Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Nov 26, 2023
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Stomachache
I have lower abdominal pain
I have left lower abdominal pain
Pain in the lower right stomach
Upper left abdominal pain
Upper right abdominal pain
Have periodic abdominal pain
Have pelvic pain
Sharp abdominal pain
Stomach pain with diarrhea
Localized abdominal pain
Flank pain
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Questions are customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
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Abdominal pain is a painful sensation in the abdominal area. The abdominal area is the part between the chest and pelvis, often called the belly, tummy, stomach. The pain may be pressing, aching, cramping, sharp or dull in nature.
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Abdominal pain can be related to:
Gallbladder stones or pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallbladder stones without any symptoms for their entire lives. Severe cases may require surgery.
Ovulation is the process when the ovary releases an egg as part of the normal female reproductive cycle. It typically happens in the middle of a menstrual cycle (about 2 weeks after the end of the period). At the time of ovulation, some women may feel some cramping or lower abdominal pain that resolves by itself. This is called mid-cycle pain (mittelschmerz), and it can occasionally cause some mild bleeding or spotting along with it. If there is no other cause for the pain or bleeding, this is not considered to be harmful.
Acute Porphyria
Acute porphyria refers to a group of rare genetic disorders affecting heme production, leading to a range of symptoms.
Sometimes, Abdominal pain may be related to these serious diseases:
Acute appendicitis happens when the appendix (a small, tube-like structure attached to a part of the colon) gets inflamed. This usually occurs because the appendix gets clogged with fecal material or calcium. The appendix swells with inflammation and becomes infected with gut bacteria. It can affect anyone and is most common in young adults.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Q.
When my stomach is upset, what are the guidelines for seeing a doctor?
A.
If it does not go away after resting your abdomen, see a doctor. Be sure to see a doctor if your abdomen is very tight or if it is accompanied by pain or bleeding.
References:
Diane Abraczinskas, MD. (2022). Overview of intestinal gas and bloating.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-intestinal-gas-and-bloating
Q.
When I have an upset stomach, are there any measures I can take in my daily life?
A.
Avoid binge drinking and exercise moderately.
References:
Diane Abraczinskas, MD. (2022). Overview of intestinal gas and bloating.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-intestinal-gas-and-bloating
Q.
What are the possible causes or diseases of an upset stomach?
A.
Gas accumulation in the digestive tract is a relatively common cause. Constipation, inflammation or tumors in the abdomen, and pregnancy are also possible causes.
References:
Diane Abraczinskas, MD. (2022). Overview of intestinal gas and bloating.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-intestinal-gas-and-bloating
Sherman R. Abdominal Pain. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 86. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK412/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK412/Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
This symptom checker site is a great resource to either get an idea of what is happening inside your body or even get a second opinion without incurring another huge bill. It also provides a way to connect with a professional if needed. I really enjoy this site.
Aug 30, 2024 (Female, 40s)
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