What can cause lower abdominal pain
William Smith
Updated on April 18, 2026
Lower abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It can be a symptom of minor or major digestive system conditions such as gas, indigestion, constipation, colitis, diverticular disease, or appendicitis. Gynecologic conditions such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy may also be causes, as can urinary tract infections.
What causes lower abdominal pain in females?
Crampy pain may be due to gas, indigestion, inflammation or infection, or, in women, from menstrual cramps or endometriosis. Severe pain that comes in waves may be caused by kidney stones. Trauma to the body wall, hernias, and shingles can also cause lower abdominal pain.
Can pain in lower abdomen be serious?
Causes of pain in the lower left abdomen may be benign, such as gas pain, or can be more serious, as in the case of an infection. People experiencing persistent or chronic pain in the lower abdomen should seek medical attention.
When should I be concerned about lower abdominal pain?
Get medical help immediately if: You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena)How do you relieve lower abdominal pain?
- Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
- Soak in a warm bath. …
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
- Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
What organ is below your belly button?
The appendix is a very common cause, as it begins in the belly button and travels into the lower right abdomen. Symptoms can also occur when the urinary tract becomes infected.
How do you know when abdominal pain is serious?
- Constant or severe abdominal pain.
- Pain associated with a high fever.
- Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another.
How do you know if something is wrong with your stomach?
Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut. A balanced gut will have less difficulty processing food and eliminating waste.What are the three types of abdominal pain?
There are three main types of abdominal pain: visceral, parietal, and referred pain. Visceral pain happens when the nerves that run through the walls of an organ get stretched. The pain isn’t usually well localized and feels like a dull ache or cramp.
Where is the abdominal pain located?Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
Article first time published onCan gas cause pain in lower abdomen?
Trapped gas can feel like a stabbing pain in your chest or abdomen. The pain can be sharp enough to send you to the emergency room, thinking it’s a heart attack, or appendicitis, or your gallbladder. Producing and passing gas is a normal part of your digestion.
Do ulcers cause lower abdominal pain?
The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain. The pain is usually in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button (navel) and below the breastbone. The ulcer pain can feel like burning, or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.
What infection causes abdominal pain?
Various causes of abdominal pain include, but are not limited to, indigestion after eating, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pregnancy, gas, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), appendicitis, ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis, …
What medicine is good for lower abdominal pain?
Over-the-Counter Medications For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.
What does pancreatic pain feel like?
The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking. May become constant, severe, and last for several days.
How long is too long for abdominal pain?
Call your doctor if you have abdominal pain that lasts 1 week or longer, if your pain doesn’t improve in 24 to 48 hours, if bloating lasts more than 2 days, or if you have diarrhea for more than 5 days.
Can a viral infection cause abdominal pain?
People who experience stomach pain and chills usually have a bacterial or viral infection. Such infections can cause inflammation and irritation in the gastrointestinal or urinary tracts.
What organ is 2 inches below belly button?
The pancreas is a long, thin organ located behind the stomach, in the upper left side of the abdomen. It produces enzymes to aid in digestion. If the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is known as pancreatitis.
Is pelvic pain the same as abdominal pain?
Pelvic pain affects the lowest part of the abdomen, between the belly button and groin. In women, pelvic pain may be a sign of menstrual cramps, ovulation, or a gastrointestinal issue such as a food intolerance. It can also develop due to a more serious problem.
What is the black stuff that comes out of your belly button?
Omphaloliths. As dead skin cells and sebum — the oil secreted by your skin — accumulate in your bellybutton, they can form an omphalolith over time. Also known as a navel stone, they’re made of the same materials that form blackheads. The surface of a navel stone will turn black from oxidation.
Can urinary tract infection cause pain in lower abdomen?
Urinary tract infection UTIs typically cause bladder-specific symptoms like cloudy urine or pain when you urinate. However, the bacteria causing the infection can also affect your abdomen, specifically your lower abdomen. You may experience a lot of pressure and pain, and bloating can occur.
What is the best test for abdominal pain?
Ultrasonography is the initial imaging test of choice for patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography (CT) is recommended for evaluating right or left lower quadrant pain. Conventional radiography has limited diagnostic value in the assessment of most patients with abdominal pain.
What causes abdominal pain without menstruation?
What Causes Cramps with No Period? Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn’t always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy — even cancer — can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by.
Can you ignore abdominal pain?
When to Seek Emergency Care More severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms: Persistent nausea and vomiting. Pain accompanied by the inability to have a bowel movement (especially if you are vomiting)
Does Covid make your stomach hurt really bad?
What are abdominal pains like in COVID-19? Abdominal (tummy) pains are a fairly rare symptom of COVID-19, so many people may not be aware to look out for them. COVID-related abdominal pains are a generalised pain around the middle of your belly. You might feel sore all around the belly area.
What happens to the body when stomach is not working properly?
Upset stomach: Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and heart burn are all signs of an unhealthy digestive system. All these cater to difficulties in digesting the food and eliminating the waste from our bodies.
What is a lower abdomen?
The abdomen is the area between the chest and the pelvis. It contains vital organs involved in digestion, such as the intestines and the liver. The lower right portion of the abdomen contains a part of the colon, and the right ovary in women.
Can you have trapped gas for days?
Trapped gas is not usually serious, so it should not generally be a cause for concern. However, if a person frequently experiences trapped gas, or the discomfort lasts for a long time, it may be advisable to seek medical attention.
How do you make yourself fart?
- Lie down somewhere flat and pull your legs towards your head.
- Relax your rectum and let the air seep in slowly.
- Keep at it until you feel a butt bomb bubble up.
- Let ‘er rip.
What causes lower abdominal pain and back pain in females?
Lower back pain is a common symptom of PMS, a condition most women experience during menstruation. However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of conditions like PMDD and dysmenorrhea. It may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called endometriosis.
What are the warning signs of an ulcer?
- Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. …
- Indigestion or heartburn. …
- Nausea or vomiting. …
- Change in stool color. …
- Unexplained weight loss.