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 be experienced in many ways. There are several terms used to describe the different types of abdominal pain. The terms are based on how the pain feels, where it occurs, and how long it lasts. Types of abdominal pain include:

• Generalized pain: This describes pain that you might feel across more than half of your abdomen. This type of pain is usually acute, lasting for only a short period of time.
• Localized pain: This describes pain that occurs in one small area. It may be a sign of a problem in a specific organ. This pain has a sudden onset and can progress to other areas.
• Cramp-like pain: This type of pain usually occurs as a result of gas, bloating, or menstruation. It may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull pain. This pain can be recurring or chronic.
• Colicky pain: This is 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 all provide clues for its underlying causes. The intensity or severity of the pain doesn't necessarily mean that the issue is serious. Fortunately, abdominal pain is usually not a cause for concern.

Causes of Generalized Pain

Generalized pain often results from digestive problems or infection. Common causes of generalized pain include:

• Stomach virus (gastroenteritis): Commonly called the stomach flu, the stomach virus is actually unrelated to influenza. A virus may travel through the digestive tract, infect the gut, and cause cramps and diarrhea.
• Constipation: Pain may arise when stool in the intestines becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
• Gas and bloating: Air or gas that is stuck in the gut may cause generalized pain and discomfort. This is also a common symptom of lactose intolerance.

Causes of Localized Pain

When there are problems with specific organs or tissues, pain can occur in one small region of the abdomen. This type of pain may be cause for concern. Some of the common causes of localized pain include:

• Appendicitis: Pain is caused by inflammation of the appendix. This pain starts in the middle of the belly and moves toward the bottom right side.
• Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the small or large bowel that prevents stool from passing. This causes pain in the upper abdomen and belly button area.
• Cholecystitis: This condition is caused by inflammation in the gallbladder. It causes pain in the upper right side of the abdomen that spreads toward the shoulder.
• Diverticulosis: A painful condition caused by the development of pouches in the lining of the bowels. Pain is localized to the lower left side of the belly.
• Gastric ulcers: This is a sore area in the lining of the stomach or small bowel. During meals, the condition causes pain between the breastbone and around the belly button.
• Heartburn: This condition occurs when stomach acid and other contents go back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It causes pain in the upper belly. Repeated episodes are known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Mesenteric ischemia: This condition occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the upper or lower bowel. This type of pain starts in the middle or right part of the abdomen and spreads toward the rest of the belly.
• Ovarian torsion: This is a rare condition that cuts off blood supply to the ovaries. The pain first starts in the lower part of the belly.
• Pancreatitis: This type of pain is caused by redness and swelling of the pancreas. The pain occurs on the left side of the belly.
  

Causes of Cramp-Like Pain

Cramps, though they can be painful, are not typically a major cause for medical concern. It feels like a muscle cramp and can cause sharp, dull, or achy pain. The common causes include:

• Diarrhea: Loose, liquid stool is often caused by a viral infection or food poisoning.
• Gas and bloating: This occurs when air is trapped within the large or small bowel.
• Period cramps: Period-related pain can start before menstruation and continue especially into the first days of your period. The pain occurs in the lower abdomen, closer to the pelvis.
  
• Endometriosis: This painful condition is caused by the growth of uterine lining, called the endometrial tissue, outside of the uterus.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD causes inflammation in the lining of the bowels, leading to cramp-like pain during flare-ups. There are two types, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Up to 70% of patients with IBD experience abdominal pain when their condition first develops or when it flares.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS consists of chronic pain in the absence of inflammation within the bowels. Like IBD, it can cause cramping abdominal pain.
• Celiac disease: When people with this condition eat gluten, the body's immune system attacks the intestinal lining, leading to bouts of cramping abdominal pain.

Causes of Colicky Pain

In adults, colicky pain is caused by obstructions in different organs:

• Gallstones (biliary colic): Pain caused by blockages in the gallbladder, leading to digestive issues.
• Kidney stones (renal colic): Pain caused by mineral deposits that block the urethra, making urination difficult and painful. This occurs in about 10% of all people.
• Intestinal colic: Pain caused by obstructions in the gut which may include hardened feces, food or liquid, scar tissue, tumors or polyps, and inflamed tissue.

How To Treat Abdominal Pain

Most of the time, abdominal pain is treatable at home. Treatment depends on the cause. Potential treatment options for mild abdominal pain can include:

• Drinking water and other clear fluids: Drink the fluid in small sips over the course of 24 to 36 hours.
• Avoiding solid food for a few hours: This helps the digestive system rest, especially if the abdominal pain is accompanied with vomiting.
• Taking antacids: If there is pain in the upper abdomen after a meal, it may be related to heartburn or indigestion. To calm the acidity in your stomach, an antacid like Tums.
• Avoiding foods that can irritate your stomach: Citrus, high-fat, and greasy foods may upset your stomach. It may also be helpful to avoid tomato products, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and sparkling water.
• Applying heat: If your pain is from menstrual cramps, you can try putting a heating pad or warm water bottle on your stomach. Taking a hot bath might also relieve the pain.
• Exercising: Working out regularly might help relieve some abdominal pain, like menstrual cramps.

Speak with a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Aspirin.

A healthcare provider can address abdominal pain that cannot be treated at home. They will determine what course of treatment is necessary based on what is causing the pain. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

When To Seek Medical Care

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, there are some symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical care. Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week
• Pain that becomes more frequent or severe over the course of one to two days and that is accompanied with nausea and vomiting
• Bloating for more than two days
• Urinating more frequently
• Burning pain while urinating
• Diarrhea for more than five days
• Pain accompanied with high fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in adults or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit in children
• Loss of appetite for a prolonged period of time
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

Get immediate medical help if you are:

• Vomiting but unable to make a bowel movement
• Undergoing cancer treatment
• Producing bloody vomit or stool (especially if the blood is bright red, dark, or tarry black)
• Experiencing chest, neck, or shoulder pain
• Experiencing sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Having pain in or between your shoulder blades and also have nausea
• Feeling tenderness in your belly or your belly is firm
• Recovering from a recent abdominal injury
• Having difficulty breathing
• Pregnant or may be pregnant
  

A Quick Review

Abdominal pain can vary in where it hurts, how severe it is, how suddenly it develops, and how long it lasts. Abdominal pain can be generalized or localized, meaning it can be spread across your belly or limited to just a particular point. The pain may be cramp-like. The pain may also be colicky, meaning it is sharp and comes and goes in waves. You may feel abdominal pain for many reasons, including constipation, period cramps. and gas. Other causes, such as IBD, appendicitis, and kidney stones, would need medical attention. Depending on the cause, you might be able to reduce your abdominal pain at home through methods like dietary changes, heating pads, and exercise. More rarely, you might need intervention from a healthcare provider to address the pain and its underlying cause.