Abdominal Pain

Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Its meaning depends on where it is felt, how it came on, how long it has lasted, and what accompanies it. Pain may arise from the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidneys or other organs, and occasionally from problems outside the abdomen. This is the central overview page for abdominal pain; the location-specific pages — Upper Abdominal Pain and Lower Abdominal Pain — explore those patterns in more detail and link back here.

How abdominal pain is assessed

• Location — upper, lower, central, right or left side.
• Onset — sudden, gradual, or recurring over time.
• Character — cramping, burning, aching or sharp.
• Duration and pattern — minutes, hours, days or weeks.
• Relationship to food, bowel habit, urination or movement.
• Accompanying features — fever, vomiting, bleeding, weight loss.

Common causes by location

• Upper abdomen — acidity, gastritis, ulcers, reflux, gallbladder or liver problems.
• Lower abdomen — bowel-related causes, infection, constipation, IBS.
• Generalised — gastroenteritis, food poisoning, bloating and gas.
• Other — kidney stones, urinary infection, or causes outside the gut.

Evaluation and investigations

Evaluation begins with a detailed history and a thorough examination of the abdomen. Tests are chosen according to the likely cause and may include blood tests, a stool examination, an abdominal ultrasound, and, when indicated, endoscopy or colonoscopy. The aim is to find the cause rather than simply suppress the pain.

Management

Management treats the underlying cause — acid-related disease, infection, gallstones, constipation or IBS — rather than relying on painkillers alone, which can themselves irritate the stomach. Simple, short-lived pain from indigestion or gas often settles with basic measures, but persistent or severe pain is assessed properly first.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Severe or sudden abdominal pain, especially with a rigid or very tender abdomen — emergency.
• Pain with vomiting blood or black, tarry stools.
• Pain with high fever.
• Pain with persistent vomiting and dehydration.
• Pain after an injury to the abdomen.
• Pain with yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

How we help

Dr. Nayak assesses abdominal pain systematically, identifies the cause, and treats specifically — directing emergency cases to hospital. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Upper Abdominal Pain
• Lower Abdominal Pain
• Indigestion / Dyspepsia
• Acute Gastroenteritis
• Kidney Health
• Fever & Infectious Diseases