Stomach or abdominal pain can come from many sources, ranging from harmless gas to serious medical conditions such as appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Paying attention to how strong the pain is and where it occurs can help doctors identify the cause.
Abdominal pain is felt anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. It may feel cramp-like, aching, dull, sharp, constant, or come and go.
This type of pain is the most common digestive complaint in the United States, affecting about 1 in 4 people.
Often, abdominal discomfort is temporary and improves on its own with changes in diet or daily habits. In some cases, however, it may be ongoing or signal a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention.
Below is a detailed look at the types, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of abdominal pain.
Types of abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is generally classified into four categories:
Acute: lasts up to one week
Chronic: continues for three months or longer
Progressive: gradually worsens over time and is often accompanied by other symptoms
Intermittent: appears and disappears, sometimes suddenly
Causes of abdominal pain
A wide variety of conditions can lead to abdominal pain, from mild digestive issues to serious illnesses. These conditions may affect different areas of the abdomen and vary in how long symptoms last.
Common short-term causes include:
stomach virus (gastroenteritis)
constipation
diarrhea
acid reflux
The American College of Gastroenterology notes that certain conditions can cause acute or long-term abdominal pain and may require medical treatment.
Conditions linked to sudden abdominal pain
Acute abdominal pain may result from:
appendicitis
kidney stones
gallstones
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
infections such as pneumonia
a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
peptic ulcers
intestinal obstruction
acute pancreatitis
acute gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
diverticulitis
ectopic pregnancy
pulmonary embolism
heart attack
Conditions associated with long-lasting abdominal pain
Chronic abdominal pain may be caused by:
stomach ulcers
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
hepatitis
gastritis
chronic pancreatitis
hernias
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
cancers of the abdomen, such as stomach, liver, or colorectal cancer
food intolerances, including lactose or gluten intolerance
Reproductive system–related abdominal pain
In people assigned female at birth, lower abdominal pain may be related to reproductive health conditions, including:
menstrual cramps
ovarian cysts
miscarriage
uterine fibroids
endometriosis
pelvic inflammatory disease
ectopic pregnancy
Abdominal pain by location
Healthcare providers often divide the abdomen into four quadrants to help pinpoint possible causes of pain.
Lower left quadrant: diverticulitis, kidney stones or infection, ovarian cysts, hernia, ectopic pregnancy
Lower right quadrant: appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, testicular torsion, ovarian cysts, hernia, endometriosis
Upper left quadrant: GERD, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, enlarged spleen
Upper right quadrant: gallbladder disease, GERD, hepatitis, peptic ulcers
This is not a complete list. Some conditions can affect more than one area or the entire abdomen.
If abdominal pain persists or worsens, a healthcare professional should be consulted for evaluation.
When to get medical care
Mild abdominal discomfort often improves without treatment. For example, pain caused by gas or bloating may resolve on its own.
Seek emergency care immediately if severe abdominal pain occurs along with:
black, tarry, or bloody stools
chest pain
vomiting blood
ongoing nausea or vomiting
constipation
difficulty urinating
trouble breathing
Schedule a doctor’s appointment if you experience:
ongoing constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach pain
difficulty eating
changes in urination frequency
pain during urination
fever
unusual vaginal discharge
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding and experiences abdominal pain should contact a healthcare provider.
How abdominal pain is diagnosed
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam, during which the provider gently presses on the abdomen to check for tenderness or swelling.
You may also be asked questions such as:
Where is the pain located?
Has it moved or stayed in one place?
How severe is it?
Is it constant or does it come in waves?
What were you doing when it started?
Does it worsen at a certain time of day?
When was your last bowel movement?
Have your bowel habits changed?
Have you noticed changes in your urine?
Have you recently changed your diet?
People of reproductive age assigned female at birth may also be asked about menstrual cycles and sexual health.
Additional tests may include:
blood tests
urine analysis
stool tests
imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI)
endoscopy
colonoscopy
Treatment for abdominal pain
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, home remedies, medications, or surgery.
Temporary discomfort from bloating may not require treatment, while over-the-counter medications can help relieve cramps, gas, or nausea.
More serious causes, such as appendicitis, often require antibiotics and surgical removal of the appendix.
A healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis.
Preventing abdominal pain
While not all abdominal pain can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
eating a balanced diet
drinking plenty of water
staying physically active
eating smaller, more frequent meals
avoiding foods that trigger discomfort
not lying down immediately after eating
Common questions
How can stomach pain be eased?
Relief depends on the cause and may include home remedies, over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, or, in rare cases, surgery.
How do I know if abdominal pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if sudden, severe pain is accompanied by chest pain, breathing problems, bloody or black stools, or vomiting.
What over-the-counter medicines help stomach pain?
Antacids and antispasmodic medications are commonly used for cramps, gas, and bloating.
What drinks can help calm an upset stomach?
Chamomile, ginger, lemon, and peppermint teas may help soothe digestive discomfort.
Bottom line
Abdominal pain has many possible causes and is often mild, but persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
If pain lasts more than a few days or becomes intense suddenly, seek medical care. A healthcare professional can determine the cause and create an appropriate treatment plan.