Types of abdominal pain – what does pain in different places of the abdomen indicate?

There are many types of abdominal pain – some of them do not herald serious conditions and are not a cause for concern. It happens that simple indigestion contributes to the ailment. Sometimes, however, they may indicate a pathology that requires medical consultation, diagnostic procedures and specialist treatment. 

The location and nature of abdominal pain can tell you something about the cause that caused the ailment. On this basis, a preliminary diagnosis can be made, but it should be remembered that it is only indicative. Any disturbing symptoms should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Pain in the central part of the abdomen

Crampy pain in the middle of the abdomen often bothers at night and radiates to the back, sometimes “wanders” towards the right side. If the ailments are accompanied by other symptoms, such as gas, nausea and vomiting, an attack of biliary (hepatic) colic is suspected. In such a situation, you should refrain from taking food and liquids and seek medical help urgently.

Abdominal pain on the right side

Severe abdominal pain on the right side in the hypochondrium area is usually indicative of acute cholecystitis. The disease progresses with vomiting, nausea and a higher body temperature. The pain may radiate to the back and worsen on inhalation. After the first XNUMX hours, the symptoms usually subside, but an ambulance should be called as soon as possible. Active inflammation threatens to rupture the walls of the bubble, shock and even death.

Abdominal pain on the left side

Abdominal pain in the left side that intensifies under pressure or after eating may indicate diverticulosis. The ailment is signaled by nausea, chills, diarrhea, pencil stools, the feeling of incomplete defecation, constipation.

Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side, which sometimes worsens, may indicate the development of hepatitis or even pancreatic cancer. Diseases are suspected if pain is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fatigue and fever. Typically, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, pale stools and dark urine are added to the list of symptoms.

Pain in the upper abdomen, below the breastbone or above the belly button

Burning abdominal pain located just below the sternum or above the navel indicates a stomach ulcer or gastritis. The disease progresses with vomiting, gas, diarrhea, heartburn and loss of appetite.

Bol w podbrzuszu

Pain, heaviness in the lower abdomen and/or groin pain that worsens when lifting or bending forward are typical symptoms of an inguinal hernia. In this case, a palpable bump or bulge forms under the skin in the inguinal region.

Abdominal pain with diarrhea or constipation

If, in addition to abdominal pain, there is diarrhea or constipation, as well as nausea after meals, gas, bloating and mucus in the stool, a reaction to severe, chronic stress or irritable bowel syndrome is suspected.

Abdominal pain radiating to arms and shoulders

Abdominal pain, which “travels” to the arms and shoulders and intensifies when moving, indicates a variety of pathological conditions. It may indicate, for example, poisoning, adnexitis, acute appendicitis, gastric ulcer perforation, and even a heart attack or anaphylactic shock.

Abdominal cramping pain

If the cramps are accompanied by pus or blood in the stool along with diarrhoea, high body temperature and weight loss, suspect bacillary dysentery, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.