Abdominal Pain

The way pain feels often offers clues. Cramping that comes in waves may be related to gas, intestinal spasm, or a blockage. Burning in the upper abdomen can point to acid irritation or an ulcer, while pain under the right ribs after a rich meal may involve the gallbladder.

Along with the pain itself, pay attention to bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, fever, or unintended weight loss. Mentioning these details at your visit helps your care team narrow the search.

Your gastroenterologist will start by asking detailed questions about where the pain is, when it happens, and what makes it better or worse, followed by a physical examination. Depending on the findings, testing may include blood work, stool studies, or imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan. In some situations, an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy is recommended to look directly at the lining of the digestive tract.

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause rather than at the pain alone. That may mean adjusting the diet, treating acid or an infection, relieving constipation, or calming an irritable bowel. Many causes of abdominal pain improve considerably once they are identified and treated correctly.

Seek medical care right away for sudden, severe pain, pain with fever or repeated vomiting, a rigid or swollen abdomen, or blood in vomit or stool. Make an appointment if pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, wakes you from sleep, or arrives with weight loss or a change in bowel habits.