Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people see a Health Expert. The cause can range from a passing indigestion to a surgical emergency. Where the pain is, how it feels, and what else is happening with it usually point to the cause.

Red flags — dial 112 or go to hospital

• Sudden, severe, worsening pain.
• Pain with fever, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or blood in stool.
• Rigid, board-like tummy; pain that stops you moving.
• Pain with fainting, confusion, or chest pain.
• Severe pain in pregnancy, or with a missed period.
• Pain after a road accident or blunt injury to the belly.
• Pain in a newborn, young child, or elderly person with reduced alertness.

Common causes

• Upper abdomen — gastritis, acidity (GERD), peptic ulcer, gallstones, pancreatitis, heart attack (can feel like indigestion — particularly in Indian women and people with diabetes).
• Around the navel / lower right — appendicitis; in the elderly, diverticulitis.
• Lower abdomen — urinary tract infection, kidney stone, period-related pain, pelvic infection, bowel inflammation.
• Whole-abdomen, with loose motions — gastroenteritis (food- or water-borne).
• Colicky, crampy — gas, constipation, IBS.
• Tender lump — hernia (worsens on coughing; needs urgent review if it becomes painful, hard, or doesn't push back in).

Self-care for mild, short-lived pain

• Clear fluids; avoid heavy, oily, spicy food.
• ORS if there is vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Rest; warm bag on the belly.
• Simple pain reliever; avoid NSAIDs if ulcer or kidney disease is suspected.
• If pain persists more than 24-48 hours, worsens, or comes with any red flag — see a Health Expert.