Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

Abdominal pain — what could it be? Many people ask themselves this question. Abdominal pain can occur after eating, overeating, bloating, constipation, or an intestinal infection. Sometimes it is a symptom of diseases affecting the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, urinary tract, or pelvic organs.

Making an accurate diagnosis based solely on where the abdomen hurts is impossible. However, the location of the pain, its nature, duration, and accompanying symptoms can help suggest a possible cause and determine which specialist to consult.

In this article, we will cover common causes of abdominal pain, explain what pain on the right, left, top, or bottom of the abdomen might mean, and review situations where urgent medical attention is required.

Important: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. You should not self-diagnose or start treatment based solely on symptoms.

Where the Abdomen Hurts and What It Could Mean

Conventionally, the abdomen can be divided into several zones:

• upper abdomen;

• area around the navel;

• lower abdomen;

• right side;

• left side;

• lower right area;

• lower left area.

The location of the pain can provide important information to a doctor. However, the exact same symptom can occur with completely different conditions.

For example, lower abdominal pain may be related to the intestines, urinary tract, or pelvic organs. Pain in the lower right abdomen, in particular, can occur with appendicitis.

Therefore, the location of the pain is only one characteristic that needs to be considered.

1. Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes

If it hurts above the navel, especially in the stomach area, possible causes may include:

• dyspepsia;

• gastritis;

• peptic ulcer disease;

• gastroesophageal reflux disease;

• gallbladder diseases;

• pancreatic diseases.

With dyspepsia, pain or burning in the upper abdomen, early satiety, a feeling of fullness after eating, bloating, nausea, and belching may occur.

Who to contact: a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist.

If pain appears after eating: If heaviness, bloating, belching, nausea, or discomfort in the upper abdomen regularly occur after eating, the cause may be a digestive disorder. A doctor will evaluate symptoms, conduct an examination, and prescribe additional tests if necessary.

2. Stomach Pain and Burning

Burning or pain in the upper abdomen can occur with gastritis, dyspepsia, or peptic ulcer disease.

With gastritis, possible symptoms include:

• pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen;

• nausea;

• vomiting;

• feeling of fullness after eating;

• loss of appetite.

With peptic ulcer disease, pain is also often felt in the upper abdomen. It can be dull or burning, appear periodically, and in some people — on an empty stomach or at night.

Who to contact: a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist.

You should not self-prescribe antibiotics or "ulcer medications." The cause of the symptoms must be established.

3. Pain Under the Ribs on the Right Side

Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen may be related to the gallbladder or gallstones.

It is especially important to pay attention to pain that occurs after eating and is accompanied by:

• nausea;

• vomiting;

• discomfort after fatty food;

• pain that persists for several hours.

The presence of gallstones does not always cause symptoms. However, if a stone blocks the bile ducts, severe pain can occur.

Who to contact: a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist.

If the pain is accompanied by high fever, chills, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, seek medical help as soon as possible.

4. Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

One possible cause of pain in the lower right abdomen is appendicitis.

It is particularly concerning when:

• the pain first appears around the navel;

• then moves to the lower right abdomen;

• gradually intensifies;

• nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite appear.

With appendicitis, the pain may intensify with movement, coughing, or taking a deep breath.

What to do if you suspect appendicitis? Do not try to self-diagnose or wait several days in the hope that the pain will pass. If the pain in the lower right abdomen is severe or gradually intensifies, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Pain in the Lower Left Abdomen

Pain in the lower left abdomen can occur for various reasons.

Possible options include:

• constipation;

• increased gas formation;

• irritable bowel syndrome;

• other bowel diseases;

• urinary tract conditions;

• certain gynecological conditions in women.

If the pain recurs or is accompanied by changes in stool, bloating, and other symptoms, consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

It is important to remember that lower left abdominal pain does not necessarily mean a bowel disorder.

6. Lower Abdominal Pain and Changes in Stool

If alongside the pain you experience:

• constipation;

• diarrhea;

• bloating;

• a feeling of incomplete bowel movement;

• increased gas formation,

one possible cause may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS is characterized by abdominal pain associated with bowel movements, as well as changes in stool habits. This can be diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.

Who to contact: a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist.

You should not self-diagnose IBS, as similar symptoms can occur with various bowel diseases.

7. Abdominal Pain and Severe Bloating

If your abdomen hurts, rumbles, and bloats severely, the cause is sometimes increased gas formation.

Gas in the intestines is a normal part of digestion. However, severe bloating and pain can occur due to dietary habits, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, and other conditions.

When to see a doctor? You should see a specialist if bloating:

• appears regularly;

• is accompanied by pain;

• has suddenly changed;

• is accompanied by diarrhea or constipation;

• is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

In such cases, it is important to identify the cause rather than constantly addressing only a single symptom.

8. Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea

If the pain is accompanied by loose stools, nausea, and vomiting, a common cause may be an acute intestinal infection or viral gastroenteritis.

Viral gastroenteritis is characterized by:

• watery diarrhea;

• abdominal cramps or pain;

• nausea;

• vomiting;

• sometimes fever.

With severe diarrhea and vomiting, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration.

Who to contact: a general practitioner or family doctor.

If the condition worsens rapidly, blood appears in the stool, severe weakness develops, or fluid loss cannot be replenished due to constant vomiting, medical assistance is required.

9. Abdominal Pain with Constipation

Constipation can cause abdominal pain, heaviness, and bloating.

A person may experience:

• discomfort in the lower abdomen;

• bloating;

• a feeling of fullness;

• difficulty with bowel movements.

If constipation occurs once and passes quickly, it does not necessarily indicate a disease. However, regular problems with bowel movements require identifying the cause.

Who to contact: first a general practitioner, and if necessary, a gastroenterologist.

If, along with severe bloating, you cannot pass stool or gas, especially with pain and vomiting, seek urgent medical attention.

10. Abdominal Pain Radiating to the Back

Abdominal pain that radiates to the back can occur for various reasons. It can occur in diseases of the digestive system organs, as well as in certain other conditions. Therefore, determining the cause solely by where the pain radiates is impossible.

If the pain is severe or appears suddenly, or is accompanied by vomiting, fever, severe weakness, or fainting, seek urgent medical attention.

11. Abdominal Pain and Nausea

Abdominal pain and nausea can occur in various conditions.

For example:

• overeating;

• dyspepsia;

• gastritis;

• intestinal infection;

• gallbladder diseases;

• appendicitis;

• other gastrointestinal diseases.

Therefore, it is important to consider not only the presence of nausea, but also the location of the pain, its intensity, duration, and other symptoms.

If the pain is severe and persistent, vomiting recurs, or blood appears in the vomit, seek medical attention.

12. Abdominal Pain After Eating

Pain after eating may be related to digestion, but on its own it does not point to a specific disease.

Possible causes:

• dyspepsia;

• gastritis;

• peptic ulcer disease;

• gallstones;

• food intolerances;

• increased gas formation.

For example, with dyspepsia, a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, and belching may appear after eating. Sometimes pain or burning in the upper abdomen occurs.

If such symptoms appear regularly, consulting a gastroenterologist is recommended.

13. Abdominal Pain After Fatty Food

If pain in the upper abdomen, especially on the right, appears after eating fatty or heavy food, it may be related to gallbladder diseases.

However, pain after fatty food does not automatically mean gallstones are present.

If such episodes recur, a doctor can prescribe the necessary tests to determine the cause.

14. Abdominal Pain and Frequent Urges to Use the Bathroom

If the pain is accompanied by frequent urges to defecate and changes in stool, various causes are possible:

• intestinal infection;

• irritable bowel syndrome;

• food intolerance;

• other bowel diseases.

With IBS, pain is often linked to bowel movements. Stool may become more frequent and loose, or, conversely, less frequent.

If blood appears in the stool, fever develops, or severe pain occurs, seek medical attention.

15. Lower Abdominal Pain During Urination

If pain in the lower abdomen is accompanied by:

• burning during urination;

• frequent urges;

• changes in the color or odor of urine;

• pain in the side or lower back,

the cause may be related to the urinary system.

In this situation, consultation with a general practitioner or urologist may be required.

If the pain is very severe, blood appears in the urine, fever develops, or severe weakness occurs, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

16. Abdominal Pain in Women

In women, lower abdominal pain can be related not only to the intestines or urinary tract, but also to the organs of the reproductive system.

Possible causes depend on the specific situation and may include:

• menstrual pain;

• pelvic inflammatory diseases;

• other gynecological conditions;

• pregnancy and related conditions.

If unusual or severe pain appears, especially if it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by unusual bleeding, consult a doctor.

Who to contact: a gynecologist.

17. Abdominal Pain in Men

In men, pain in the lower abdomen or groin can also occur for various reasons.

Besides the intestines, causes may include urinary tract conditions and other issues.

If pain radiates to the groin, or problems with urination or blood in the urine appear, consultation with a urologist may be required.

18. Abdominal Pain at Night

Nighttime abdominal pain is a symptom worth paying attention to, especially if it recurs regularly.

For example, with peptic ulcer disease, some people may experience pain at night or on an empty stomach.

If the pain regularly interferes with sleep, intensifies, or is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, blood in the stool, or other alarming symptoms, consult a doctor.

19. Abdominal Pain and Heartburn

If discomfort is accompanied by burning behind the breastbone, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, belching, or regurgitation of food, the cause may be acid reflux or dyspepsia.

If symptoms are regular, it is worth consulting a general practitioner or gastroenterologist.

20. Abdominal Pain and Blood

Blood is a symptom that cannot be ignored.

It is especially important to seek medical attention if:

• blood appears in vomit;

• vomit resembles coffee grounds;

• stool becomes black and tarry;

• visible blood appears in the stool;

• severe pain occurs at the same time;

• severe weakness, dizziness, or fainting occurs.

Such symptoms may be associated with bleeding and require medical evaluation.

Which Doctor Should You See?

If you are unsure of the cause of your abdominal pain, a general practitioner or family physician is typically the best first point of contact. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary.