What Could Be Causing Persistent Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can have various causes, and the location of the pain can provide clues to its source.

Possible Causes Based on Pain Location

• Epigastric (Upper Central Abdomen) Pain

Possible causes include the stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, pancreas, esophagus, transverse colon, aorta, and heart.

Conditions: peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even myocardial infarction.

• Right Upper Abdominal Pain

Commonly related to the gallbladder, duodenum, liver, kidney, and lungs.

Conditions: cholecystitis, duodenal ulcers, kidney stones, acute hepatitis, pleurisy.

• Left Upper Abdominal Pain

Can involve the stomach, pancreas, spleen, kidney, or lung.

Conditions: gastric ulcers, acute pancreatitis, kidney stones, pleurisy.

• Periumbilical (Around the Belly Button) Pain

May stem from the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, colon, bile ducts, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, or aorta.

Conditions: peptic ulcers, intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis, bile duct stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, superior mesenteric artery thrombosis.

• Flank Pain

Usually involves the large intestine, small intestine, kidney, or ureter. Ischemic colitis often affects the descending colon, leading to left flank pain.

Conditions: kidney stones, ischemic colitis, pyelonephritis, renal infarction.

• Lower Abdominal Pain

Often related to the large intestine, small intestine, uterus, ovaries, ureter, or bladder.

Conditions: appendicitis, diverticulitis, acute enteritis, constipation, colon cancer, gynecological conditions (e.g., salpingitis, ovarian torsion), miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, cystitis, incarcerated inguinal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome.

While abdominal pain is sometimes disregarded as minor, certain symptoms may indicate a need for prompt medical attention.

- The pain is severe and unbearable.

- The area of pain expands.

- Accompanied by nausea, fever, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

In these cases, you should visit a hospital as soon as possible.

Managing Abdominal Pain That Seems to Subside with Rest

If you’re only experiencing abdominal pain without other symptoms, rest in a comfortable position and monitor your symptoms. Warm the abdomen, drink room-temperature water or warm water slowly, and eat small amounts of easily digestible food if you feel able.

When you take medication, follow the dosage instructions. If the pain lasts over half a day, intensifies, or is accompanied by fever or nausea, consult a doctor.