Maybe it’s a dull ache, feeling bloated after eating, sharp cramps that come and go or a more constant feeling of discomfort.

Whatever it feels like, understanding what’s behind your abdominal pain is important. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the main types and causes of abdominal pain, and learn when you should seek medical advice. 

What is abdominal pain? 

Abdominal pain is any kind of discomfort you feel in the area below your ribs and above your hips. It’s an area that people might refer to as the tummy, belly, trunk or gut.

Because your abdomen houses many vital organs – including the stomach, intestines, liver, 
spleen, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and female reproductive organs – pain in this area may have many different causes.

Your symptoms may be short-lived or long-lasting. They can come and go, or stay constant. And depending on the exact cause, the pain can feel different too – from a dull, mild ache to a sharp, cramping or stabbing pain.

Types of abdominal pain and location

The type of abdominal pain you experience can vary depending on its location.

For example, upper abdominal pain is commonly linked to organs like the stomach, liver, pancreas or duodenum (the first part of the intestines). On the other hand, lower abdominal pain may be related to the lower part of the large intestine, urinary tract or reproductive organs.

Pain on the upper left side of your abdomen may be connected to organs like the stomach, spleen, left kidney, part of the pancreas, the upper part of the bowel (colon) and the aorta. If the pain is on the upper right side, it could involve the liver, gallbladder, duodenum and some other parts of your large and small bowel, right kidney and part of the pancreas and the aorta.

Pain can come directly from these organs, but the body isn’t always that straightforward. Sometimes, discomfort can be felt in a different part of the body from where the problem actually is. This is known as ‘referred pain’

It’s not just the location of the pain that matters – how it feels is important too. Your doctor may ask if it’s sharp or dull, whether it comes and goes, or if it feels like it travels (radiates) to another area. They may also want to know if you’ve had other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Putting all this information together can help them better understand what’s going on and decide on the right next steps. 

What causes abdominal pain? 

There are a number of possible causes of abdominal pain.

Let’s explore some common causes:

• Trapped wind – if you’re feeling bloated, uncomfortable or passing more gas than usual, it could be due to a build-up of gas in your digestive system
• Indigestion – indigestion can be felt in different ways. Symptoms can include a painful burning sensation in the chest after eating (heartburn), feeling full and bloated, burping and farting, feeling sick or bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth
• Constipation – most of us feel constipated from time to time. If you have a stomach ache and are visiting the toilet less often than usual to empty your bowels, or if your stools are hard or painful to pass, constipation is a possible cause
• Food poisoning or stomach bug – if you’re experiencing symptoms like diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick, tummy pain and a high temperature that starts within a few hours – or even days – after eating something, food poisoning or a stomach bug could be to blame
• Stress – stress and worry can upset your digestion. For some people, it can slow things down, leading to bloating, discomfort or constipation. For others, it speeds things up and may cause diarrhoea or more frequent trips to the toilet. Stress can even take away your appetite altogether. It may also make existing digestive issues, such as stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) feel worse

While abdominal pain is often related to minor digestive issues, it can also result from a wide range of other conditions. Some of these may benefit from medical assessment, particularly if the pain is severe, persistent or unexplained. These include:

• Gastroenteritis (stomach infection)
• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Diet-related conditions such as coeliac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Diverticular disease
• Appendicitis
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Period pain
• Stomach or duodenal ulcers
• Food intolerances
• Hernias
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Certain types of cancer (such as bowel, pancreatic, stomach or ovarian)

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional. They can help you get to the bottom of what’s going on and recommend the right next steps for you.

Seeking help for abdominal pain

Looking at factors related to the pain itself, like where it is, when it happens and how intense it feels, can offer clues about what might be going on in your body.

That said, it’s important to note that you should never try to diagnose the cause of the abdominal pain yourself. While many cases are mild and go away on their own within a few days, some may be a sign of something more serious and need medical attention.

If your pain is new, persistent or severe, make an appointment with your doctor. As well as listening to your symptoms and carrying out a physical examination, they can run tests, including blood, urine and stool checks, to help diagnose the issue at hand.

When should I see a doctor?

While many causes of abdominal pain will pass on their own, you should always seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

• The pain is getting worse or isn’t going away
• The stomach ache gets much worse quickly
• You have stomach pain and problems with swallowing food
• You’re losing weight without trying
• You suddenly pee more often or less often
• It’s difficult or painful to pee
• You’re bleeding from your bottom or vagina or have an abnormal discharge from your vagina
• You have diarrhoea that does not go away after a few days

If you’re ever in doubt about the abdominal pain you’re experiencing, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and recommend the right course of action.

How is abdominal pain treated?

Finding the right treatment for abdominal pain depends on its underlying cause. If your symptoms are due to mild digestive issues, such as indigestion or heartburn, simple lifestyle changes or certain over-the-counter products may help ease those specific symptoms.

That said, you should never try to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain on your own. If your abdominal pain is persistent or feels unusual, you’ll likely need a different kind of treatment. Your doctor can help identify the cause, provide tailored advice and recommend treatment to help alleviate your symptoms.