Locations of Abdominal Pain

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Topic

  • About Belly Pain

Abdominal pain comes in many forms. It can range from bloatedness and abdominal discomfort that is usually associated with colicky pain (often relieved with a fart, perhaps to the amusement of those around you), to feeling like you’re unable to move (which is amusing to no one). But how can you tell what’s causing your abdominal pain? Understanding the abdominal pain locations can help pinpoint the source of discomfort, whether it’s localized in the upper or lower abdomen. There are various abdominal pain locations and causes, each offering symptoms about potential underlying conditions.

Keep reading to learn more about the four locations of abdominal pain, what the four types of abdominal pain might mean, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

What Are the Four Locations of Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can be divided into four locations: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, right side of the abdomen, and left side of the abdomen.

Upper Right Abdominal Pain

Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, on either or both sides, may often signal indigestion or another belly-related problem. For instance, upper right abdominal pain under the ribs can be a sign of gallstones or liver issues. The pain can feel like heat or a burning sensation under your breastbone, and you may also feel unpleasantly full during or after eating.

Pain in the upper right side may also be caused by gallbladder inflammation2. Additional symptoms of this condition include4:

  • pain that may get worse with deep breaths and when you’re being palpated
  • pain that can spread to the end of your right shoulder blade
  • fever
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • nausea or vomiting
  • bloating

Other conditions that may cause pain in the upper right side of your abdomen include3:

  • gallstones
  • abscess or tumor in the liver
  • more of lower colitis and diverticulitis

Upper Left Abdominal Pain

Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, particularly under the ribs, can have several causes, depending on the organ affected3. This type of discomfort may arise from issues with the stomach, spleen, or pancreas. Understanding the underlying cause of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs is important for determining the appropriate treatment.

Stomach and gut-related causes include:

  • gastritis
  • peptic ulcer

Lower Right and Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Several conditions may cause abdominal pain on both sides. These include2,3:

  • diverticulitis
  • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) · irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • kidney stones
  • kidney infection, gynecological conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsion, fibroids
  • testicular torsion

To read about more causes of abdominal pain in men, read our article.

On the lower right side of the abdomen, appendicitis is the most common cause of pain3. Additional symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • pain that starts around the belly button and shifts toward the lower right area of your abdomen2
  • fever3

If you think you have appendicitis, contact a doctor immediately.

On the lower left side of the abdomen, diverticulitis is the most common cause of pain2,3. Additional symptoms include fever, tenderness in the area, and a swollen tummy3.

Sudden Abdominal Pain

Some of the conditions that can cause it include5:

  • inflammation of the gallbladder
  • inflammation of the pancreas
  • blockage of the intestines
  • appendicitis
  • gastric ulcer
  • duodenal ulcer
  • kidney stones

Get medical attention immediately if you experience abdominal pain that is sudden and severe.

Sudden and very acute pain or severe abdominal pain could mean a range of conditions that need immediate medical care. These include:

  • appendicitis
  • bleeding or perforated belly ulcer
  • inflammation of the gallbladder
  • kidney stones
  • Diverticulitis

Other, less serious causes of severe abdominal pain include:

  • Belly bug (food poisoning)
  • a pulled muscle in your abdomen

In the case of some older adults, sudden and severe abdominal pain may be a sign of a heart attack. Get immediate medical attention if you think that mild abdominal pain may be the case.

When Should I Go to The Doctor For Abdominal Pain?

You should see a doctor if7:

  • Your abdominal pain doesn't get better or gets worse after 24–48 hours
  • Your bloating sensation doesn’t go away after 2 days
  • You have persistent diarrhea or vomiting
  • You are feeling generally unwell and you look pale
  • You have abdominal pain with a fever (37.8 °C or higher)
  • You have lost weight unintentionally
  • You have vaginal bleeding without menstrual period
  • You have a burning sensation when you pee
  • You have lost your appetite over a longer period
  • Your abdominal pain is associated with physical activity
  • Your abdominal pain is debilitating, it keeps you up at night or it stops you from enjoying your daily life
  • This is the first time you’re having abdominal pain that hurts this much

When is Abdominal Pain an Emergency?

You should seek emergency medical attention if, in addition to having abdominal or chest pain elsewhere:

  • Have trouble breathing
  • Have blood in your stool, or vomited blood
  • Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Are pregnant, or could be pregnant
  • Are being treated for cancer
  • Have a rigid or tender belly
  • You have had a recent injury to your abdomen

You should also seek immediate care if you have sudden, sharp, or stabbing pain in the abdomen7.

To learn more about potential causes of abdominal pain, and what to do for self-care.

Don’t let belly pain hold you back.

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