Hepatitis is an infection of the liver that can cause pain in the right side of your upper abdomen. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder, which isn’t needed to live and won’t affect your ability to digest food if taken out. Your doctor may prescribe you medication to dissolve gallstones, but that treatment process may take months or years to work. Pain caused by gallstones may last from several minutes to a few hours. sudden and intense pain in the middle of your abdomen, underneath your breastbone.But if gallstones block the duct, they may cause you to feel upper abdominal pain and: Gallstones may not always lead to symptoms. They’re one of the most common causes of pain on the right side of your upper abdomen. But if that’s not the case, and you know your pain is related to eating or physical activity, you can take steps to prevent it in the future.Gallstones are solid deposits of bile and other digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder, a four-inch, pear-shaped organ that’s located right below your liver. Some abdominal pain is unavoidable because it’s related to a serious medical condition that’s developed over time. Female reproductive issues such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or blocked fallopian tubes may also require surgery. If testing shows your pain is related to gastrointestinal conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, duct or intestinal blockage or appendicitis, you may need surgery. Some conditions may benefit from prescription medication. Stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can irritate the stomach. Treating abdominal painĭepending on the cause of your abdominal pain, your doctor may prescribe medication including acetaminophen, antacids or other over-the-counter medicines. These tests may include X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, barium enema or endoscopy. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your gastrointestinal system and other organs. Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Lower abdomen: Diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis or inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis).Middle abdomen: Intestinal blockage, pancreatitis, appendicitis or thoracic aortic aneurysm.Upper abdomen: Pancreatitis, heart attack, GERD or gallstones.General: Appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infection or irritable bowel syndrome.

Lower right abdomen: Stomach flu, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), ovarian cyst or appendicitis.

Upper right abdomen: Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), fecal impaction (hardened stools), hepatitis or peptic ulcer.

Lower left abdomen: Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or kidney stones.

Upper left abdomen: Heart attack, hiatal hernia, shingles or spleen infection.

The location of your pain also gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause: The doctor will analyze all of this information to determine what’s causing your pain. Your doctor may also ask you to describe your pain using words such as burning or achy, crampy or colicky, mild or severe, in one place or all over, dull or sharp, constant or in waves. Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history, and they’ll perform a thorough physical exam.

Chest pain (get prompt medical attention)Īny of these additional symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying cause that requires medical treatment.

Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination.

Bloating or swelling that lasts more than a few days.

Female reproduction: Pain related to the female reproductive cycle could be from ovulation, menstrual cramps or inflammation in the female organs.Ĭall your gastroenterologist if your abdominal pain does not get better in 24 to 48 hours or if you also have:.

Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have diarrhea, food allergies, indigestion, constipation or food poisoning.

Inflammation: Painful irritation or infection in your organs can be caused by inflammation from a peptic ulcer, stomach flu, pancreatitis, a urinary tract infection, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or gallstones.

The most common causes of abdominal pain can be classified into three general categories: inflammation, digestive problems and female reproduction. If you experience abdominal pain often, or the pain is intense or doesn’t go away, you may need to see a doctor. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but in some cases it can be a symptom of something more serious such as a bowel blockage or internal infection. Most people have abdominal pain now and then.

Pain mid left stomach