What You Need to Know About Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common health complaints. Almost everyone experiences it at some point in life. Because the abdomen holds many vital organs, pain in this area can mean different things. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, types, and symptoms of abdominal pain. You’ll also learn when it’s time to see a doctor. Understanding your symptoms can help you seek medical help at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals. We have the best gastroenterologists in Kolkata.
Takeaways:
- Where It Hurts Matters: Doctors split your belly into four parts (top-right, top-left, bottom-right, bottom-left). If your pain is in the bottom-right, it could be something like the appendix. If it’s bottom-left, maybe diverticulitis. The spot tells the doctor what organ is likely causing the trouble.
- Know When It’s Serious: Most pain is just gas or bad digestion (indigestion). But if the pain is very sudden and very strong, or if you have fever, throw up blood, or your stomach is hard to the touch, this is an emergency. Get help right away for this kind of “severe abdominal pain.”
- Be Careful with Pills: For simple stomach upsets, antacids are okay. But do not take ibuprofen or aspirin if the pain is severe and you don’t know why. These pills can make stomach ulcers worse and hide serious problems. See a doctor first.
Understanding the Anatomy of Abdominal Pain
Where Does it Hurt? (Understanding Pain Location)
Doctors often divide the abdomen into four quadrants to better understand pain location:
- Upper Right Quadrant: Includes the liver, gallbladder, and part of the small intestine.
- Upper Left Quadrant: Includes the stomach, pancreas, and spleen.
- Lower Right Quadrant: Includes the appendix, right ovary (in women), and part of the colon.
- Lower Left Quadrant: Includes the descending colon and left ovary (in women).The location of pain can offer clues about the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain (Focus on Severity and Timing)
What are the Common Culprits?
Not all abdominal pain means something serious. Some causes are mild and go away on their own.
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia): A feeling of discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen. It may occur after eating or drinking too much.
- Constipation: This causes general, crampy pain. The pain usually improves after a bowel movement.
- Gas: Sharp, shifting pain caused by trapped air in the intestines. It can feel intense, but it usually passes quickly.These issues are common and often respond well to simple home remedies.
Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdomen pain can have many causes. Some are mild, while others may need medical care.
- Appendicitis: Starts near the navel and moves to the lower right side. The pain becomes sharp and worsens over time. It is a medical emergency.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Causes long-term pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It may come and go over the course of months.
- Kidney Stones: Cause severe, sharp pain that starts in the back or side and moves to the lower abdomen. It may also cause nausea or blood in the urine.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation in small pouches in the colon, usually on the lower left side. Causes steady, aching pain and may include fever or nausea.
Understanding the causes of lower abdominal pain helps in knowing when to see a doctor.
Abdominal Pain After Eating
Some people feel abdominal pain shortly after meals. The cause often depends on the type of food eaten.
- Gallstones: Pain in the upper right abdomen. It often happens after eating fatty meals. The pain can last for hours.
- Stomach Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers): Burning pain in the upper abdomen. Sometimes eating helps; sometimes it makes it worse.
- Food Poisoning or Gastroenteritis: Cramping pain with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Symptoms usually appear within hours of eating.
If you regularly experience abdominal pain after eating, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Recognising Abdominal Pain Symptoms and Types
What are the different types of Pain?
The way pain feels can also give clues about its cause. Here are some common abdominal pain symptoms:
- Crampy Pain: Comes and goes. Often caused by gas, diarrhoea, or menstruation.
- Colicky Pain: Comes in waves and may be very intense. Familiar with kidney or gallstones.
- Burning Pain: Usually linked to acid reflux or ulcers.
- Sharp or Stabbing Pain: May indicate a serious condition, such as inflammation or an internal injury. Needs urgent attention.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help (Severe Abdominal Pain)?
Signs of Severe Abdominal Pain
While mild abdominal pain is often harmless, some signs should never be ignored. If you notice these severe abdominal pain symptoms, seek emergency care:
- Sudden, sharp, or intense pain that feels unbearable.
- Pain with bloody stools or vomiting blood.
- A stiff or rigid abdomen when touched.
- High fever along with pain.
- Inability to pass gas
These could be signs of a serious problem like appendicitis, internal bleeding, or bowel blockage.
Managing and Treating Abdominal Pain
At-Home Relief and Lifestyle Changes
You may think that abdominal pain can be managed at home. Here are a few tips for abdominal pain treatment:
- Follow a bland diet (BRAT: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) during stomach upset.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Try over-the-counter remedies like simethicone for gas or antacids for indigestion.
- Resting and avoiding heavy meals may also help.
Consult with the Best Gastroenterologists at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals
If home care doesn’t work or the pain is severe, medical tests may be needed. We have the top gastroenterologists and gastro surgeons in Kolkata who are always available. You can book your appointment by calling us or filling up the form.
- Blood tests are crucial for detecting infections or inflammation.
- Ultrasound or CT Scan to view organs and find the cause.
Abdominal pain is widespread, but it should never be ignored when it becomes severe or lasts too long. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and warning signs can help you make better choices about your health.
If you’re in doubt, it’s always safest to consult a doctor—especially when the pain is intense, sudden, or persistent.
Indigestion is usually mild, temporary, and focused in the upper abdomen. Serious pain is often sudden, debilitating (severe abdominal pain), and may be accompanied by fever or vomiting.
Not necessarily. While the gallbladder is a common cause, especially after fatty meals (abdominal pain after eating), it could also be due to ulcers, food intolerances, or acid reflux.
Yes, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin if you suspect a stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal bleed, as they can irritate the stomach lining.
The lower left quadrant primarily contains the descending colon. Common causes of pain here include diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or severe constipation.
Yes, stress can cause chronic abdominal pain.