Understanding Abdominal Pain: What Your Belly Is Trying to Tell You

Abdominal pain — the classic “bellyache” — is something almost everyone experiences at some point. Sometimes it’s mild and harmless, disappearing as quickly as it came. But other times, it can be your body’s way of signaling that something more serious needs attention.

Your abdomen houses multiple organs, muscles, and nerves, so understanding where the pain comes from can provide important clues. Let’s break down the possible causes, what different locations of pain might mean, and when it’s time to seek medical help.

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What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort felt in the area between your chest and your pelvis. It may feel:

• Sharp or stabbing

• Dull or achy

• Cramp-like

• Burning

• Constant or intermittent

• Mild or severe

Many cases are caused by simple issues like indigestion, trapped gas, or constipation. But abdominal pain can also be linked to infections, inflammation, organ problems, or even conditions outside the abdomen that radiate pain inward.

Understanding the pattern and location of your pain can help narrow down the cause.

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Pain on the Left Side of Your Abdomen

Lower Left Side

The lower left abdomen is most commonly affected by:

1. Diverticulitis

This occurs when small pouches in your colon (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. Symptoms may include:

• Sharp or aching pain

• Fever

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Nausea

It’s especially common in adults over 40.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This long-term digestive condition causes:

• Recurrent abdominal pain

• Bloating

• Irregular bowel movements

IBS pain often improves after a bowel movement.

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Upper Left Side

Pain in this region can come from several important organs, including the stomach, spleen, and pancreas.

Possible causes include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Pancreatic cancer

• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

• Gastritis

• Stomach ulcers

• Acid or bile reflux

• Stomach cancer

• Kidney stones or kidney infection

Because nerves overlap between the chest and upper abdomen, pain here can also be mistaken for—or caused by—heart or lung conditions, such as:

• Heartburn or severe acid reflux

• Angina or heart attack

• Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart)

• Pneumonia

• Pleurisy

• Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)

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Pain on the Right Side of Your Abdomen

Lower Right Side

This is the classic location for appendicitis, a medical emergency. Symptoms include:

• Sharp pain that begins near the belly button and moves to the lower right

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

Appendicitis usually requires prompt surgery.

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Upper Right Side

This region contains your liver, gallbladder, and part of your intestines. Pain here may come from:

• Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)

• Gallstones

• Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

• Liver disease or cancer

• Gallbladder cancer

• Kidney infection or stones

• Duodenal ulcers

• Bowel obstruction

Because this area plays a major role in digestion, pain may worsen after eating fatty or greasy foods, especially in gallbladder problems.

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When to Call the Doctor

Not all abdominal pain is dangerous, but you should contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain

• Pain that lasts more than a few hours

• Tenderness when you touch your belly

• Vomiting that lasts more than 48 hours

• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)

• Painful or frequent urination

• No bowel movement combined with vomiting

These symptoms may indicate infection, inflammation, or an obstruction that requires medical care.

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When to Call 911 or Seek Emergency Help

Seek emergency attention immediately if you:

• Have chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Recently suffered an abdominal injury

• Vomit blood or have black or bloody stools

• Are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain

• Notice severe swelling or rigidity in the abdomen

• Develop jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

• Experience unexplained weight loss

• Cannot pass gas or stool accompanied by vomiting

These can be signs of serious or life-threatening conditions.

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Final Thoughts

Abdominal pain can be as harmless as indigestion or as serious as a medical emergency. Your body uses pain as a warning system—so listen when it speaks. If your symptoms seem unusual, severe, or persistent, don’t ignore them.

When in doubt, it’s always safer to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.