Abdominal pain is frequently caused by a problem in the digestive tract (the gut). However, it can also be caused by other organs located in the abdomen, such as the kidneys. Large blood vessels, such as the aorta are also found in the abdomen and may give rise to pain.
If your stomach pain gets worse when you move around, it may be just a cramp, but it also may be a sign of appendicitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, or a stomach ulcer.
Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water. Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse. When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.
There are three main types of abdominal pain: visceral, parietal, and referred pain. Visceral pain happens when the nerves that run through the walls of an organ get stretched. The pain isn't usually well localized and feels like a dull ache or cramp.
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.
Sensitivity to touch: If you're experiencing stomach pain when touched in the abdomen, you should seek medical advice. Sensitivity to touch can be a symptom of a serious illness such as appendicitis.
The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up.
Gas pain doesn't make your belly sensitive to the touch, so if you notice extreme pain, always seek medical advice.
Get emergency medical help right away if you have abdominal point tenderness.
Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed? Your provider will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam that may involve feeling for a mass in your stomach. They may order several tests to diagnose and stage stomach cancer.
What causes an abdominal lump? Possible causes of an abdominal lump include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. These can appear as an area of swelling or a bulge that protrudes from the abdominal area. Abdominal lumps can be hard or soft and may feel sore.
Linea alba means "white line" in Latin. The linea alba appears as a colorless groove in people with muscular abdominals (giving the appearance of a six-pack). During pregnancy, the linea alba darkens and is called the linea nigra. Conditions like pregnancy and obesity can cause weakness in the linea alba.
While trapped gas may cause discomfort, it usually passes on its own after a few hours. Some people may be able to relieve pain due to trapped gas using natural remedies, certain body positions, or OTC medications. Avoiding known trigger foods or drinks can help prevent trapped gas from occurring.
Upper abdominal pain can have a wide range of causes, from indigestion and heartburn to gallstones or a liver abscess. Much of the time, the pain is temporary and resolves on its own. Sometimes, however, upper abdominal pain is caused by something that requires immediate medical attention, like a heart attack.
For example, if your abdomen is sensitive to touch or your pain is accompanied by high fever, persistent vomiting, or chest pain, you need to go to the hospital. If you're pregnant or have had recent abdominal surgery, you should consider any stomach pain potentially serious.
The bottom line
If pain is unbearable or unexplained, it's best to get it checked in the ER. Also pay attention to other symptoms in your body — like fainting, fever, blood, vomiting, or significant changes in your bowel movements. These may be warning signs that you need a prompt medical evaluation.
Emergency care for abdominal pain
If you experience the following severe symptoms, Dr. Shah recommends going to an emergency room instead of urgent care: Severe stomach pain that makes it difficult to function, move, eat, or drink. Sudden onset of stomach pain. High fever.
Call your doctor if you have abdominal pain that lasts 1 week or longer, if your pain doesn't improve in 24 to 48 hours, if bloating lasts more than 2 days, or if you have diarrhea for more than 5 days.