All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Abdominal pain
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Abdominal pain (stomach pain) is one of the most common complaints of patients. This is due to the fact that there are many organs in the abdominal cavity, each of which hurts in a certain way and requires specific treatment. Having found out the cause of abdominal pain, you can either cure yourself with the help of a home medicine cabinet, or, if necessary, consult a doctor.
[ Character of abdominal pain
There are three main types of pain: spasmodic (cramping), constant and chronic.
Spastic pain, i.e. colic, is characterized by wave-like attacks with variable intensity. This type of pain is caused by deformation in the gastrointestinal tract and, in most cases, by increased peristalsis activity. Pain also occurs due to infectious diseases or stress.
There is a term "acute abdomen", under this concept, specialists unite the most dangerous and unpleasant cases of abdominal pain. The pain in such cases is very intense, spreads throughout the abdominal cavity, the patient's general well-being is negative, the temperature is often elevated, the abdominal muscles are constantly tense, vomiting attacks occur. Such pain may indicate acute peritonitis, pancreatitis and other infectious diseases. It may also indicate appendicitis, in which case the pain at the beginning of the disease is dull and diffuse, and then turns into an "acute abdomen". With such abdominal pain, a person should not be given any medications, but an ambulance must be called immediately.
Constant abdominal pain is usually characterized by constant intensity over a long period of time. Patients classify the pain as sharp, cutting pain, burning in the abdomen. Such pain may indicate serious inflammatory processes in the abdominal organs, abscesses, ulcers, exacerbation of gallstone disease. Chronic abdominal pain is pain that appears and disappears over a long period of time. In most cases, such pain indicates a chronic disease or infectious lesion of the gastrointestinal tract. With such abdominal pain, you need to go to a specialist for a consultation. And prepare answers to questions such as whether the pain is associated with food, what remedies help to get rid of it, the frequency and intensity of pain, the location.
Abdominal pain can also be caused by neuroses and psychological stress. In this case, the pain can be of different nature, but the examination will not reveal its cause. In this case, you need to see a psychologist or neurologist. Abdominal pain without identified causes can also indicate vegetative-vascular dystonia, especially if it is accompanied by sweating, fatigue, increased heart rate, in this situation you need to see a cardiologist.
Usually, abdominal pain is accompanied by additional symptoms that can help determine what caused it. Infectious diseases and blockage of bile ducts are usually accompanied by elevated body temperature, chills and fever. Also, problems with bile ducts can be indicated by a change in the color of feces to the light side and urine to the dark side. Severe cramping pain coupled with black or bloody stool indicates internal bleeding, in which case the patient requires immediate hospitalization.
Localization of abdominal pain
The location of pain is a fundamental factor in diagnosing the disease. In cases where pain comes from the upper abdomen, this indicates possible disorders of the intestines, esophagus, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract.
If the pain is located in the right upper abdominal cavity, possibly radiating under the right shoulder blade, this indicates inflammatory processes in the liver or gallstone disease. Abdominal pain localized below the navel and in the middle of the peritoneum indicates problems with the large intestine; pain in the navel area indicates problems with the small intestine. Pain in pancreatitis and ulcers often radiates throughout the back.
In what situations is it necessary to consult a doctor?
Pain that lasts less than a minute is not a cause for concern. However, if the pain continues for an hour or more, you should urgently consult a specialist. Also, pay attention to the side effects of the medications you are taking, if any.
Below is a list of questions, if the answer is “yes” to any of them, you should consult a doctor.
- Does abdominal pain affect your daily activities and work performance?
- Have you noticed a decrease in appetite and weight loss?
- Do you wake up at night with severe abdominal pain?
- Have you previously suffered from gallstones, ulcers, or intestinal inflammation?
- Have you had any surgeries?
As you can see, the causes of abdominal pain can be completely different, from temporary bloating to serious diseases. Therefore, if the pain is causing concern, do not delay, but consult a doctor.