Abdominal Pain by Location
| Location | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Right upper quadrant | Gallstones, cholecystitis, liver problems |
| Left upper quadrant | Spleen problems, stomach, pancreatitis (can radiate here) |
| Right lower quadrant | Appendicitis, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy (women) |
| Left lower quadrant | Diverticulitis, ovarian cyst, constipation |
| Central/epigastric | Gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, early appendicitis, heart attack (can present as indigestion) |
| Diffuse/whole abdomen | Gastroenteritis, bowel obstruction, peritonitis (surgical emergency) |
Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care
- Severe pain that is constant and worsening
- Rigid, board-like abdomen (peritonitis)
- Vomiting blood or blood in stool (red or black/tarry)
- High fever with abdominal pain
- Pain with fainting or signs of shock
- Pregnant with severe abdominal pain (rule out ectopic pregnancy)
- Unable to pass stool or wind with vomiting (bowel obstruction)
Appendicitis Warning SignsPain starting around the belly button then moving to the right lower abdomen, worsening over hours, with fever, nausea, and pain worse on movement or coughing — seek emergency assessment, as untreated appendicitis can rupture.
Rebound TendernessIf pressing on your abdomen and then quickly releasing causes more pain on release than on pressing, this is called rebound tenderness and suggests peritoneal irritation — an important sign to mention to medical staff.
Is abdominal pain during periods normal?
Mild-moderate period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common. However, severe pain, especially if new, worsening, or not responding to usual painkillers, should be assessed — it could indicate endometriosis or another condition.
Can stress cause abdominal pain?
Yes — stress and anxiety commonly cause or worsen abdominal symptoms, particularly in conditions like IBS. However, new or severe pain should always be properly assessed first before attributing it to stress.
When is abdominal pain with vomiting concerning?
If unable to keep any fluids down, if vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, or if vomit is bright green (bile) with severe pain, seek urgent medical assessment.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.