Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is discomfort or pain felt anywhere between the chest and the groin. It is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, and it can range from mild and short-lived to severe and ongoing.
The pain may feel like cramping, sharp stabbing, dull aching, or a general sense of pressure. It can come and go in waves or stay constant. Sometimes the pain stays in one spot; other times it spreads across the whole belly.
Most cases of abdominal pain are not serious and get better on their own - for example, pain caused by trapped wind, indigestion, or a mild stomach upset. However, some causes do need medical attention, so it is important to pay attention to how the pain feels, where it is, and whether other symptoms come with it.
Knowing the location of your pain, how long it has lasted, and any other changes in your body - such as fever, vomiting, or changes in your bowel habits - can help a doctor find the cause more quickly.
Emergency warning signs
Emergency Warning Signs
Most abdominal pain is not dangerous, but some symptoms mean you need urgent medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency department or seek immediate help if you or someone else has abdominal pain along with any of the following:
Sudden, severe pain that comes on quickly and feels unbearable or unlike anything you have felt before
Rigid or board-hard belly: if the abdomen feels very tight and tender to touch
Pain after an injury or accident, such as a fall or blow to the stomach
Vomiting blood or passing stools that are black, tarry, or contain visible blood
High fever with severe pain: especially if you also feel confused or very unwell
Inability to keep any fluids down: combined with signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or very little urination
Pain spreading to the chest, jaw, or left arm: this can sometimes signal a heart problem
Swollen or bloated abdomen: that is getting noticeably larger
Severe pain in pregnancy, at any stage
Loss of consciousness or extreme weakness, alongside abdominal pain
These symptoms may point to a serious condition that can worsen quickly without treatment. Do not wait to see if the pain improves on its own: seek medical care straight away.
What this page cannot tell you
What This Page Cannot Tell You
This page gives general information about abdominal pain to help you understand your symptoms and know when to seek help. It is not a substitute for a medical assessment.
Abdominal pain has many possible causes: some straightforward, others more complex. Without examining you in person, asking about your full medical history, and sometimes running tests, it is not possible to tell you what is causing your pain or how serious it is.
This page cannot:
Diagnose the cause of your pain. Many different conditions can cause similar symptoms, and telling them apart often requires a physical examination and investigations such as blood tests, urine tests, or scans.
Tell you whether your specific situation is serious. General guidance cannot account for your age, existing health conditions, medications, or the exact nature of your symptoms.
Replace advice from a healthcare provider. If you are unsure about your symptoms, or if they are getting worse or not improving, please speak to a doctor or trained health worker.
Provide treatment recommendations. Information here is for awareness only and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat.
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical advice. Early assessment is always better than waiting when you are unsure.
Common causes
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can come from many different parts of the body inside the belly, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Because so many organs are packed into this area, there are a wide variety of possible causes.
Common, less serious causes include:
Trapped wind or gas:a build-up of air in the digestive system that causes cramping or bloating
Indigestion: discomfort after eating, often felt as burning or pressure in the upper belly
Constipation: difficulty passing stools, which can cause cramping and a feeling of fullness
Stomach infections: often caused by viruses or bacteria, leading to pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting (sometimes called a stomach bug or food poisoning)
Menstrual cramps: cramping pain in the lower belly that some people experience during their period
Causes that may need medical attention include:
Urinary tract infections: infection in the bladder or kidneys, often with burning when urinating
Appendicitis:inflammation of the appendix, usually felt as pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side
Gallstones: hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sudden pain, especially after eating fatty foods
Kidney stones: can cause sharp, severe pain that moves from the back down toward the groin
Peptic ulcers: sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine
Hernia: when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles
Pelvic or reproductive conditions: such as ovarian cysts or infections affecting the reproductive organs
This list is not exhaustive. A doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and examination findings to identify the most likely cause in your case.
What you can do yourself
Self-Care for Abdominal Pain
If your pain is mild and you have no emergency warning signs, there are some simple steps you can take at home to help yourself feel more comfortable while you recover.
Rest and give your digestive system a break
Rest as much as you can, especially if you are feeling unwell.
Avoid heavy physical activity until the pain settles.
Watch what you eat and drink
Sip fluids regularly: water is best. Staying hydrated is especially important if you have been vomiting or have diarrhoea.
Start with light, easy-to-digest foods such as plain rice, bread, or soup if you feel able to eat.
Avoid rich, fatty, or spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine until you feel better.
Eat smaller amounts more slowly rather than large meals.
Ease discomfort
A warm (not hot) compress or heat pad placed gently on the belly may help relieve cramping or muscle tension.
Moving around gently can sometimes help trapped wind or gas to pass.
Medicines
Simple pain relief available without a prescription may help, but always follow the instructions on the packaging and check with a pharmacist if you are unsure what is safe for you.
Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers if you think your pain may be related to your stomach lining, and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.
When to stop self-care and seek help
Self-care is only appropriate for mild, short-lived pain with no concerning symptoms. If your pain is getting worse, lasting more than a day or two, or you develop any of the emergency warning signs listed above, stop waiting and seek medical advice.
When to see a doctor
When to See a Doctor
Not all abdominal pain needs emergency care, but some situations do need a doctor's assessment even if they do not feel urgent. It is better to get checked sooner rather than waiting for things to worsen.
See a doctor if:
Your pain has not improved after a day or two of rest and self-care
The pain keeps coming back over days or weeks, even if it settles between episodes
You have lost your appetite or have been unable to eat normally for more than a day or two
You are vomiting repeatedly or cannot keep fluids down
You notice unexplained weight loss alongside abdominal discomfort
You have a mild to moderate fever with ongoing abdominal pain
You have a burning or painful feeling when urinating, or notice changes in how often you urinate
Your stools have changed in colour, consistency, or frequency for more than a week or two
The pain is disrupting your sleep or your ability to carry out daily activities
You are pregnant and have any abdominal pain that concerns you, even if it feels mild
You have a long-term health condition and you notice any change in your usual symptoms
You are worried about your symptoms, even if you cannot explain exactly why
A note on children and older adults
Children and older adults can sometimes become unwell more quickly than others. If a child has persistent abdominal pain they cannot explain, or an older adult develops new or worsening pain, it is wise to seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms need attention, speak to a doctor or trained health worker. It is always reasonable to ask.
What a doctor may check
What a Doctor May Check
When you see a doctor about abdominal pain, they will try to find the cause by gathering information and examining you. Here is what you can generally expect:
Questions they may ask
Where exactly is the pain, and does it spread anywhere else?
When did it start, and has it changed since then?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
Have you had any vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or changes in your urine or stools?
Have you eaten anything unusual, or do certain foods make it worse?
Are you taking any medicines, and do you have any existing health conditions?
For those who menstruate: details about your last period
Physical examination
The doctor will usually gently press on different areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or any areas that feel unusual. They will also listen to your belly with a stethoscope and may check your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
Tests that may be arranged
Depending on what the doctor finds, they may request:
Blood tests: to check for infection, inflammation, or problems with organs such as the liver or kidneys
Urine test: to look for signs of a urinary tract or kidney infection
Pregnancy test: for anyone who could be pregnant
Stool test: if an infection or digestive condition is suspected
Ultrasound scan: to get a picture of the organs inside the abdomen
X-ray or other imaging: if a more detailed view is needed
Not everyone will need all of these. The doctor will decide which checks are most appropriate based on your symptoms and examination.
Nepal context
Abdominal Pain in Nepal
Common local triggers
In Nepal, abdominal pain is frequently linked to digestive infections caused by contaminated food or water. Conditions such as typhoid fever, intestinal worm infections, and acute gastroenteritis (stomach bugs with vomiting and diarrhoea) are relatively common, particularly during warmer months or after flooding. Food poisoning from street food or improperly stored meals can also be a frequent cause.
Gallstones are seen across all age groups and are a common reason for upper abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals. Peptic ulcers related to a bacterial infection called H. pylori are also frequently diagnosed in Nepal.
Access to care
Healthcare facilities vary widely depending on where you live. In cities and larger towns, hospitals and clinics with basic diagnostic facilities including blood tests and ultrasound are generally available. In rural or remote areas, access may be more limited, and a health post or community health worker may be your first point of contact.
If you live far from a hospital, do not delay seeking care for severe or worsening pain. Community health workers and local health posts can help assess whether you need to travel to a larger facility.
Practical points
Drinking safe, clean water and practising good hand hygiene before eating can help reduce the risk of many common infections that cause abdominal pain.
During monsoon season, the risk of waterborne illness increases: take extra care with food and water sources during this time.
If you are taking traditional herbal remedies alongside any prescribed medicines, let your doctor know, as some combinations can affect the stomach or liver.
Useful records to keep
Useful Records to Keep
Keeping track of your symptoms before seeing a doctor can save time and help your healthcare provider understand your situation more quickly. You do not need anything special: a few notes on paper or your phone are enough.
Try to note down:
Where the pain is: which part of your belly, and whether it stays in one place or moves
When it started: the date and roughly what time the pain began
How it feels: for example, cramping, sharp, dull, or a constant pressure
How long each episode lasts: a few minutes, several hours, or ongoing
How severe it is: on a scale of 1 to 10 can be helpful, or simply mild, moderate, or severe
What makes it better or worse: such as eating, lying down, moving, or using the toilet
Any other symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in urine or stools, loss of appetite, or unusual tiredness
What you have eaten and drunk: especially anything new, or food from outside the home
Any medicines or remedies you have taken: including traditional or herbal preparations, and whether they helped
For those who menstruate: the date your last period started and whether your pain relates to your cycle
If your pain comes and goes over several days or weeks, keeping a simple daily log makes it much easier for a doctor to spot patterns and identify a cause.
Important notice
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general health awareness only. It has been written to help you understand abdominal pain and make more informed decisions about seeking care: not to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
Reading this page does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The content is not tailored to your individual circumstances, medical history, or current health status. It cannot account for every possible cause of abdominal pain or every situation in which symptoms may arise.
Always consult a doctor or trained health worker if you have concerns about your health. Do not delay seeking medical care, change any treatment you have been prescribed, or make decisions about your health based solely on what you have read here.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek help immediately at the nearest available health facility.