Abdominal pain is a relatively common symptom that often doesn’t need treatment. But abdominal pain can be a symptom of a serious condition that could require medical attention and, in some cases, even emergency care.
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Types and Sources of Abdominal Pain
The abdomen involves the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Additionally, conditions involving the appendix, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas can cause abdominal pain.
Most of the time, abdominal pain isn’t severe and will usually resolve with little, if any, treatment.
For example:
Many of these conditions can easily be treated with over-the-counter antacids or other medications.
On the other hand, abdominal pain that is localized on a certain spot, sharp, persistent, or worsening may signal a more significant problem.It is usually a good idea to have it checked out.
Pain that radiates down from your chest and feels like heartburnmay be a heart attack. This is especially true if you have shooting pains down an arm, shortness of breath, and/or lightheadedness. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
When to Seek Emergency Care
More severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms:
How Do I Know if My Stomach Pain Is Serious?
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the cause, but there are some general things you can do at home for mild abdominal pain. Sip water and clear liquids, and avoid solid foods for a few hours. If you vomit, wait at least six hours before eating a small, bland meal, and avoid dairy, citrus, greasy foods, tomatoes, caffeine, and alcohol.
One of the main reasons someone feels pain when coughing, sneezing, bending, or lifting is a hernia. If pain suddenly gets worse or you see a bulge in the abdomen, seek medical care for a proper diagnosis.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cartwright SL, Knudson MP.Evaluation of acute abdominal pain in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(7):971-8.Sakalihasan N, Limet R, Defawe OD.Abdominal aortic aneurysm.Lancet. 2005;365(9470):1577-89. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66459-8Cleveland Clinic.What’s causing your lower abdominal pain?Mount Sinai.Abdominal pain.Beaumont.Hernia pain and potential complications.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Abdominal pain.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cartwright SL, Knudson MP.Evaluation of acute abdominal pain in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(7):971-8.Sakalihasan N, Limet R, Defawe OD.Abdominal aortic aneurysm.Lancet. 2005;365(9470):1577-89. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66459-8Cleveland Clinic.What’s causing your lower abdominal pain?Mount Sinai.Abdominal pain.Beaumont.Hernia pain and potential complications.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Abdominal pain.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cartwright SL, Knudson MP.Evaluation of acute abdominal pain in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(7):971-8.Sakalihasan N, Limet R, Defawe OD.Abdominal aortic aneurysm.Lancet. 2005;365(9470):1577-89. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66459-8Cleveland Clinic.What’s causing your lower abdominal pain?Mount Sinai.Abdominal pain.Beaumont.Hernia pain and potential complications.
Cartwright SL, Knudson MP.Evaluation of acute abdominal pain in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2008;77(7):971-8.
Sakalihasan N, Limet R, Defawe OD.Abdominal aortic aneurysm.Lancet. 2005;365(9470):1577-89. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66459-8
Cleveland Clinic.What’s causing your lower abdominal pain?
Mount Sinai.Abdominal pain.
Beaumont.Hernia pain and potential complications.
MedlinePlus.Abdominal pain.
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