Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain.
From the pit of the stomach to the pelvis — a sign of trouble in the digestive, urinary, or reproductive organs. The suspected condition depends on where the pain is.
What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain refers to pain felt anywhere between the pit of the stomach and the pelvis.
It signals a problem not only in the abdominal digestive organs — the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine — but also in the urinary and reproductive organs.
Key Symptoms of Abdominal Pain
Type of Pain
Sharp, stabbing pain · a squeezing sensation · a heavy, dull ache · bloating (gas)
Accompanying Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, fever, loss of appetite, and more
Pain Location
The likely source organ can be estimated based on location — upper abdomen, lower abdomen, or side
Main Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is often caused by disorders of the digestive, urinary, or reproductive systems, and the suspected condition varies depending on where the pain is located.
Upper Abdomen
Usually related to stomach conditions or liver and gallbladder disorders.
Lower Abdomen · GI/Urinary
Gastrointestinal conditions such as appendicitis or irritable bowel syndrome, or urinary conditions such as stones in the urinary tract, kidney, or bladder.
Lower Abdomen · Female Reproductive
Lower abdominal pain can be caused by disorders of the uterus, ovaries, or other reproductive organs.
Common Tests for Abdominal Pain
Medical History
We ask when and where the pain started and what it feels like, its relation to meals or bowel movements, and any past conditions or surgeries.
Physical Examination
Checking for tenderness and rebound tenderness, and listening to bowel sounds for abnormalities
Ultrasound Exam
Visually diagnoses structural abnormalities, stones, or inflammation in the liver, urinary tract, uterus, and other organs
X-ray · Blood Test
Upper abdomen: X-ray, liver ultrasound, electrogastrography, and blood test / Lower abdomen: X-ray, urinary ultrasound, and blood test
Common Treatments for Abdominal Pain
The suspected condition
varies greatly by location.
Lower abdominal pain in women often requires an OB-GYN evaluation. Getting an accurate exam from a specialist — rather than self-diagnosing — is the fastest way to protect your health.