Many different conditions can cause abdominal pain.
Some of the possible causes include:
- Excessive gas
- Chronic constipation
- Lactose intolerance (milk intolerance) - Viral gastroenteritis (Stomach flu)
- Heartburn or Indigestion
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Ulcers
- Food allergy
- Hernia - Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Parasite infections (Giardia)
- Sickle cell crisis
- Diverticulitis
- Cholecystitis
- Appendicitis
- Food poisoning (shigella, salmonella)
- Bowel obstruction
- Pancreatitis
- Menstrual cramps
- Irritable bowel syndrome (Sensitive stomach with
intermittent episodes of diarrhea and
constipation
- Dissecting abdominal aortic
aneurysm -- bleeding into the wall of the aorta
- Intussusception (telescoping of the intestines)
- Chron's disease or ulcerative colitis (types of
inflammatory bowel disease)
Symptoms Chart
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Symptoms
Possible Causes
Action to Take
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Intense pain in the lower
Appendicitis
Go to an emergency room
right side of the abdomen,
right away
possibly starting as a vague,
uncomfortable feeling around
the navel.
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Severe pain that starts in
Pancreatitis
Go to an emergency room
the upper abdomen and often
right away
spreads to the sides and the
back. The pain may flare up
soon after a large meal, or six
to 12 hours after an episode
of heavy drinking.
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Extremely sharp abdominal
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Go to an emergency room
pain
Heart Attack
right away
Perforated Stomach Ulcer
Shock, from allergy
Diabetic Emergency
Poisoning
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Pain in upper right side of
Gallstones
If this your first attack, call
abdomen; may spread to right
a doctor for emergency advice
upper back, chest, or right
or go to an emergency room.
shoulder
Don't eat or drink anything.
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In a woman who might be
Ectopic Pregnancy
Call a doctor for prompt
pregnant: severe pain that arises
appointment. If experiencing
suddenly in the lower right or
severe abdominal pain or bleeding
lower left abdomen, usually
go to the emergency room
without vomiting or fever.
right away
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Moderate to severe cramps
Intestinal Obstruction
Go to an emergency room
that wax and wane, or occasional
right away
cramps that flare up after meals,
and vomiting, especially if the
vomit smells like stool. Other
possible signs include watery
or ribbon-like stools, or no
stools at all.
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Pain or tenderness in the
Diverticulitis
See a doctor immediately
lower left side of the abdomen,
along with fever.
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Chronic abdominal pain
Viral hepatitis
See a doctor promptly
along with dark urine and
yellowish skin and eyes.
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Pain in the back that usually
Kidney Stones
See a doctor promptly
spreads under the rib cage,
around the front, and into the
groin.
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Searing, stabbing pain in the
Gallstones or an
See a doctor promptly
upper abdomen; pain in the back
Infection of the Bladder
between the shoulder blades; pain
under the right shoulder; nausea,
vomiting, and indigestion.
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Chronic abdominal pain in the
Mononucleosis or
See a doctor promptly
upper right quadrant, along with
other viral infection
a fever, sore throat, and extreme
fatigue.
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In a woman: dull, constant pain
Pelvic Inflammatory
See a doctor promptly
in the lower abdomen along with
Disease
vaginal discharge and fever.
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Dull, gnawing stomach pain
Stomach Ulcer
Take an antacid or acetaminophen
that comes and goes. The pain
Gastritis
if necessary, but avoid aspirin,
is often worse when the stomach
ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal
is empty and goes away after eating.
anti-inflammatory drugs. Don't
You may also have indigestion,
drink alcohol or smoke.
nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas,
If pain persists, go to an
and dark stools.
emergency room right away
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Frequent burning pain in the
Gastroesophageal
Suck on an antacid lozenge
upper abdomen or chest, possibly
Reflux
at the first sign of pain.
accompanied by a sour taste in the
If symptoms persist,
mouth, a lump in the throat, or
see a doctor
trouble swallowing.
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Vague, widespread, cramp-like
Irritable Bowel
Try cutting back on stress.
pain, accompanied by bloating,
Syndrome
Reducing fat in your diet may also
tiredness, gas, and occasional nausea.
help. If you have constipation, try
You may also have diarrhea,
eating more fiber and drinking
constipation, or bouts of both.
more water. If problems persist,
see your doctor.
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Stomach discomfort or
Lactose Intolerance
Avoid dairy products or take
bloating after drinking or eating
medicine to help you digest lactose.
dairy products, such as cow's
milk and ice cream.
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