Abdominal pain, commonly called a stomachache, stomach pain, or belly pain, is discomfort that occurs anywhere between the chest and pelvis. The pain may be mild or severe, sudden or gradual, and can last for a short time (acute) or persist for weeks to months (chronic).
Abdominal pain is a symptom—not a disease—and can have many possible causes. Some causes are minor and improve on their own, while others require prompt medical evaluation or emergency treatment.
Common causes include indigestion, constipation, viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”), acid reflux (GERD), food poisoning, gallstones, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gynecologic conditions.
The location, severity, timing, and associated symptoms help healthcare providers determine the underlying cause.
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about abdominal pain, common causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Abdominal Pain – American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about digestive disorders and abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people visit healthcare providers and emergency departments. People of all ages can experience abdominal pain, and most episodes are caused by non-serious conditions that improve with treatment or supportive care.
However, severe or persistent abdominal pain may indicate a more serious medical condition requiring prompt evaluation.
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides information about common causes of abdominal pain and when medical evaluation is recommended.
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms may include:
Depending on the cause, abdominal pain may occur in one area or throughout the abdomen.
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and perform a physical examination. The location and characteristics of your pain help guide the evaluation.
Additional testing depends on the suspected cause.
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Explains how abdominal pain is evaluated and when additional testing is recommended.
Abdominal pain can result from many different medical conditions.
Common causes include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Learn about the many possible causes of abdominal pain and when additional evaluation is needed.
Several factors may worsen abdominal pain depending on the underlying cause.
Common factors include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides information about common triggers and risk factors for abdominal pain.
Not all causes of abdominal pain can be prevented, but healthy habits may reduce your risk.
Helpful prevention tips include:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides practical recommendations for digestive health and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.
Laboratory testing depends on your symptoms and the suspected cause.
Common laboratory tests may include:
Laboratory Tests – NIH MedlinePlus
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Provides information about laboratory testing commonly used to evaluate abdominal pain.
Additional testing depends on your symptoms and physical examination.
Common diagnostic tests include:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about gastrointestinal testing and digestive disorders.
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of your abdominal pain.
Treatment options may include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides information about treatment options for common causes of abdominal pain.
Healthy habits may help reduce the risk of many causes of abdominal pain.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides practical recommendations for digestive health and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your abdominal pain.
Common medications may include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides information about medications used to treat common causes of abdominal pain.
Most people with abdominal pain do not require surgery or invasive procedures. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. However, certain procedures may be recommended to diagnose the cause or treat conditions that require medical intervention.
Common procedures may include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Learn about abdominal pain, diagnostic testing, and treatment options.
The long-term outlook depends on the cause of your abdominal pain.
Many common causes, such as indigestion, constipation, viral gastroenteritis, or mild food poisoning, improve completely with treatment and supportive care.
Other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic acid reflux (GERD), may require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent complications.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment often improve outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Home care depends on the cause of your abdominal pain, but general recommendations include:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Provides practical recommendations for managing abdominal pain and promoting digestive health.
Severe abdominal pain, pain that worsens rapidly, pain associated with fever, persistent vomiting, bloody stools, black stools, or difficulty breathing should be evaluated immediately.
Yes. Stress and anxiety can contribute to abdominal pain and may worsen conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, or acid reflux.
Ask your healthcare provider before taking pain medication for severe abdominal pain, as some medications may mask important symptoms or worsen certain conditions.
Yes. Constipation can cause significant abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramping, particularly if it is prolonged or severe.
Yes. Conditions such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, perforated ulcers, ruptured abdominal aneurysm, ectopic pregnancy, and severe pancreatitis require immediate medical attention.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Many causes of abdominal pain are managed by a primary care provider. Depending on your symptoms or diagnosis, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist.
You may be referred to:
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Provides patient education about digestive diseases, abdominal pain, and specialty care.
Many causes of abdominal pain are temporary and completely treatable, especially when identified early.
Some chronic conditions, such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic pancreatitis, cannot be cured but can often be successfully managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical care.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice:
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Learn about abdominal pain complications and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Abdominal Pain – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html
Easy-to-understand information about abdominal pain, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
https://gi.org/
Comprehensive patient education about digestive disorders, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal testing, and treatment.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
Reliable information about digestive diseases, abdominal pain, liver disease, and gastrointestinal health.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
https://gastro.org/
Evidence-based patient education about digestive health, gastrointestinal diseases, and available treatments.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, do not improve as expected, or new symptoms develop. Call 911 immediately if you experience sudden severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
