What might cause periodic abdominal pain?

If you have abdominal pain that comes and goes, several things might be causing it. Common digestive issues like chronic constipation or acid reflux might trigger periodic pain. Sometimes, food intolerances or allergies can cause discomfort that occurs regularly, especially after eating certain foods. Some people may also experience recurring abdominal pain due to inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which can cause episodes of pain and discomfort that come and go over time. Conditions affecting the gallbladder, like gallstones, can also lead to recurring pain, particularly after eating fatty meals. The pain often occurs in the upper right abdomen and may last for several hours before subsiding. Less commonly, other issues outside of the digestive system can also cause periodic abdominal pain. For example, some people may also experience recurring pain due to menstrual cycles or reproductive conditions like endometriosis. Musculoskeletal issues, such as abdominal wall strain, might also lead to intermittent discomfort. Rarer conditions affecting blood vessels like celiac artery compression syndrome can compress arteries and cause cyclic pain related to eating or movement. Keeping track of the timing of the pain along with other associated symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea can help a healthcare provider figure out what might be causing your discomfort. To get personalized insights about your symptoms right now, try our free AI symptom checker and decide on the next steps.