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Abdominal Pain
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can originate from various organs within the abdomen or even from outside areas like the chest, and while not all pain indicates a serious condition, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Overview

Your abdomen extends from below your chest to your groin. Some people call it the stomach, but your abdomen contains many other important organs. Pain in the abdomen can come from any one of them. The pain may start somewhere else, such as your chest. Severe pain doesn't always mean a serious problem. Nor does mild pain mean a problem is not serious.

When to See a Doctor

Call your health care provider if mild pain lasts a week or more or if you have pain with other symptoms. Get medical help immediately if:

  • You have abdominal pain that is sudden and sharp
  • You also have pain in your chest, neck or shoulder
  • You're vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
  • Your abdomen is stiff, hard and tender to touch
  • You can't move your bowels, especially if you're also vomiting

Frequently Asked Questions

The location and nature of the pain often provide clues. Pain in the upper right side that radiates to the right shoulder blade or back, especially after eating fatty foods, may suggest gallbladder issues. Pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side, accompanied by loss of appetite or fever, is a classic sign of appendicitis. Pain in the upper middle abdomen that feels like a burning or gnawing sensation is more likely related to the stomach or duodenum. However, because pain can radiate or be referred from other areas, a physical exam and imaging are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Keeping a food diary to identify triggers is the first step. Common triggers include high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. For many people, eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones can reduce the workload on the digestive system. Staying well-hydrated and increasing fiber intake gradually can help prevent constipation, which is a frequent cause of abdominal discomfort. If you suspect a food intolerance, such as lactose or gluten, eliminating that specific food for a few weeks under medical guidance can help determine if it is the source of your pain.
You should seek emergency care if the pain is sudden, severe, and unrelenting, especially if it is accompanied by a rigid or hard abdomen. Other red flags include vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, passing black tarry stools or bright red blood, high fever with chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or inability to pass gas or stool. Pain that radiates to the chest, neck, or jaw, particularly if accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating, may indicate a heart attack or other serious condition and requires immediate attention.
For most cases of viral gastroenteritis or mild food poisoning, symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and diarrhea typically peak within 24 to 48 hours and resolve completely within 3 to 7 days. However, the duration can vary based on the specific pathogen and your overall health. If your pain persists beyond a week, worsens after initial improvement, or is accompanied by signs of dehydration (such as dark urine, dizziness, or dry mouth), you should contact your healthcare provider, as this may indicate a secondary infection or a different underlying condition.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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