Abdominal Pain: Causes, Types and Treatment

Abdominal Pain Causes

Abdominal pain may be a sign of something mild or something more serious. Here you will find common reasons grouped by location, effect and systems that factor in:

Common Causes by Type

Digestive System

• Gas and bloating
• Constipation
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Food poisoning
• Acid reflux / GERD
• Peptic ulcers
• Gallstones
• Appendicitis
• Hernia
• Intestinal obstruction

Urinary System

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Kidney stones
• Bladder infection

Reproductive System

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Other Causes

• Muscle strain
• Stress or anxiety
• Abdominal injury
• Pancreatitis
• Spleen-related issues (e.g., splenomegaly)

Pain by Location

Upper Right

• Gallstones
• Liver Disease
• Hepatitis

Upper Middle

• Gastritis
• Peptic Ulcer
• Pancreatitis

Upper Left

• Spleen issues
• Constipation
• Gas

Lower Right

• Appendicitis
• Ovarian Cyst

Lower Left

• Diverticulitis
• Constipation

Central Abdomen

• IBS
• Small Bowel Issues
• Umbilical Hernia

Generalized

• Gastroenteritis
• Gas
• Peritonitis

Types of Abdominal Pain

There are different types of classifications for abdominal pain depending on how it feels, how long it lasts and when it starts. The process is described in detail here:

Based on Sensation (Character of Pain)

Crampy pain    

• Comes and goes, often with bloating; may worsen after eating or before stools
• IBS, gas, menstruation

Sharp/stabbing pain

• Sudden, intense, well-localized
• Appendicitis, kidney stones, ectopic pregnancy

Dull/aching pain

• Mild to moderate, persistent, hard to localize
• Gastritis, hepatitis, constipation

Burning pain

• Feels like acid or heat sensation
• GERD, peptic ulcers

Colicky pain

• Waves of pain with periods of relief, often severe
• Gallstones, kidney stones, intestinal blockage

Tearing/ripping pain

• Sudden severe pain spreading to the back
• Aortic aneurysm (rare but serious)

Based on Duration

Acute pain

• Lasts hours to a few days
• Appendicitis, gastroenteritis

Chronic pain

• Persists for weeks or more
• IBS, chronic pancreatitis

Recurrent pain

• Comes and goes over time
• Gallstones, menstrual cramps

Based on Onset

Sudden onset

• Quickly developing pain
• Kidney stones, appendicitis, rupture

Gradual onset

• Slowly worsening over time
• Constipation, ulcer, infection

Treatment for Abdominal Pain

How abdominal pain is treated depends on the initial problem, how serious it is and the other symptoms present. Here you’ll find a basic breakdown of the role:

Home Remedies for Mild or Common Abdominal Pain

Gas/Bloating

• Warm fluids, walking, fennel tea, simethicone tablets

Constipation

• High-fiber diet, prune juice, plenty of water, mild laxatives if needed

Indigestion

• Antacids, ginger tea, avoid fatty/spicy foods

Menstrual cramps

• Heating pad, rest, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), hydration

Mild food poisoning

• Rest, oral rehydration (ORS), avoid solid food for a few hours

IBS symptoms

• Low-FODMAP diet, peppermint oil capsules, stress management

Medications (Use as Advised by a Doctor)

GERD / Acid reflux

• Antacids, PPIs (omeprazole), H2 blockers (ranitidine)

Peptic ulcer

• PPIs + antibiotics (if H. pylori positive)

UTI

• Antibiotics (e.g., nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin)

Infection/diarrhea

• Oral rehydration, probiotics, antibiotics if needed

Appendicitis    

• Surgery (appendectomy)

Gallstones / Kidney stones    

• Painkillers, surgery, lithotripsy, hydration

When to See a Doctor or Go to the ER

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Fever + abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or passing black stools
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Pain during pregnancy
• Sudden sharp pain in lower abdomen

Lower Abdominal Pain

• Sex, age and the presence of other symptoms can determine the reasons for lower abdominal pain. 
• In some women, the causes might be cramps during menstruation, cysts, endometriosis, or ectopic pregnancy. 
• In men, possible causes include hernias, twisted testicles or an inflammatory condition of the prostate. 
• The treatment will rely on the cause and may involve medications, special diets or operations.

Upper Abdominal Pain

• Several conditions, most of which affect the digestive system, can cause upper abdominal pain. 
• Typically, the upper right pain is most commonly due to acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones and upper middle or upper left pain is due to pancreatitis. 
• Right upper abdominal pain can also be caused by liver problems such as hepatitis and spleen problems may cause pain on the left. 
• Gas, indigestion or a hiatal hernia are other causes. 
• Symptoms are bloating, burning, nausea or pain after eating. 
• Treatment will depend on the cause and includes antacids, dietary changes, pain relief and medical procedures.

Left Side Abdominal Pain

• The exact location (upper or lower left), duration and associated symptoms all have to say about any cause of left side abdominal pain. 
• Upper left abdominal pain is sometimes related to the stomach, spleen and pancreas and can cause gastritis, gas, pancreatitis or enlarging spleen. 
• Common causes of lower left abdominal pain are diverticulitis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or in women, ovarian cysts or endometriosis. It less frequently also comes from kidney stones or urinary infections. 
• The treatment varies depending on the cause and may include rest, extra fluids and different diets, antibiotics or medical procedures.

Right Side Abdominal Pain

• Right side abdominal pain can be caused by a number of things and upper side can be very different from lower. 
• Upper right abdominal pain usually is from the liver, gallbladder or right kidney and is caused by gallstones, hepatitis, liver infection or kidney stones. 
• Appendicitis is often associated with lower right abdominal pain, especially if it begins near the navel and works its way down to the lower right— (or, for) instance, because of constipation, ovarian cysts (in) women, urinary tract infection or hernia. 
• Treatment will depend on what is causing the vomiting and can be anywhere from simple pain relief or hydration to antibiotics or surgery.

Abdominal Pain after Eating

Abdominal pain after eating is related to the digestive tract and can vary in severity. They include:

• Bloating, discomfort or burning pain that often occurs less than 1 hour after meals is called dyspepsia (indigestion).
• Acid reflux/GERD: Burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest after eating, especially spicy or fatty foods. 
• Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen that comes on after a fatty meal is caused by gallstones.
• Peptic ulcers: Burning or gnawing pain in the upper middle abdomen that may be relieved or made worse by food.
• Pancreatitis: Severe upper abdominal pain that may sometimes radiate to the back (worse after eating).
• Cramping, bloating and gas shortly after eating some foods, including dairy or gluten (lactose intolerance or food intolerances).
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Cramping and discomfort along with a change in bowel habits.

Abdominal Pain in Females

Abdominal pain in females can be caused by a wide range of conditions, both general and gynaecological. The location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms help determine the cause.

Common Gynaecological Causes

• Menstrual Cramps
• Ovarian Cysts
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Fibroids

General Causes (Non-Gynaecological)

• Urinary Tract Infection
• Appendicitis
• Constipation    
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain that lasts more than 3 months is called chronic abdominal pain and may be constant or occasional. Various digestive, gynaecological, urinary, even psychological conditions can cause it. This is an overview:

What Causes Chronic Abdominal Pain?

The functional (ie, No clear structural cause)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) means you have cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
• It’s called functional dyspepsia when you have upper abdominal discomfort that is not caused by ulcers or reflux.
• Abdominal migraines (in children): Migraine with repeated, severe pain with nausea.

Digestive System

• Gastritis or ulcers (chronic)
• Gluten has an autoimmune reaction.
• Diarrhea, fatigue, inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn’s disease / Ulcerative colitis.
• Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, weight loss — chronic pancreatitis.

Gynaecological (Females)

• Cyclic pelvic pain, often with menstruation, is endometriosis.
• With ovarian cysts or fibroids.
• (Chronic) Pelvic inflammatory disease

Urinary and Other Causes

• Bladder pain syndrome (aka: interstitial cystitis)
• Having recurrent or small kidney stones
• Hernias

Abdominal Pain Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abdominal pain is a stepwise process that identifies the underlying cause depending on the location, nature of pain, symptoms present, physical examination, and investigations.

Medical History

• Location of pain (upper, lower, right, left, central)
• Nature of pain (sharp, dull, crampy, burning)
• Duration and pattern (persistent or intermittent)
• Triggers (after food, during menses, movement)
• Associated symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, bloating, urinary symptoms, weight loss, etc.
• Medical/surgical history, menstrual history (in females), medications

Physical Examination

• Palpation: Tendermess, swelling, or mass
• Rebound tenderness: Indicative of peritonitis (e.g., appendicitis)
• Bowel sounds: No bowel sound or abnormal sound may suggest obstruction
• Pelvic or rectal exam: If gynecologic or rectal pathology is suspected

Diagnostic Tests

Lab Tests

• CBC (blood count): Infection, inflammation (increased WBC)
• LFTs (liver tests): Liver, gallbladder disease
• Amylase/lipase: Pancreatitis
• Urine test: UTI, kidney stones
• Pregnancy test (hCG): Exclude ectopic pregnancy
• Stool tests: Infection, blood, parasites

Imaging

• Ultrasound: Gallstones, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy
• X-ray: Bowel obstruction, perforation
• CT scan: Appendicitis, diverticulitis, abscesses
• MRI: Soft tissue, in-depth gynecologic problems
• Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: Ulcers, IBD, tumors, bleeding

Specialized Tests

• Laparoscopy: Surgical procedure to see inside of abdomen
• HIDA scan: To assess gallbladder function
• Allergy or food intolerance testing (e.g., celiac disease)

Abdominal Pain Symptoms and Treatment

Common Symptoms Associated with Abdominal Pain

• Cramping or bloating    
• Burning sensation    
• Sharp, localized pain    
• Dull, widespread discomfort    
• Pain after eating    
• Fever with pain    
• Pain with diarrhea or vomiting    
• Blood in stool or vomit    
• Pain during menstruation    
• Frequent urination or burning    

Treatment Based on Cause

• Indigestion/Gas: Antacids, avoid fatty/spicy food, peppermint tea
• Constipation: High-fiber diet, fluids, stool softeners
• Gastritis/GERD: Antacids, PPIs (omeprazole), avoid caffeine/alcohol
• IBS: Diet changes (low-FODMAP), antispasmodics, probiotics
• UTI: Antibiotics, hydration
• Appendicitis: Emergency surgery (appendectomy)
• Gallstones: Pain meds, low-fat diet, possible gallbladder removal
• Kidney stones: Pain relief, fluids, sometimes surgery/lithotripsy
• Menstrual cramps: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), heating pad
• Endometriosis: Hormonal therapy, pain relief, sometimes surgery
• Infections (e.g., gastroenteritis): Hydration, rest, sometimes antibiotics