Abdominal pain: possible causes by localization and when to urgently see a doctor

Other names: Боль в животе, болит живот, абдоминальная боль, резь в животе, спазмы в животе, боль внизу живота, боль в верхней части живота

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor. Its source can be the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, pelvic organs, large vessels, abdominal muscles, and sometimes even the heart and lungs. Most episodes are associated with non-dangerous conditions - overeating, spasms, bloating, functional disorders. However, sudden severe pain, pain with high fever, vomiting, abdominal tension or fainting may indicate an acute surgical illness in which every hour is important. Understanding where it hurts and how is the first step to the right solution.

🧾 МКБ-10: R10.4 🏥 Where it is treated: 8 The location of the pain is an important clueDo not take painkillers before the examinationAcute severe pain - see a surgeon

👨‍⚕️ Which doctor

Therapist, gastroenterologist; for acute pain - a surgeon; according to the situation - urologist, gynecologist

🔬 Diagnostics

Examination, blood and urine tests, ultrasound, CT scan if indicated, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ECG

💊 Treatment

Depends on the cause: from diet and antispasmodics to emergency surgery

📈 Prognosis

Depends on the reason

⚠️ At risk

Eating disorders, alcohol, NSAIDs, gallstones and kidney stones, pregnancy

⏱ When to see a doctor

Acute severe pain - urgently

🚨 See a doctor urgently

With these signs do not wait for a scheduled appointment — the condition requires emergency care.

Внезапная резкая «кинжальная» боль
Живот твёрдый, боль усиливается при движении и кашле
Боль с температурой выше 38 °C и рвотой
Рвота кровью, чёрный стул, кровь в стуле
Бледность, холодный пот, обморок, учащённый пульс
Боль внизу живота при задержке менструации или положительном тесте на беременность

Where it hurts: localization tips

Mentally divide your stomach into zones. Localization of pain does not make a diagnosis, but helps the doctor understand which organ to start examining. It is important to consider that at the beginning, many diseases give diffuse pain, which later shifts.

In the pit of the stomach (epigastrium) - gastritis, ulcer, functional dyspepsia, pancreatitis, sometimes myocardial infarction
Right hypochondrium - cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, liver disease
Left hypochondrium - pancreas, spleen, flexure of the colon
Around the navel - small intestine, the beginning of appendicitis, hernia
Right iliac region - appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ovarian cysts, ureteral stone
Left iliac fossa – diverticulitis, constipation, IBS, gynecological causes
Above the pubis - cystitis, diseases of the uterus and appendages, urinary retention
Girdle pain - pancreatitis

Nature of pain

Equally important is how it hurts. Cramping pain is usually associated with spasm of a hollow organ - intestine, biliary tract, ureter. Constant increasing pain, aggravated by movement, is characteristic of inflammation of the peritoneum. Pain associated with eating indicates the stomach and gall bladder, and pain associated with stool indicates the intestines.

Acute sudden - perforation, colic, cyst rupture, ectopic pregnancy
Increasing over hours - appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis
Chronic recurring – ulcers, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease
Hungry and night - duodenal ulcer
After fatty foods - gallbladder, pancreas

Associated symptoms

The doctor will definitely ask about temperature, stool, urination, menstrual cycle, weight loss, taking medications and previous surgeries. This information is sometimes more important than test results.

Fever—inflammation or infection
Loose stools - intestinal infection, colitis
Retention of stool and gases - obstruction
Jaundice - diseases of the liver and biliary tract
Impaired urination, blood in the urine - urological causes
Weight loss - chronic diseases and tumors

Diagnostics

The basis is inspection and palpation of the abdomen. Next, blood tests are prescribed (leukocytes, CRP, liver tests, amylase, lipase), a general urine test, and in women, a pregnancy test. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys and pelvis is almost always performed. For acute pain and unclear picture, CT is used. Chronic pain is clarified using gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and stool tests.

General and biochemical blood test, CRP
General urine test
Ultrasound of the abdomen, kidneys and pelvis
CT scan of the abdomen for acute pain
Gastroscopy, colonoscopy for chronic complaints
ECG for pain in the upper abdomen in older people

What to do before seeing a doctor

In case of acute severe pain, it is better not to eat, not to drink laxatives, not to give enemas and not to apply a heating pad to the stomach: heat can accelerate the development of inflammation. Painkillers before being examined by a surgeon may blur the clinical picture. For moderate, recurring pain without alarming signs, you can make an appointment with a gastroenterologist and keep a diary: when it hurts, after what, what relieves it.

If there are alarming signs, call an ambulance
Do not warm your stomach or take laxatives
Do not take painkillers before examination in case of acute pain
Record the onset time, nature and changes of pain
Bring a list of medications and the results of previous examinations to your appointment.

Services and prices for this diagnosis

Based on official price lists of Tashkent clinics. The exact cost is determined after examination.

🔬 Diagnostics

Консультация гастроэнтеролога (первичная)from 300 000 Консультация терапевта первичнаяfrom 150 000 УЗИ брюшной полости (комплексное)from 165 000 УЗИ комплексное брюшной полости и почекfrom 200 000

Frequently asked questions: Abdominal pain

Can I take a painkiller for stomach pain?+

For moderate, familiar pain, such as menstruation, yes. In case of sudden severe or incomprehensible pain, it is better not to take painkillers until examined by a doctor: they can hide the signs of appendicitis and other dangerous conditions.

How to understand that it is appendicitis?+

Typically: the pain begins near the navel or in the pit of the stomach, after a few hours it moves to the right lower abdomen, intensifies when walking and coughing, nausea and slight fever appear. The surgeon makes an accurate diagnosis after examination and examination.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?+

Most often due to overeating, fatty foods, gastritis, functional dyspepsia, gallbladder or food intolerance. If the pain recurs, you should be examined by a gastroenterologist.

Can stomach pain be caused by nerves?+

Yes, stress increases bowel spasms and sensitivity, especially in irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is possible to associate pain with nerves only after excluding organic diseases.

Which doctor should you go to if your stomach hurts?+

In case of acute severe pain, go to a surgeon or emergency room. For chronic or recurring pain, see a therapist or gastroenterologist. For pain in the lower abdomen in women, also see a gynecologist; for urinary problems, see a urologist.

The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor consultation. Only a qualified specialist can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment after an in-person examination.

Where it is treated stomach pain в Ташкенте

При острой сильной боли в животе не ждите планового приёма — вызывайте скорую помощь (103). При повторяющихся или ноющих болях обратитесь к терапевту или гастроэнтерологу. Clinics Ташкента для обследования: