Abdominal Pain

Causes of abdominal pain

There are many possible causes of abdominal pain. Common causes in adults include:

• Constipation, diarrhea, or gas

• Stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus (acid reflux or heartburn)

• Severe acid reflux, called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

• A sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine (peptic ulcer)

• Inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas

• Gallstones or kidney stones

• Appendicitis 

• Intestinal blockage 

• An internal organ pushing through a muscle or other tissue (hernia)

• Urinary tract infections

• In women, menstrual cramps, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis

• Inflammation or infection of the intestines, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

• Irritable bowel syndrome

Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain

Your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam help find the cause of your pain. If needed, you will have tests. Belly pain has many possible causes. So it can be hard to find the reason for your pain. Giving details about your pain can help. Tell your provider where and when you feel the pain, and what makes it better or worse. Also let your provider know if you have other symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Tiredness

• Upset stomach (nausea)

• Vomiting

• Changes in bathroom habits

• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stool

• Weight loss that you can't explain (involuntary weight loss?)

Also report any family history of stomach or intestinal problems, or cancers. Tell your provider about all your alcohol use and drug use. Tell your provider about all medicines you use, including herbs, vitamins, and supplements.

Treating abdominal pain

Some causes of pain need emergency medical treatment right away. These include appendicitis or a bowel blockage. Other problems can be treated with rest, fluids, or medicines. Your healthcare provider can give you specific instructions for treatment or self-care based on what is causing your pain.

If you have vomiting or diarrhea, sip water or other clear fluids. When you are ready to eat solid foods again, start with small amounts of easy-to-digest, low-fat foods. These include apple sauce, toast, or crackers.

When to get medical care

Call 911 or go to the hospital right away if you:

• Can’t pass stool and are vomiting

• Are vomiting blood or have bloody diarrhea or black, tarry diarrhea

• Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain

• Feel like you might pass out

• Have pain in your shoulder blades with nausea

• Have sudden, severe belly pain

• Have new, severe pain unlike any you have felt before

• Have a belly that is rigid, hard, and hurts to touch

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Pain for more than 5 days

• Bloating for more than 2 days

• Diarrhea for more than 5 days

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Pain that gets worse

• Weight loss for no reason

• Continued lack of appetite

• Blood in your stool

How to prevent abdominal pain

Here are some tips to help prevent abdominal pain:

• Eat smaller amounts of food at each meal.

• Don't eat greasy, fried, or other high-fat foods.

• Don't eat foods that give you gas.

• Exercise regularly.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

To help prevent GERD symptoms:

• Quit smoking.

• Reduce alcohol and foods that increase stomach acid.

• Don't use aspirin or over-the-counter pain and fever medicines, if possible. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Lose excess weight.

• Finish eating at least 2 hours before you go to bed or lie down.

• Raise the head of your bed.