Why You May Have Abdominal Pain—And How to Make It Go Away

At some point in your life, you’ve likely experienced some type of abdominal pain. The abdomen, or belly, is the area below the chest containing the liver, kidneys, and parts of the digestive system. There are many types and causes of abdominal pain. Thankfully, most times, the pain doesn’t need medical intervention.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can manifest in various ways. Several terms describe the different types of abdominal pain, based on how the pain feels, where it occurs, and how long it lasts. Types of abdominal pain include:

• Generalized pain: Felt across more than half of your abdomen, usually acute and lasting for a short period.
• Localized pain: Occurs in one small area, often indicating a problem in a specific organ. This pain has a sudden onset and can spread to other areas.
• Cramp-like pain: Usually results from gas, bloating, or menstruation, feeling sharp or dull. This pain can be recurring or chronic.
• Colicky pain: A sharp, intense type of gut pain that comes in waves but ends suddenly.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

The location, duration, and type of abdominal pain provide clues about its underlying causes. The intensity of the pain doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious issue. Fortunately, abdominal pain is usually not a cause for concern.

Causes of Generalized Pain

Generalized pain often results from digestive problems or infections. Common causes include:

• Stomach virus (gastroenteritis): A virus travels through the digestive tract, infecting the gut, and causing cramps and diarrhea.
• Constipation: Hard, dry stool becomes difficult to pass, causing pain.
• Gas and bloating: Air or gas trapped in the gut leads to generalized pain and discomfort, common in lactose intolerance.

Causes of Localized Pain

Localized pain, related to specific organs or tissues, may be more concerning. Common causes include:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix causes pain starting in the middle of the belly, moving to the lower right side.
• Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the small or large bowel prevents stool from passing, causing pain in the upper abdomen and belly button area.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation in the gallbladder causes pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, spreading toward the shoulder.
• Diverticulosis: Pouches in the bowel lining cause pain localized to the lower left side of the belly.
• Gastric ulcers: Sores in the stomach or small bowel lining cause pain between the breastbone and belly button during meals.
• Heartburn: Stomach acid backflow into the esophagus causes upper belly pain. Repeated episodes are known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Mesenteric ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the bowel causes pain starting in the middle or right part of the abdomen, spreading to the rest of the belly.
• Ovarian torsion: A rare condition cutting off blood supply to the ovaries, causing lower belly pain.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas causes pain on the left side of the belly.

Causes of Cramp-Like Pain

Cramp-like pain, while often painful, typically isn’t a major medical concern. Causes include:

• Diarrhea: Often caused by viral infections or food poisoning, leading to loose, liquid stool.
• Gas and bloating: Air trapped in the bowel causes discomfort.
• Period cramps: Menstrual pain occurs in the lower abdomen, closer to the pelvis, starting before and continuing into menstruation.
• Endometriosis: Growth of uterine lining outside the uterus causes painful cramps.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Inflammation in the bowel lining causes cramp-like pain during flare-ups. Includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Chronic pain without bowel inflammation, causing cramping abdominal pain.
• Celiac disease: Immune reaction to gluten attacks the intestinal lining, causing cramping pain.

Causes of Colicky Pain

Colicky pain in adults is often due to obstructions in different organs:

• Gallstones (biliary colic): Blockages in the gallbladder cause digestive issues and pain.
• Kidney stones (renal colic): Mineral deposits block the urethra, making urination difficult and painful.
• Intestinal colic: Gut obstructions from hardened feces, food, scar tissue, tumors, or inflamed tissue cause pain.

How To Treat Abdominal Pain

Most abdominal pain can be treated at home, depending on the cause. Potential treatments include:

• Drinking water and clear fluids: Sip fluids over 24 to 36 hours.
• Avoiding solid food for a few hours: Helps the digestive system rest, especially if accompanied by vomiting.
• Taking antacids: For upper abdomen pain after meals, calming stomach acidity.
• Avoiding irritating foods: Citrus, high-fat, and greasy foods, tomato products, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
• Applying heat: For menstrual cramps, use a heating pad or warm water bottle on the stomach, or take a hot bath.
• Exercising: Regular workouts may relieve some abdominal pain, like menstrual cramps.

Speak with a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or NSAIDs like Aspirin. For abdominal pain that cannot be treated at home, a healthcare provider will determine the necessary course of treatment, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

When To Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort lasting longer than a week
• Pain becoming more frequent or severe over one to two days, accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Bloating for more than two days
• Frequent urination or burning pain while urinating
• Diarrhea for more than five days
• Pain with high fever (100°F in adults or 100.4°F in children)
• Prolonged loss of appetite
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

Get immediate medical help if you:

• Vomit but cannot make a bowel movement
• Are undergoing cancer treatment
• Produce bloody vomit or stool (bright red, dark, or tarry black)
• Experience chest, neck, or shoulder pain
• Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Have pain between your shoulder blades and nausea
• Feel tenderness in your belly or have a firm belly
• Are recovering from a recent abdominal injury
• Have difficulty breathing
• Are pregnant or may be pregnant

By understanding the types and causes of abdominal pain, as well as how to treat and when to seek medical care, you can better manage your health and well-being

A Quick Review

Abdominal pain is a common experience caused by various factors including digestive issues, infections, and specific organ problems. Types of pain include generalized, localized, cramp-like, and colicky. Most mild cases can be managed at home with hydration, dietary adjustments, antacids, heat application, and exercise. Seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms, especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss