Lower Abdominal Pain

Overview

Lower abdominal pain is discomfort felt below the navel. It is commonly related to the intestines and bowel habit — infection, food poisoning, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or gas — and may also relate to the urinary tract or kidneys. This page focuses on the lower-abdomen pattern; the broader assessment of abdominal pain is on the central Abdominal Pain page, which links here.

Common causes

• Acute gastroenteritis and food poisoning.
• Constipation and trapped gas.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, in some cases.
• Appendicitis, when pain settles in the right lower abdomen — urgent.

Features that help identify the cause

• Cramping pain with loose motions — suggests gastroenteritis.
• Pain easing after passing stool or gas — suggests gas or constipation.
• Long-standing cramping with a change in bowel habit — suggests IBS.
• Pain with burning on urination — suggests a urinary cause.
• Pain moving to the right lower abdomen and becoming constant — possible appendicitis; urgent.

Evaluation and investigations

Evaluation reviews the pain pattern, bowel habit, urination and any fever or bleeding. Tests may include a stool examination, urine test, blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. A colonoscopy is arranged when there is persistent change in bowel habit, bleeding or suspected inflammatory bowel disease.

Management

Management treats the cause: hydration and targeted treatment for infection, fibre and fluids for constipation, symptom-directed treatment and lifestyle measures for IBS, and appropriate care for urinary or kidney causes. Appendicitis and other surgical causes are referred promptly.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Severe or worsening pain, especially in the right lower abdomen — possible appendicitis; emergency.
• Pain with high fever.
• Pain with persistent vomiting or dehydration.
• Pain with blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
• Pain with inability to pass gas or stool.

How we help

Dr. Nayak identifies the cause of lower abdominal pain, treats specifically, and refers surgical or emergency cases promptly. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Abdominal Pain
• Acute Gastroenteritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Constipation
• Urinary Problems
• Fever & Infectious Diseases