Results for: Abdominal Pain
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty swallowing)
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
20 Possible Conditions
These conditions are listed by likelihood based on the symptom. This is not a diagnosis.
Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral or bacterial infection.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, frequently due to H. pylori infection or NSAID use.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A functional gastrointestinal disorder causing cramping, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, presenting with acute onset right lower quadrant pain.
Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
Solid deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause biliary colic or cholecystitis.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, often due to gallstones or alcohol use, causing severe epigastric pain.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon, leading to left lower quadrant pain.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infection of the urinary system that can cause suprapubic discomfort and urgency.
Kidney Stones
Hard mineral deposits that can obstruct the urinary tract, producing severe flank and abdominal pain.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, commonly in the fallopian tube, causing acute abdominal pain.
Ovarian Cyst (ruptured)
Fluid-filled sac on the ovary that can rupture, leading to sudden lower abdominal pain.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis)
Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Mesenteric Ischemia
Reduced blood flow to the intestines, often presenting with severe postprandial abdominal pain.
Hernia (incarcerated)
Protrusion of an organ through a weakness in the abdominal wall that can become trapped, causing pain.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to alcohol, NSAIDs, or infection.
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult bowel movements that can cause crampy abdominal discomfort.
Food Intolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance)
Difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause lower abdominal pain and fever.
Celiac Disease
Autoimmune reaction to gluten causing inflammation and abdominal pain after ingestion.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (rupture)
A weakened area in the abdominal aorta that can rupture, leading to life‑threatening severe pain and shock.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While many conditions can be managed with home care or a doctor's visit, some situations require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if:
Heart-Related
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Brain-Related
Severe headache, confusion, or sudden vision changes
High Fever
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) or fever with stiff neck
Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding or coughing up blood
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, CDC, NIH