Abdominal pain: Common and uncommon causes (original) (raw)

Abdominal pain describes discomfort in the space between the chest and pelvis. Discomfort or irregularities in any organ or part of the abdomen can cause pain that radiates throughout the entire area.

Many people refer to abdominal pain as a stomachache. However, the abdomen contains many vital organs, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues that include the:

• stomach
• kidneys
• liver
• small and large intestines
• appendix
• pancreas
• gallbladder
• spleen

The main artery of the heart (aorta) and another heart vein (inferior vena cava) pass through the abdomen too. The abdomen is also home to the four groups of abdominal muscles that give the trunk stability and keep organs in place and protected.

Abdominal pain may result from a wide range of causes.

Additionally, research from 2023 suggests that the most common causes of nontraumatic abdominal pain lasting fewer than 7 days are:

• gastroenteritis
• nonspecific abdominal pain, which means that healthcare professionals did not identify the cause of the pain
• gallstones
• kidney stones
• diverticulitis
• appendicitis

1. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause gastroenteritis. However, people usually use the term “stomach flu” to refer to viral gastroenteritis.

2. Gallstones

Gallstones may form if bile contains too much bilirubin or cholesterol or not enough bile salts. Gallstones may also occur if the gallbladder does not completely empty or does not empty frequently enough.

A person typically does not experience any symptoms unless the gallstones block the bile duct, causing bile to build up in the gallbladder. This can cause a gallbladder attack, which may present with pain in the upper right abdomen. This abdominal pain may last for several hours.

3. Kidney stones

Kidney stones may form in one or both kidneys as a result of high levels of certain minerals in the urine. These minerals include calcium, oxalate, and phosphorous.

A person should contact a healthcare professional immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• sharp pain in the lower abdomen, side, back, or groin
• blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown
• a constant need to urinate
• pain while urinating
• inability to urinate or only urinating in small amounts
• cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Kidney stones can also cause:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• chills

4. Diverticulitis

Diverticula are pouches that may form and push outward through weak spots in a person’s large intestine, or colon.

Diverticulitis refers to inflammation of the diverticula. It can cause abdominal pain, typically in the lower left side. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• diarrhea or constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• chills
• fever

5. Appendicitis

Appendicitis describes inflammation of the appendix. It can cause abdominal pain that may:

• start near the belly button and move lower and to the right
• start suddenly, possibly waking a person if they are sleeping
• worsen during movement, deep breathing, sneezing, or coughing
• be severe and feel different than any pain a person has felt before
• occur before other symptoms and worsen over a few hours

Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal bloating

It may also cause bowel issues, such as:

• diarrhea or constipation
• inability to pass gas
• a feeling that having a bowel movement will help relieve discomfort

6. Trapped gas

Gas occurs when bacteria in the small intestine break down foods that the body finds intolerant. It can also occur if a person swallows more air than usual.

7. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Doctors do not know exactly what causes IBS. Abdominal pain is the primary symptom for many people with IBS. It often occurs alongside bowel movements and changes in bowel movements, which may include constipation, diarrhea, or both.

Other common symptoms include:

• bloating
• feeling that a bowel movement is not complete
• mucus in the stool

8. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)

• pain in the abdomen
• difficulty swallowing
• abdominal bloating
• nausea
• belching

9. Constipation

When too much waste collects in the bowel, it increases the pressure on the colon, which may cause abdominal pain.

Constipation occurs for many reasons, including:

• too little fiber or fluid in the diet
• taking certain medications
• low levels of physical activity
• pregnancy

10. Food intolerances

Food intolerance is when a person’s body has difficulty digesting certain foods or ingredients in food.

Food intolerance may cause abdominal pain and other symptoms, such as:

• bloating
• diarrhea
• flatulence

11. Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are sores that occur on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. They commonly cause abdominal pain.

Other symptoms may include:

• bloating
• belching
• feeling too full soon while eating
• feeling uncomfortably full after eating
• nausea
• vomiting

12. Crohn’s disease

• abdominal pain
• unexplained weight loss
• diarrhea

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of inflammation. Stress and certain foods may trigger or worsen symptoms.

13. Celiac disease

Celiac disease happens when a person has an allergy to gluten, a protein found in many grains, such as wheat and barley. It causes damage to the small intestine.

• abdominal pain
• chronic diarrhea
• bloating
• gas
• lactose intolerance
• nausea
• vomiting

People with this condition need to avoid consuming gluten.

14. Pulled or strained muscles

Many daily activities require the use of the abdominal muscles. Occasionally, a person may injure or strain these muscles, resulting in pain.

People may also experience abdominal pain as a result of exercise. Doing more situps than usual, for example, may lead to muscle pain in the abdominal area.

15. Menstrual cramps or endometriosis

Menstruation can cause inflammation and pain in the abdomen. Bloating, gas, cramping, and constipation can also occur during menstruation, causing abdominal discomfort.

People who have endometriosis may experience more severe or chronic inflammation and pain. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally grows in the uterus develops in other parts of the body, typically in the pelvic area but sometimes elsewhere.

• kidney infection
• hepatitis
• gastritis
• ectopic pregnancy
• abdominal organ infection or infarction (when the organ dies due to lack of blood supply)
• cardiac conditions, such as atypical angina or congestive heart failure
• organ cancer, notably stomach, pancreatic, or bowel cancer
• hernia
• cysts that have become invasive or compromise organ space or function

Most cases of abdominal pain are not serious and do not last for a long time.

Sudden and severe or chronic abdominal pain, however, are often signs of conditions that do require medical attention and treatment.

Symptoms that require medical attention include:

• abdominal pain that worsens quickly
• abdominal pain or bloating that does not go away or keeps coming back
• abdominal pain and difficulty swallowing food
• unexplained weight loss
• suddenly needing to urinate more often or less often than usual
• sudden pain while urinating
• unusual vaginal discharge
• minor rectal (anal) bleeding or blood in stool
• diarrhea or constipation that does not go away after a few days

Abdominal pain can result from a wide range of causes, including gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and menstruation.

In many cases, abdominal pain does not last for a long time and is not serious. However, severe or chronic abdominal pain may indicate an underlying health condition.

People can speak with a doctor for more information about what may be causing their abdominal pain and how to treat it.