Abdominal pain — that familiar discomfort in your midsection — is something nearly everyone experiences at some point in life. Most of the time, it’s harmless and resolves on its own. But in other cases, it can be the body’s way of signaling a deeper problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

To make things easier, let’s break down what abdominal pain actually is, what different pain locations might tell you, and when it’s important to reach out for medical help.

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What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to any discomfort felt between the chest and the pelvis. The sensation can vary widely — sharp, dull, crampy, burning, or even coming and going in waves. Often, the cause is something minor, such as:

• Indigestion

• Gas

• Constipation

• Overeating

However, abdominal pain can also be linked to infections, organ problems, or inflammatory conditions. Understanding the location of the pain is crucial because each side of the abdomen contains different organs — and therefore different possible causes.

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Pain on the Left Side of Your Abdomen

Lower Left Side

The most frequent cause of lower left abdominal pain is diverticulitis, which occurs when small pouches in the colon (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. This condition is particularly common in older adults.

Other possible causes include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits

• Constipation – a very common but often overlooked source of discomfort

• Gynecological issues in women (such as ovarian cysts)

Upper Left Side

Pain in the upper left abdominal area may come from several sources, including:

• Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)

• Pancreatic cancer

• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

• Gastritis, or irritation of the stomach lining

• Stomach ulcers

• Acid or bile reflux

• Stomach cancer

• Kidney stones or kidney infection

Because the nerves in the upper abdomen overlap with those of the chest, pain in this region may also mimic or originate from heart or lung conditions, such as:

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Angina or a heart attack

• Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)

• Pneumonia or pleurisy

• Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)

This is why persistent or severe upper abdominal pain should always be taken seriously.

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Pain on the Right Side of Your Abdomen

Lower Right Side

Pain on the lower right side is often associated with the appendix. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that typically requires prompt surgery. The pain usually starts near the belly button and then shifts to the lower right abdomen.

Other possible causes include bowel conditions or, in women, gynecological problems such as ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy.

Upper Right Side

The upper right region contains the liver, gallbladder, and part of the small intestine. Pain here may signal:

• Hepatitis (alcoholic, viral, toxic, or autoimmune)

• Gallstones or cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

• Liver disease or liver cancer

• Gallbladder cancer

• Kidney infection or kidney stones

• Duodenal ulcers

• Bowel obstruction

This area is complex, so repeated or worsening pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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When to Call the Doctor

Not every stomachache is an emergency. Still, certain symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, especially if they worsen or persist.

Call Your Doctor If You Have:

• Severe or ongoing pain

• A belly that’s tender when touched

• Pain lasting more than a few hours

• Vomiting for more than 48 hours

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

• Painful or frequent urination

• No bowel movements, particularly if you’re also vomiting

Call 911 or Seek Emergency Care If You:

• Have chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Recently experienced abdominal trauma

• Vomit blood or pass black or bloody stools

• Are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain

• Notice swelling or hardness in your abdomen

• Develop yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Experience unexplained weight loss

• Feel faint, weak, or unable to stay hydrated

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as internal bleeding, infection, obstruction, or a cardiac event.

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Final Thoughts

Abdominal pain can be caused by something as simple as a rich meal — or something as serious as a medical emergency. Paying attention to where the pain is, how long it lasts, and what other symptoms accompany it can give you vital clues. When in doubt, it’s always safer to check with a healthcare professional. Your body communicates for a reason, and early attention can prevent complications.