Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent health complaints and can range from harmless discomfort to a signal of serious medical issues. The key to understanding abdominal pain lies in recognizing where it occurs and how it feels. Pain might stem from digestion issues like gas or indigestion but can also indicate infections, inflammation, or organ-related conditions. Identifying the location—left or right side, upper or lower—helps narrow down possible causes and determines whether simple care or urgent medical attention is needed.
Pain on the left side of the abdomen can occur in either the upper or lower region. Lower left abdominal pain is often linked to conditions such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation or gas buildup. While some of these are chronic or recurring, others may result in sudden sharp pain and require medical diagnosis. On the other hand, upper left abdominal pain could be caused by more serious conditions like pancreatitis, gastritis, or an enlarged spleen. Problems with the left kidney, heart, or even left-side lung infections like pneumonia can also refer pain to this area.
Pain on the right side can be more alarming, especially in the lower right quadrant, where appendicitis is a top concern. This condition often begins as a dull ache around the belly button and shifts to sharp pain in the lower right, typically accompanied by fever, nausea, and appetite loss. In women, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies, or ovarian torsion can also cause intense lower right abdominal pain and require emergency care. Hernias and intestinal blockages are other possibilities, especially if there is swelling or difficulty passing stool.
In the upper right abdomen, several major organs can be the source of discomfort. Conditions affecting the liver, such as hepatitis or liver tumors, can produce pain along with symptoms like jaundice or fatigue. The gallbladder is another common cause—especially gallstones or cholecystitis—which can lead to sharp pain that radiates to the back or shoulder. Pain from right kidney stones or infections is also possible, and a duodenal ulcer can cause gnawing pain relieved by eating or that worsens at night.
Knowing when to see a doctor is crucial. If abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool or vomit, it’s time to seek professional medical advice. Pain that interferes with sleep, recurs frequently, or causes dehydration should also not be ignored. Additionally, any abdominal pain during pregnancy or pain paired with chest discomfort may indicate broader health risks and warrant urgent evaluation.
Some situations demand emergency care. If you or someone else experiences sudden, stabbing abdominal pain, signs of shock (cold limbs, confusion, rapid breathing), loss of consciousness, or pain after trauma, seek help immediately. Suspected appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, or blockage of the intestines also qualify as medical emergencies. Abdominal pain with chest pain, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, may suggest a heart problem and should be treated as urgent.
