Abdominal Pain Health Channel
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Feature Article
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Abdominal pain
Definition
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
Alternative Names
Stomach pain; Pain - abdomen; Belly ache; Abdominal cramps
Considerations
Almost everyone experiences pain in the abdomen at one time or another. Most of the time, it is not caused by a serious medical problem. There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including: - Organs related to digestion -- the end of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
- The aorta -- a large blood vessel that runs straight down the inside of the abdomen
- The appendix -- an organ in the lower right abdomen that no longer serves much function
- The kidneys -- two bean-shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity
- The spleen -- an organ involved in blood maintenance and infection control
However, the pain may start from somewhere else -- like your chest or pelvic area. You may also have a generalized infection, such as the flu or strep throat, that affects many parts of your body. The intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain. Severe abdominal pain can be from mild conditions, such as gas or the cramping of viral gastroenteritis. On the other hand, relatively mild pain or no pain may be present with life-threatening conditions, such as cancer of the colon or early appendicitis. Other ways of describing pain in your abdomen include: - Pain may be generalized, meaning that it is present in more than half of your belly. This is more typical for a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas. If the pain becomes more severe, it may be caused by a blockage of the intestines.
- Pain that is localized is found in only one area of your belly. This type of pain is more likely to be a sign of a problem in one of your organs, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach (ulcers).
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