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| Property | Value |
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| Meta Title | Abdominal (Stomach) Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor |
| Meta Description | Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. Learn more about the types of stomach pain, causes, and treatment. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Stomach pain may be caused by a variety of issues, from gas to more serious conditions like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Noting the severity and area of the abdomen affected can help with a diagnosis.
Abdominal pain occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. It’s sometimes described as crampy, achy, dull, intermittent, or sharp.
It’s the most common gastrointestinal symptom in the United States, affecting up to
1 in 4 people
.
Abdominal pain is usually short-term and will go away on its own with lifestyle and dietary modifications.
However, it could also be chronic or a symptom of a serious, life threatening condition that requires medical attention.
Keep reading to learn more about the types, causes, and treatments of abdominal pain.
There are four different types of abdominal pain:
Acute
abdominal pain may last up to
1 week
.
Chronic
abdominal pain lasts for at least
3 months
.
Progressive
abdominal pain worsens over time and is generally accompanied by other symptoms.
Intermittent
abdominal pain comes and goes. You may feel fine one moment but soon experience sharp, sudden pain.
Healthcare professionals separate the abdomen into
four quadrants
to better understand and diagnose abdominal conditions.
Pain in the following abdominal quadrants may be a sign of some of the following health conditions:
Lower left
:
diverticulitis, kidney stones, kidney infection (
pyelonephritis
), ovarian cyst, hernia, and ectopic pregnancy
Lower right
:
appendicitis, Crohn’s disease,
testicular torsion
, ovarian cyst, hernia, and
endometriosis
Upper left
:
GERD, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, enlarged spleen (
splenomegaly
)
Upper right
:
GERD,
gallbladder disease
, hepatitis, and peptic ulcers
It’s important to note this is not a complete list of conditions that may cause pain in each abdominal quadrant. Some conditions may also affect multiple quadrants or the whole abdomen.
If you experience abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.
Mild abdominal pain may go away without treatment. For example, if you’re experiencing abdominal pain because of gas or bloating, it may simply need to run its course.
However, abdominal pain may also be a sign of a health condition that requires medical treatment.
Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain and any of the
following symptoms
:
black, tarry, or bloody stools
chest pain
vomiting up blood
persistent nausea or vomiting
constipation
difficulty urinating
difficulty breathing
Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
prolonged constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach pain
difficulty eating foods
peeing more or less often
pain when urinating
fever
abnormal
vaginal discharge
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
Call a doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing and you experience abdominal pain.
To diagnose abdominal pain, a healthcare professional will first perform a
physical examination
. This includes gently pressing on various abdomen areas to check for tenderness and swelling.
They will also ask questions about your symptoms, such as:
Where exactly are you feeling the pain?
Has the pain always been in this one location, or has it moved?
How severe is the pain?
Is the pain constant, or does it come and go in waves?
What were you doing when the pain began?
Is there a time of day when the pain is the worst?
When was your last bowel movement?
Do you have regular bowel movements?
Have you noticed any changes in your urine?
Have you made any major changes to your diet?
People of reproductive age who were assigned female at birth may also be asked questions about their sexual and menstruation history.
A doctor may then order several tests to help make a diagnosis. These may
include
:
blood tests
urinalysis
stool culture
imaging tests, such as
MRI
,
ultrasound
, and
X-ray
endoscopy
colonoscopy
Treatment for abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause but may include a combination of natural remedies, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.
For instance, short-term abdominal pain caused by bloating may not require any medical treatment. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications may also
help relieve
abdominal pain like cramps, bloating, and nausea.
However, acute pain caused by appendicitis may require
antibiotics
and removing your appendix (
appendectomy
).
A healthcare professional will help develop the best treatment plan for you.
How to reduce stomach pain?
Treatment for stomach pain will depend on the underlying condition. This may include a combination of natural remedies, OTC drugs, prescription medications, and, in rare cases, surgery.
How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe stomach pain that is accompanied by trouble breathing, chest pain, black, bloody, and tarry stools, or vomiting.
What is the best over-the-counter medication for stomach pain?
Some over-the-counter medications for stomach pain, cramps, and bloating include
antacids
and
antispasmodic
.
What to drink to settle the stomach?
Beverages that may help settle your stomach include chamomile, ginger, lemon, and peppermint teas.
Abdominal pain may be caused by many conditions, but it’s often not serious
Speak with a doctor if the pain doesn’t improve after a few days. If you experience severe pain suddenly, get immediate medical attention.
A doctor could help provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. |
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# What’s Causing Your Abdominal Pain and How to Treat It

[Medically reviewed]() by [Kelsey Trull, PA-C]() — Written by April Kahn — [Updated on July 4, 2024]()
- [Types](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#types)
- [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#causes)
- [Pain by location](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#pain-by-location)
- [When to see a doctor](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#when-to-see-a-doctor)
- [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#diagnosis)
- [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#treatment)
- [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#prevention)
- [FAQ](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#faq)
- [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain#takeaway)
Stomach pain may be caused by a variety of issues, from gas to more serious conditions like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Noting the severity and area of the abdomen affected can help with a diagnosis.
Abdominal pain occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. It’s sometimes described as crampy, achy, dull, intermittent, or sharp.
It’s the most common gastrointestinal symptom in the United States, affecting up to [1 in 4 people](https://karger.com/ddi/article/39/6/606/822861/Chronic-Abdominal-Pain-in-General-Practice).
Abdominal pain is usually short-term and will go away on its own with lifestyle and dietary modifications.
However, it could also be chronic or a symptom of a serious, life threatening condition that requires medical attention.
Keep reading to learn more about the types, causes, and treatments of abdominal pain.
## [What are the types of abdominal pain?]()
There are four different types of abdominal pain:
- **Acute** abdominal pain may last up to
[1 week](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37327158/)
.
- **Chronic** abdominal pain lasts for at least [3 months](https://karger.com/ddi/article/39/6/606/822861/Chronic-Abdominal-Pain-in-General-Practice).
- **Progressive** abdominal pain worsens over time and is generally accompanied by other symptoms.
- **Intermittent** abdominal pain comes and goes. You may feel fine one moment but soon experience sharp, sudden pain.
## [What causes abdominal pain?]()
Many conditions may cause abdominal pain, ranging from mild to severe. These can affect different parts of your abdomen and vary in duration.
Common causes of short-term abdominal pain may [include](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/):
- stomach flu ([gastroenteritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/viral-gastroenteritis))
- [constipation](https://www.healthline.com/health/constipation)
- [diarrhea](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea)
- [acid reflux](https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/acid-reflux-symptoms)
According to the [American College of Gastroenterology](https://gi.org/topics/abdominal-pain/), some of the following conditions may cause acute or chronic abdominal pain and require medical treatment.
### Acute abdominal pain
Acute abdominal pain may be caused by:
- [appendicitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/appendicitis)
- [kidney stones](https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-stones)
- [gallbladder stones](https://www.healthline.com/health/gallstones)
- [urinary tract infection (UTI)](https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-tract-infection-adults)
- infections, such as [pneumonia](https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia)
- ruptured [abdominal aortic aneurysm](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm)
- [peptic ulcer](https://www.healthline.com/health/peptic-ulcer)
- [bowel obstruction](https://www.healthline.com/health/intestinal-obstruction)
- acute pancreatitis
- [acute cholecystitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-cholecystitis)
- [diverticulitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/diverticulitis)
- [ectopic pregnancy](https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy)
- blood clot in the lung ([pulmonary embolism](https://www.healthline.com/health/pulmonary-embolus))
- [heart attack](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-attack)
### Long-term abdominal pain
Some chronic conditions that may cause abdominal pain include:
- [stomach ulcer](https://www.healthline.com/health/stomach-ulcer)
- [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome)
- [inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/inflammatory-bowel-disease), such as [Crohn’s disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease) and [ulcerative colitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis)
- liver inflammation ([hepatitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis))
- [gastritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/gastritis)
- [chronic pancreatitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pancreatitis)
- [hernia](https://www.healthline.com/health/hernia)
- [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd)
- abdominal cancers, such as [stomach](https://www.healthline.com/health/gastric-cancer), [liver](https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-cancer), and [colorectal](https://www.healthline.com/health/colorectal-cancer/colorectal-cancer) cancer
- food intolerances, such as [lactose](https://www.healthline.com/health/lactose-intolerance) and [gluten](https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/gluten-allergy-symptoms)
### Reproductive organ pain
In people assigned female at birth, pain in the reproductive organs of the lower abdomen may be caused by:
- menstrual pain ([dysmenorrhea](https://www.healthline.com/health/painful-menstrual-periods))
- [ovarian cysts](https://www.healthline.com/health/ovariancysts)
- [miscarriage](https://www.healthline.com/health/miscarriage)
- [fibroids](https://www.healthline.com/health/uterine-fibroids)
- [endometriosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis)
- [pelvic inflammatory disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid)
- ectopic pregnancy
## [Location of pain within the abdomen]()
Healthcare professionals separate the abdomen into [four quadrants](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553104/) to better understand and diagnose abdominal conditions.
Pain in the following abdominal quadrants may be a sign of some of the following health conditions:
- **[Lower left](https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-lower-left-abdomen):** diverticulitis, kidney stones, kidney infection ([pyelonephritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pyelonephritis)), ovarian cyst, hernia, and ectopic pregnancy
- **[Lower right](https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-lower-right-abdomen):** appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, [testicular torsion](https://www.healthline.com/health/testicular-torsion), ovarian cyst, hernia, and [endometriosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis)
- **[Upper left](https://www.healthline.com/health/upper-left-abdominal-pain-under-ribs):** GERD, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, enlarged spleen ([splenomegaly](https://www.healthline.com/health/splenomegaly))
- **[Upper right](https://www.healthline.com/health/right-upper-quadrant-pain-under-ribs):** GERD, [gallbladder disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-problems-symptoms), hepatitis, and peptic ulcers
It’s important to note this is not a complete list of conditions that may cause pain in each abdominal quadrant. Some conditions may also affect multiple quadrants or the whole abdomen.
If you experience abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.
## [When to see a doctor about abdominal pain]()
Mild abdominal pain may go away without treatment. For example, if you’re experiencing abdominal pain because of gas or bloating, it may simply need to run its course.
However, abdominal pain may also be a sign of a health condition that requires medical treatment.
Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain and any of the [following symptoms](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/):
- [black, tarry, or bloody stools](https://www.healthline.com/health/bloody-or-tarry-stools)
- [chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-pain)
- [vomiting up blood](https://www.healthline.com/health/vomiting-blood)
- [persistent nausea or vomiting](https://www.healthline.com/health/nausea-and-vomiting)
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- [difficulty breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/dyspnea)
Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- prolonged constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach pain
- difficulty eating foods
- peeing more or less often
- pain when urinating
- fever
- abnormal [vaginal discharge](https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/what-is-discharge)
- loss of appetite
- [unexplained weight loss](https://www.healthline.com/health/unexplained-weight-loss)
Call a doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing and you experience abdominal pain.
The [Healthline FindCare tool](https://www.healthline.com/find-care/) can help you find a primary care physician in your area.
## [How is abdominal pain diagnosed?]()
To diagnose abdominal pain, a healthcare professional will first perform a [physical examination](https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/primary-care-doctors/getting-physical-examination). This includes gently pressing on various abdomen areas to check for tenderness and swelling.
They will also ask questions about your symptoms, such as:
- Where exactly are you feeling the pain?
- Has the pain always been in this one location, or has it moved?
- How severe is the pain?
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and go in waves?
- What were you doing when the pain began?
- Is there a time of day when the pain is the worst?
- When was your last bowel movement?
- Do you have regular bowel movements?
- Have you noticed any changes in your urine?
- Have you made any major changes to your diet?
People of reproductive age who were assigned female at birth may also be asked questions about their sexual and menstruation history.
A doctor may then order several tests to help make a diagnosis. These may [include](https://gi.org/topics/abdominal-pain/):
- [blood tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests)
- [urinalysis](https://www.healthline.com/health/urinalysis)
- [stool culture](https://www.healthline.com/health/stool-culture)
- imaging tests, such as [MRI](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-mri-scan), [ultrasound](https://www.healthline.com/health/ultrasound), and [X-ray](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-film)
- [endoscopy](https://www.healthline.com/health/endoscopy)
- [colonoscopy](https://www.healthline.com/health/colonoscopy)
## [How is abdominal pain treated?]()
Treatment for abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause but may include a combination of natural remedies, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.
For instance, short-term abdominal pain caused by bloating may not require any medical treatment. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications may also [help relieve](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/) abdominal pain like cramps, bloating, and nausea.
However, acute pain caused by appendicitis may require [antibiotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work) and removing your appendix ([appendectomy](https://www.healthline.com/health/appendectomy)).
A healthcare professional will help develop the best treatment plan for you.
Learn more about [home remedies to help treat abdominal pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#heating-pad).
## [How can I prevent abdominal pain?]()
Not all forms of abdominal pain are preventable, but you can minimize the risk of developing abdominal pain by:
- [eating a well-balanced diet](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-eat-healthy-guide)
- [drinking lots of water](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day)
- [exercising](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise) regularly
- eating [smaller meals](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/portion-control)
- avoiding foods that trigger stomach pain
- not lying down too soon after eating
## [Frequently asked questions]()
### How to reduce stomach pain?
Treatment for stomach pain will depend on the underlying condition. This may include a combination of natural remedies, OTC drugs, prescription medications, and, in rare cases, surgery.
### How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe stomach pain that is accompanied by trouble breathing, chest pain, black, bloody, and tarry stools, or vomiting.
### What is the best over-the-counter medication for stomach pain?
Some over-the-counter medications for stomach pain, cramps, and bloating include [antacids](https://www.healthline.com/health/antacids) and [antispasmodic](https://www.healthline.com/health/antispasmodic-for-ibs).
### What to drink to settle the stomach?
Beverages that may help settle your stomach include chamomile, ginger, lemon, and peppermint teas.
## [Takeaway]()
Abdominal pain may be caused by many conditions, but it’s often not serious
Speak with a doctor if the pain doesn’t improve after a few days. If you experience severe pain suddenly, get immediate medical attention.
A doctor could help provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
[Read this article in Spanish.](https://www.healthline.com/health/es/dolor-de-estomago)
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- Abdominal pain syndrome. (n.d.).
<https://gi.org/topics/abdominal-pain/>
- Sabo CM, et al. (2021). Chronic abdominal pain in general practice.
<https://karger.com/ddi/article/39/6/606/822861/Chronic-Abdominal-Pain-in-General-Practice>
- Stomach ache and abdominal pain. (2023).
<https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/>
- Wade CI, et al. (2023). Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis: Abdomen.
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553104/>
- Yew KS, et al. (2023). Acute abdominal pain in adults: Evaluation and diagnosis.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37327158/>
Share this article

[Medically reviewed]() by [Kelsey Trull, PA-C]() — Written by April Kahn — [Updated on July 4, 2024]()
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| Readable Markdown | Stomach pain may be caused by a variety of issues, from gas to more serious conditions like appendicitis or Crohn’s disease. Noting the severity and area of the abdomen affected can help with a diagnosis.
Abdominal pain occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. It’s sometimes described as crampy, achy, dull, intermittent, or sharp.
It’s the most common gastrointestinal symptom in the United States, affecting up to [1 in 4 people](https://karger.com/ddi/article/39/6/606/822861/Chronic-Abdominal-Pain-in-General-Practice).
Abdominal pain is usually short-term and will go away on its own with lifestyle and dietary modifications.
However, it could also be chronic or a symptom of a serious, life threatening condition that requires medical attention.
Keep reading to learn more about the types, causes, and treatments of abdominal pain.
There are four different types of abdominal pain:
- **Acute** abdominal pain may last up to
[1 week](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37327158/)
.
- **Chronic** abdominal pain lasts for at least [3 months](https://karger.com/ddi/article/39/6/606/822861/Chronic-Abdominal-Pain-in-General-Practice).
- **Progressive** abdominal pain worsens over time and is generally accompanied by other symptoms.
- **Intermittent** abdominal pain comes and goes. You may feel fine one moment but soon experience sharp, sudden pain.
Healthcare professionals separate the abdomen into [four quadrants](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553104/) to better understand and diagnose abdominal conditions.
Pain in the following abdominal quadrants may be a sign of some of the following health conditions:
- **[Lower left](https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-lower-left-abdomen):** diverticulitis, kidney stones, kidney infection ([pyelonephritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pyelonephritis)), ovarian cyst, hernia, and ectopic pregnancy
- **[Lower right](https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-lower-right-abdomen):** appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, [testicular torsion](https://www.healthline.com/health/testicular-torsion), ovarian cyst, hernia, and [endometriosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis)
- **[Upper left](https://www.healthline.com/health/upper-left-abdominal-pain-under-ribs):** GERD, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, enlarged spleen ([splenomegaly](https://www.healthline.com/health/splenomegaly))
- **[Upper right](https://www.healthline.com/health/right-upper-quadrant-pain-under-ribs):** GERD, [gallbladder disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-problems-symptoms), hepatitis, and peptic ulcers
It’s important to note this is not a complete list of conditions that may cause pain in each abdominal quadrant. Some conditions may also affect multiple quadrants or the whole abdomen.
If you experience abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.
Mild abdominal pain may go away without treatment. For example, if you’re experiencing abdominal pain because of gas or bloating, it may simply need to run its course.
However, abdominal pain may also be a sign of a health condition that requires medical treatment.
Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain and any of the [following symptoms](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/):
- [black, tarry, or bloody stools](https://www.healthline.com/health/bloody-or-tarry-stools)
- [chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-pain)
- [vomiting up blood](https://www.healthline.com/health/vomiting-blood)
- [persistent nausea or vomiting](https://www.healthline.com/health/nausea-and-vomiting)
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- [difficulty breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/dyspnea)
Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- prolonged constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach pain
- difficulty eating foods
- peeing more or less often
- pain when urinating
- fever
- abnormal [vaginal discharge](https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/what-is-discharge)
- loss of appetite
- [unexplained weight loss](https://www.healthline.com/health/unexplained-weight-loss)
Call a doctor if you’re pregnant or nursing and you experience abdominal pain.
To diagnose abdominal pain, a healthcare professional will first perform a [physical examination](https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/primary-care-doctors/getting-physical-examination). This includes gently pressing on various abdomen areas to check for tenderness and swelling.
They will also ask questions about your symptoms, such as:
- Where exactly are you feeling the pain?
- Has the pain always been in this one location, or has it moved?
- How severe is the pain?
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and go in waves?
- What were you doing when the pain began?
- Is there a time of day when the pain is the worst?
- When was your last bowel movement?
- Do you have regular bowel movements?
- Have you noticed any changes in your urine?
- Have you made any major changes to your diet?
People of reproductive age who were assigned female at birth may also be asked questions about their sexual and menstruation history.
A doctor may then order several tests to help make a diagnosis. These may [include](https://gi.org/topics/abdominal-pain/):
- [blood tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests)
- [urinalysis](https://www.healthline.com/health/urinalysis)
- [stool culture](https://www.healthline.com/health/stool-culture)
- imaging tests, such as [MRI](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-mri-scan), [ultrasound](https://www.healthline.com/health/ultrasound), and [X-ray](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-film)
- [endoscopy](https://www.healthline.com/health/endoscopy)
- [colonoscopy](https://www.healthline.com/health/colonoscopy)
Treatment for abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause but may include a combination of natural remedies, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.
For instance, short-term abdominal pain caused by bloating may not require any medical treatment. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications may also [help relieve](https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain/) abdominal pain like cramps, bloating, and nausea.
However, acute pain caused by appendicitis may require [antibiotics](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-antibiotics-work) and removing your appendix ([appendectomy](https://www.healthline.com/health/appendectomy)).
A healthcare professional will help develop the best treatment plan for you.
How to reduce stomach pain?
Treatment for stomach pain will depend on the underlying condition. This may include a combination of natural remedies, OTC drugs, prescription medications, and, in rare cases, surgery.
How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe stomach pain that is accompanied by trouble breathing, chest pain, black, bloody, and tarry stools, or vomiting.
What is the best over-the-counter medication for stomach pain?
Some over-the-counter medications for stomach pain, cramps, and bloating include [antacids](https://www.healthline.com/health/antacids) and [antispasmodic](https://www.healthline.com/health/antispasmodic-for-ibs).
What to drink to settle the stomach?
Beverages that may help settle your stomach include chamomile, ginger, lemon, and peppermint teas.
Abdominal pain may be caused by many conditions, but it’s often not serious
Speak with a doctor if the pain doesn’t improve after a few days. If you experience severe pain suddenly, get immediate medical attention.
A doctor could help provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. |
| Shard | 98 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 11478817528691466898 |
| Unparsed URL | com,healthline!www,/health/abdominal-pain s443 |