Because abdominal pain can happen in many different areas of the tummy, the exact location, timing, and associated symptoms often provide important clues. For example, upper right abdominal pain after fatty foods may suggest gallbladder issues, while lower right abdominal pain can be linked to appendicitis.

Many people search for answers such as:

• Why does my stomach hurt after eating?
• Is lower abdominal pain serious?
• Why do I have stomach pain with diarrhoea?
• What medicine can cause abdominal pain?
• When should I worry about stomach pain?

As a pharmacist, I often find that medication related stomach pain is overlooked. Medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antibiotics, iron tablets, metformin, and laxatives can all contribute to stomach discomfort, bloating, cramping, or even ulcers.

What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to pain felt anywhere between the chest and pelvis. It is often described as stomach pain, tummy pain, belly pain, abdominal discomfort, or abdominal cramps. The pain may be mild, moderate, or severe, and it can develop suddenly or gradually.

Some people experience acute abdominal pain that comes on quickly and lasts for a short time. Others may develop chronic abdominal pain that continues for weeks or months. The exact feeling can vary from person to person.

Common ways people describe abdominal pain include:

• Sharp abdominal pain
• Burning stomach pain
• Cramping abdominal pain
• Stomach pain after eating
• Pain near the belly button
• Lower abdominal pain
• Upper abdominal pain
• Stomach pain that comes and goes
• Persistent abdominal pain

The abdomen contains several important organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. This is why abdominal pain can have many possible causes.

For example:

• Upper right abdominal pain may be linked to gallstones or liver problems.
• Lower right abdominal pain may suggest appendicitis.
• Lower left abdominal pain can be associated with constipation or diverticulitis.
• Upper stomach pain after eating may occur with acid reflux or stomach ulcers.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology highlights that abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for GP visits and emergency department admissions worldwide, particularly when it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or changes in bowel habits.

Common Symptoms That Can Happen Alongside Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain rarely happens on its own. The symptoms that occur alongside it often help identify the cause.

Common associated symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in stool
• Black stools
• Pain when passing urine
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Abdominal swelling

For example, abdominal pain with diarrhoea may suggest gastroenteritis, food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. Pain with fever and chills could point to infection, appendicitis, or kidney stones.

If abdominal pain occurs with black stools, vomiting blood, dizziness, or chest pain, urgent medical advice is needed.

Research in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, night-time abdominal pain, and persistent vomiting are considered major red flags that should always be investigated further.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be grouped into several types depending on how it feels and how long it lasts.

Acute Abdominal Pain

Acute abdominal pain develops suddenly and often lasts less than a few days. Common causes include food poisoning, appendicitis, gastroenteritis, kidney stones, or gallstones.

Sudden severe abdominal pain that comes on quickly should never be ignored, especially if it is associated with vomiting, fever, or fainting.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain is pain that lasts for weeks or months. It may come and go or be constant.

Common causes include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Endometriosis
• Chronic constipation
• Stomach ulcers
• Food intolerances

Cramping Pain

Cramping abdominal pain often feels like waves of discomfort. It is commonly linked to:

• Menstrual cramps
• Gas and bloating
• Constipation
• IBS
• Food poisoning
• Diarrhoea

Sharp Pain

Sharp abdominal pain may indicate a more serious issue, especially if it is localised to one area. Lower right abdominal pain may suggest appendicitis, while upper right abdominal pain may be linked to gallstones.

Burning Pain

Burning stomach pain is often associated with acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers. It may worsen after spicy foods, alcohol, or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen.

Pain That Comes and Goes

Pain that comes and goes may occur with trapped gas, constipation, gallstones, kidney stones, or IBS.

Abdominal Pain by Location

The exact location of abdominal pain can provide important clues.

Upper Right Abdominal Pain

Upper right abdominal pain may involve the liver, gallbladder, or part of the intestine.

Possible causes include:

• Gallstones
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers

Pain under the ribs on the right side that worsens after fatty foods is often linked to gallbladder disease.

Upper Left Abdominal Pain

Upper left abdominal pain may involve the stomach, pancreas, spleen, or colon.

Common causes include:

• Acid reflux
• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Constipation

Pain radiating to the back may be associated with pancreatitis.

Lower Right Abdominal Pain

Lower right abdominal pain is one of the most important warning signs for appendicitis.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain around the belly button moving to the lower right side
• Fever
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Worsening pain when moving

Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Lower left abdominal pain can occur with constipation, diverticulitis, kidney stones, or IBS.

Diverticulitis is particularly common in older adults and may cause fever, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Pain Around the Belly Button

Pain near the belly button can occur with indigestion, early appendicitis, constipation, or bowel obstruction.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be linked to many digestive and non digestive conditions.

Digestive Causes

Common digestive causes include:

• Indigestion
• Acid reflux
• Constipation
• Food poisoning
• Gastroenteritis
• IBS
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Coeliac disease
• Lactose intolerance

Infection-Related Causes

Infections can affect the stomach, intestines, bladder, kidneys, or reproductive organs.

Examples include:

• Gastroenteritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney infections
• Food poisoning
• Viral stomach bugs

Urinary Causes

Urinary tract infections and kidney stones may cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, fever, and painful urination.

Gynaecological Causes

Women may experience abdominal pain due to:

• Menstrual cramps
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pregnancy complications

Medication-Related Causes

Many medicines can cause stomach pain.

These include:

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Metformin
• Antibiotics
• Iron tablets
• Steroids
• Laxatives

Serious Emergency Causes

Serious causes of abdominal pain include:

• Appendicitis
• Pancreatitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Ruptured ulcer
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Sepsis

Abdominal Pain After Eating

Stomach pain after eating is a very common complaint. It may happen occasionally or every day.

Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating can cause cramping pain, swelling, and discomfort after meals.

Foods that may trigger bloating include:

• Beans
• Fizzy drinks
• Fried foods
• Dairy products
• Artificial sweeteners

Food Intolerance

Food intolerances can lead to abdominal pain after eating bread, pasta, milk, spicy foods, or fatty foods.

Common triggers include:

• Lactose intolerance
• Gluten sensitivity
• Coeliac disease
• FODMAP intolerance

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can cause upper stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, and burning chest discomfort.

Gallbladder Issues

Upper right abdominal pain after eating fatty foods may suggest gallstones.

Ulcers

Stomach ulcers may cause burning pain after meals or when the stomach is empty.

Abdominal Pain in Women

Women may experience abdominal pain related to both digestive and reproductive causes.

Lower abdominal pain in women can occur due to:

• Menstrual cramps
• Ovulation pain
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Urinary tract infections

Severe lower abdominal pain during pregnancy or with heavy bleeding should be assessed urgently.

Abdominal Pain in Men

Men may experience abdominal pain due to digestive conditions, urinary problems, or hernias.

Common causes include:

• Kidney stones
• Inguinal hernia
• Urinary tract infection
• Testicular problems
• IBS

Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Mild abdominal pain during pregnancy can be normal due to stretching ligaments, constipation, gas, or hormonal changes.

However, severe pain may indicate:

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Placental problems
• Preterm labour

Abdominal Pain in Children and Older Adults

Children often develop abdominal pain due to constipation, viral infections, food intolerance, or anxiety.

Older adults are more likely to develop:

• Diverticulitis
• Gallstones
• Bowel obstruction
• Cancer
• Medication-related stomach pain

Medicines That Can Cause Abdominal Pain

Several medicines are known to irritate the stomach lining or affect digestion.

NSAIDs

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can cause gastritis, ulcers, and stomach bleeding.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can disrupt gut bacteria and lead to bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.

Diabetes Medications

Metformin often causes stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and bloating, especially when treatment starts.

Iron Tablets

Iron supplements may cause constipation, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Laxatives

Overuse of laxatives can lead to cramping abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Red Flag Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek urgent medical help if abdominal pain occurs with:

• Vomiting blood
• Black stools
• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• High fever
• Severe dehydration
• Sudden severe pain
• Pain after an injury
• Blood in urine
• Persistent vomiting
• Swollen abdomen
• Pregnancy complications

How Doctors Diagnose Abdominal Pain

Doctors may use:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Stool tests
• Ultrasound scans
• CT scans
• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause of abdominal pain.

Home Remedies

Helpful self-care measures include:

• Drinking water
• Avoiding fatty foods
• Eating smaller meals
• Using a hot water bottle
• Avoiding alcohol
• Limiting caffeine

OTC Medicines

Over-the-counter treatments may include:

• Antacids
• Paracetamol
• Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
• Oral rehydration salts

Prescription Medicines

Doctors may prescribe:

• Antibiotics
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Antispasmodics
• Anti-inflammatory medicines

Surgery

Some conditions such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or gallstones may require surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal Pain

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?

This can happen due to indigestion, acid reflux, gallstones, food intolerance, stomach ulcers, or overeating.

How do I know if abdominal pain is serious?

Abdominal pain is more concerning if it is severe, sudden, localised, or associated with fever, vomiting, black stools, weight loss, or blood in the stool.

Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can affect the gut-brain connection and contribute to IBS, bloating, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

What medicine can cause abdominal pain?

Common examples include ibuprofen, aspirin, antibiotics, iron tablets, metformin, and laxatives.

What is the difference between IBS and IBD?

IBS is a functional digestive disorder that affects bowel habits but does not cause inflammation. IBD includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve inflammation and damage to the digestive tract.

References

Ford AC, Sperber AD, Corsetti M and Camilleri M 2020, ‘Irritable bowel syndrome’, The Lancet, vol. 396, no. 10263, pp. 1675–1688.

Black CJ and Ford AC 2022, ‘Global burden of irritable bowel syndrome’, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 1–15.

Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM et al. 2021, ‘ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome’, American Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 116, no. 1, pp. 17–44.

Mayo Clinic 2025, Abdominal pain causes and symptoms. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050728

NHS 2025, Stomach ache and abdominal pain. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/

Cleveland Clinic 2025, Abdominal pain overview. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4167-abdominal-pain

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 2024, Symptoms and causes of abdominal pain. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/abdominal-pain

The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023, Red flag symptoms in abdominal pain assessment.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(23)00001-0/fulltext

British Society of Gastroenterology 2024, Guidelines on dyspepsia and abdominal pain.