Abdominal Pain

What is it?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for both primary care visits and emergency department evaluations. Location, character (cramping, sharp, burning, dull), timing (constant vs. intermittent), and associated symptoms (nausea, fever, changes in bowel habits) are the most important diagnostic clues. Most acute abdominal pain is benign — caused by gas, constipation, or gastroenteritis — but certain patterns demand urgent evaluation to rule out surgical emergencies such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Severe abdominal pain that comes on suddenly, especially with a rigid abdomen
• 2Pain with fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• 3Vomiting blood or black tarry stools
• 4Pain in the right lower quadrant with nausea and loss of appetite (possible appendicitis)
• 5Severe pain with inability to pass stool or gas (possible obstruction)
• 6Abdominal pain with significant dizziness or low blood pressure

What you can do

• ✓Apply a warm heating pad to the abdomen for cramping or spasm pain
• ✓Stay hydrated and sip fluids slowly if nausea accompanies the pain
• ✓Avoid solid food for a few hours if pain is associated with nausea or vomiting
• ✓Track location, timing, and triggers in a food and symptom diary
• ✓Reduce gas-producing foods (beans, carbonated drinks, cruciferous vegetables) if bloating is a trigger

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions