Lower abdominal pain has a lot of causes and can feel significantly different depending on the cause. Most of the time, it’s something innocuous like trapped gas or indigestion. Show
Sometimes, though, lower abdominal pain can be a symptom of a more serious issue. Pay attention to any other symptoms you have, as they may be clues as to what's going on. This article looks at many causes of lower abdominal pain, their symptoms, what causes them, and how they're diagnosed and treated. Lower abdominal pain can feel different depending on the underlying cause. Some types of pain are spread throughout the lower abdomen. Others may feel specific and pointed. Symptoms may differ depending on the reason for the pain. Lower abdominal pain is a symptom in and of itself. It’s not a condition. Red Flag Digestive SymptomsGet immediate medical help for:
Causes of Lower Abdominal PainLower abdominal pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute pain comes on suddenly and may go away on its own. Chronic pain lasts longer than six months. Both types of pain may result from something benign, like an upset stomach, or more serious, like appendicitis. AppendicitisAppendicitis is a serious condition that requires emergency attention. When the appendix becomes infected and inflamed, prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the organ from rupturing. People between the ages of 10 and 30 are most likely to get appendicitis. It can happen at any age, though. Most people with appendicitis have pain that:
Other possible symptoms include:
When the appendix ruptures, it usually alleviates the pain
for a while. However, the burst organ spills infection out into your abdomen, where it can spread throughout your body. That leads to sepsis, which is life-threatening. Get Emergency TreatmentIf you think you have appendicitis or a ruptured appendix, call 911 or go to an emergency room. The condition almost always requires immediate surgery to avoid potentially fatal complications. ColitisColitis is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling in the large intestine and may cause lower abdominal pain. The pain can come and go or remain constant. Other symptoms include:
Colitis can happen due to:
Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseCrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Diverticular DiseaseDiverticular disease includes diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis People with diverticulosis have bulging pouches that protrude from the large intestine or colon. Older adults are more likely to have this condition. Some people have no symptoms at all. But the bulging can cause abdominal bloating, cramping, and constipation. Diverticulitis When the pouches become irritated in some way, the condition is called diverticulitis. Left-sided abdominal pain is the most common symptom of this type of inflammation or infection. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:
Kidney InfectionA kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious infection that often starts with an infection of the bladder (also called infectious cystitis). When cystitis due to bacteria or fungi travels to the kidneys, it can cause a kidney infection. While you're likely to feel some back pain, you may also feel pain under your ribs, around the abdomen, and around your groin. Kidney infection pain is typically very severe. Symptoms may include:
If you suspect you have a kidney infection, get immediate medical attention. Acute Urinary RetentionIf you have acute urinary retention, you're suddenly unable to pass urine. Urinary retention can also be chronic. Chronic urinary retention is more likely in males and may not cause symptoms. If you suddenly can't pass urine, you'll likely experience severe pain, which can radiate to your abdomen. However, the inability to urinate is the most obvious sign of this condition. Acute urinary retention requires an emergency room visit. CystitisFemales are more likely than males to develop cystitis—inflammation of the bladder. It's typically caused by bacteria, but it can be due to other causes. Cystitis symptoms include:
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)Kidney stones often cause extremely severe back pain, but the pain can also creep forward to the side of your abdomen. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
While small kidney stones may pass on their own, larger ones may require treatment. They can cause urinary tract infections, which cause aching pain in the lower abdomen and make urination painful. Trapped GasGas can end up in the digestive tract when you swallow air or eat certain foods that cause gas. Some foods contain substances that can make you feel gassy, such as:
Some people are more likely to have gas in the digestive tract, including people who are lactose intolerant or have digestive disorders. Symptoms of trapped gas may include:
The abdominal pain from trapped gas depends on where it is. Left-side gas may feel like heart-related pain, while right-side gas may feel similar to appendicitis. Menstrual CrampsCramping during menstruation happens due to uterine contractions. The pain can be mild or severe. You may experience lower back pain in addition to lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms that may accompany menstrual cramps include:
Some people experience menstrual cramps due to another disorder or infection. This is called secondary dysmenorrhea. This abnormal cramping can happen for several reasons, including:
ConstipationConstipation is an uncomfortable condition in which it is difficult to make a bowel movement. You can become constipated if you lack fiber in your diet or suddenly change your eating habits. Symptoms of constipation include:
Constipation is sometimes due to an underlying condition. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that causes various gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
Causes of Pelvic PainSometimes people mistake pelvic pain for lower abdominal pain. Conditions that can cause pain in this area include:
Diagnosis of Lower Abdominal PainIf your abdominal pain doesn’t seem to be the result of indigestion and is getting worse or not going away, you should see a healthcare provider. They will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms in detail. They may also request tests to rule out possible causes of your abdominal pain. Expect your provider to ask you about the exact location of the pain and to describe the sensation you’re feeling. They may perform a gynecological or rectal exam if you have lower abdominal pain. Testing may include:
If you could be pregnant, an ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for evaluating unexplained abdominal pain. Treatment of Lower Abdominal PainTreatment depends on the cause of the lower abdominal pain. For mild abdominal pain that's the result of trapped gas or indigestion, you may have relief with:
If you have a bacterial infection that's causing abdominal pain, you may need prescription medication. Those with severe indigestion may also require prescription drugs. A urinary tract infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Some digestive disorders, such as colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, have no cure. Treatment involves a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medications in order to manage symptoms. Treatment may also depend on the severity of the condition. People with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis may need to take prescription drugs such as:
Some causes of lower abdominal pain may require surgery. For example, people with severe ulcerative colitis may need surgery to avoid complications of the disease. The need for surgery is decided on a case-by-case basis. Appendicitis is considered an emergency condition that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible. Without surgery, the appendix could burst and cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection. SummaryLower abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It can be a symptom of minor or major digestive system conditions such as gas, indigestion, constipation, colitis, diverticular disease, or appendicitis. Gynecologic conditions such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy may also be causes, as can kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include anything from over-the-counter antacids to emergency surgery. A Word From VerywellMost of the time, lower abdominal pain is nothing to worry about. Often, the pain may be the result of something you ate. See a healthcare provider if your symptoms aren't going away or are getting worse, or if you have other potentially serious symptoms, such as:
When should I worry about abdominal tenderness?Call your doctor if you have abdominal pain that lasts 1 week or longer, if your pain doesn't improve in 24 to 48 hours, if bloating lasts more than 2 days, or if you have diarrhea for more than 5 days.
What causes lower abdominal tenderness in females?Other causes of lower abdominal pain include ovarian cysts, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic congestion syndrome, urinary tract infections, appendicitis and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Why is my lower stomach tender to touch and bloated?Swallowing excess air, eating high-fat foods that delay stomach emptying, and even stress can contribute to abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain. Intestinal and stomach-related conditions that cause these symptoms include: constipation. an intolerance to certain ingredients, such as lactose or gluten.
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