off. A volvulus is more common in elderly people and those who have a history of abdominal surgery or abdominal cancer.
What causes a bulge in the abdomen?
Visible bulge in the abdomen. An acute bowel obstruction can be caused by several conditions. Two of the most common are a strangulated hernia and a twisted bowel (called volvulus). A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue pokes out of a weak spot in the muscles that surround your abdominal cavity.
Why is acute mesenteric ischemia less severe?
Some causes of ischemia (interruption in blood flow to the bowels) are less severe because the blood vessels are narrowed but not completely blocked. They still require urgent care to prevent them from becoming more serious.
What is the condition where a small hole in the colon is formed?
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of diverticula, small pouches that can form in the walls of your colon. Normally, diverticula don’t cause any symptoms. But a small hole or tear (perforation) can form and cause irritation, leading to diverticulitis. The condition is more common in middle-aged and elderly people.
What are the symptoms of a perforated organ?
It is always an emergency regardless of what caused it, and emergency surgery is required. 7. Acute bowel obstruction. Symptoms. Sudden abdominal pain that intensifies and can come and go. Nausea. Vomiting.
Why does my upper abdomen hurt?
Typically, upper abdominal pain is caused by something relatively minor, such as a pulled muscle, and will go away on its own in a few days. But there are some other underlying conditions that could lead to discomfort in the area. Visit your doctor if the pain in your upper abdomen persists.
What is the name of the pain in the upper abdomen caused by eating?
Typically, indigestion — known as dyspepsia — is caused by something you ate or drank. But functional dyspepsia is indigestion with no obvious cause. Indigestion can lead to a burning pain in either or both sides of the upper abdomen.
What causes a burning sensation in the left side of the stomach?
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that happens either on the inside of your stomach’s lining ( gastric ulcer) or the upper part of your small intestine ( duodenal ulcer ). They can be caused by a bacterial infection or long-term use of aspirin and certain pain relievers. Peptic ulcers can lead to burning stomach pain, which you’ll feel on the left side of your upper abdomen.
What are the symptoms of a swollen abdomen?
You should seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following: severe pain or pressure. fever. nausea or vomiting that won’t go away. unexpected weight loss. yellowing of the skin (jaundice) abdominal sweating. severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen. bloody stools.
What is the condition that slows down the movement of the stomach muscles?
Gastroparesis is a condition that slows down or prevents the normal spontaneous movement of your stomach muscles, interfering with digestion. Gastroparesis is often caused by certain medications, such as opioid painkillers, some antidepressants, allergy medications, or drugs for high blood pressure. You may feel pain in the left side of your upper abdomen, where your stomach is located.
How long does it take for a gallstone to hurt?
Pain caused by gallstones may last from several minutes to a few hours.
How long does upper abdomen pain last?
But, if your upper abdomen pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can determine if your pain is nothing to worry about, or diagnose the underlying condition and come up with a treatment plan. Read this article in Spanish.