Abdominal and stomach pain causes & treatment

Most people have abdominal pain now and then. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but in some cases it can be a symptom of something more serious such as a bowel blockage or internal infection. If you experience abdominal pain often, or the pain is intense or doesn’t go away, you may need to see a doctor.

Abdominal pain causes

The most common causes of abdominal pain can be classified into three general categories: inflammation, digestive problems and female reproduction.

• Inflammation: Painful irritation or infection in your organs can be caused by inflammation from a peptic ulcer, stomach flu, pancreatitis, a urinary tract infection, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or gallstones.
• Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have diarrhea, food allergies, indigestion, constipation or food poisoning.
• Female reproduction: Pain related to the female reproductive cycle could be from ovulation, menstrual cramps or inflammation in the female organs.

Abdominal pain symptoms

Call your gastroenterologist if your abdominal pain does not get better in 24 to 48 hours or if you also have:

• An injury or recent accident
• Bloating or swelling that lasts more than a few days
• Bloody or dark stools
• Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination
• Changes in bowel habits
• Chest pain (get prompt medical attention)
• Diarrhea for more than five days
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever over 100 degrees
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Unexpected weight loss
• Vomiting blood or dark material

Any of these additional symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying cause that requires medical treatment.

Diagnosing abdominal pain

Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history, and they’ll perform a thorough physical exam. Your doctor may also ask you to describe your pain using words such as burning or achy, crampy or colicky, mild or severe, in one place or all over, dull or sharp, constant or in waves. The doctor will analyze all of this information to determine what’s causing your pain.

The location of your pain also gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause:

• Upper left abdomen: Heart attack, hiatal hernia, shingles or spleen infection
• Lower left abdomen: Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or kidney stones
• Upper right abdomen: Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), fecal impaction (hardened stools), hepatitis or peptic ulcer
• Lower right abdomen: Stomach flu, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), ovarian cyst or appendicitis
• General: Appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infection or irritable bowel syndrome
• Upper abdomen: Pancreatitis, heart attack, GERD or gallstones
• Middle abdomen: Intestinal blockage, pancreatitis, appendicitis or thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Lower abdomen: Diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis or inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis)

Testing for abdominal pain

Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your gastrointestinal system and other organs. These tests may include X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, double-contrast barium enema or endoscopy.

Treating abdominal pain

Depending on the cause of your abdominal pain, your doctor may prescribe medication including acetaminophen, antacids or other over-the-counter medicines. Stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can irritate the stomach. Some conditions may benefit from prescription medication.

If testing shows your pain is related to gastrointestinal conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, duct or intestinal blockage or appendicitis, you may need surgery. Female reproductive issues such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or blocked fallopian tubes may also require surgery.

Preventing abdominal pain

Some abdominal pain is unavoidable because it’s related to a serious medical condition that’s developed over time. But if that’s not the case, and you know your pain is related to eating or physical activity, you can take steps to prevent it in the future.

Take care when you exercise

• Always stretch before and after physical activity
• Build up your pace and intensity gradually over time
• See your doctor before beginning any new exercise program
• Start slow and know your physical limitations
• Stay hydrated before, during and after exercise

Consider changes to the way you eat

• Avoid eating things that upset your stomach such as spicy foods, dairy products or foods that cause gas
• Drink plenty of clear liquids, especially if you’re prone to urinary tract infections, constipation or kidney stones
• Eat more slowly
• Have several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals
• Take smaller bites