Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere between the chest and pelvis and may be caused by indigestion, gas, constipation, infection, food intolerance, or digestive conditions such as IBS. Mobi Doctor offers abdominal pain treatment online with licensed EU doctors who assess symptoms remotely and recommend suitable treatment, medication, dietary advice, or further evaluation where clinically appropriate.
Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD
Schedule your online consultation for abdominal pain treatment online effortlessly. With just a few clicks, connect with experienced medical professionals who provide timely advice and solutions. Say goodbye to waiting rooms and get the care you need—right from home.
Address abdominal pain with expert-guided treatment plans tailored to your needs. Online consultations provide fast access to accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Start your journey toward relief today without stepping out of your comfort zone.
Your health journey doesn’t stop after the first consultation. Online care ensures continuous support, follow-ups, and adjustments to your treatment plan. Stay connected with professionals dedicated to helping you manage and overcome abdominal pain for lasting results.
Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD
Abdominal pain is pain, cramps, aching, or discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. Many people call it a stomachache, but the pain does not always come from the stomach. It can come from the gut, bladder, reproductive organs, stomach muscles, or nearby organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or kidneys.
The pain can feel different for each person. It may be mild or severe. It may be there all the time or come and go. It may start suddenly or build up slowly. Some people feel bloated, full, burning, crampy, or sharp pain. Where the pain is, when it happens, and how it feels can help a doctor understand what may be causing it.
Abdominal pain is common. It is often caused by short-term problems such as indigestion, trapped wind, constipation, or a mild stomach bug. However, it can also be linked to conditions that need medical care, especially if the pain is severe, keeps coming back, or happens with other symptoms.
You should get medical advice if abdominal pain does not go away, gets worse, or comes with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, blood in your poo, black poo, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin or eyes, severe tenderness, or trouble passing poo or urine.
An online consultation can help you talk about your symptoms, understand what may be causing them, and decide whether you need self-care, treatment, tests, or urgent medical help.
Abdominal pain can feel different depending on the cause, the area affected, and the severity of the problem. Some people experience mild discomfort that improves quickly, while others may develop persistent or severe pain that requires medical attention.
The location of the pain, how it feels, and any accompanying symptoms can help identify the underlying cause.
|
Symptom |
What You May Notice |
|
Dull or aching pain |
A steady discomfort that may feel sore, heavy, or uncomfortable. |
|
Sharp or stabbing pain |
Sudden, intense pain that is often felt in a specific area. |
|
Cramping pain |
Squeezing or spasmodic pain that may come and go. |
|
Burning pain |
A hot or acidic sensation, often linked to indigestion or acid reflux. |
|
Bloating or pressure |
A swollen, tight, or full feeling in the abdomen. |
|
Localised pain |
Pain felt in one area, such as the upper, lower, left, or right side of the abdomen. |
|
Radiating pain |
Pain that spreads to the back, chest, groin, or shoulder. |
|
Abdominal tenderness |
Pain or discomfort when the abdomen is touched or pressed. |
Abdominal pain often occurs with other symptoms that can provide clues about the underlying cause.
|
Associated Symptom |
Possible Cause |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Stomach infections, indigestion, gallbladder problems, or other digestive conditions. |
|
Food poisoning, infection, IBS, or bowel inflammation. |
|
|
Constipation |
May cause cramping, bloating, and abdominal pressure. |
|
Fever or chills |
Can indicate infection or inflammation. |
|
Loss of appetite |
Common with many digestive conditions. |
|
Heartburn or acid reflux |
May suggest indigestion, gastritis, or reflux disease. |
|
Pain when urinating |
Can be linked to urinary tract infections or kidney problems. |
|
Blood in stool or urine |
Requires medical assessment. |
|
Yellowing of the skin or eyes |
May indicate liver, gallbladder, or bile duct disorders. |
Abdominal pain can have many possible causes because the abdomen has many organs. These include the stomach, bowel, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. Some causes are mild and go away quickly, such as indigestion or trapped wind. Others may need a doctor to check and treat them.
The cause often depends on where the pain is, how it started, how bad it feels, and whether you have other symptoms. These may include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fever, problems passing urine, bloating, or changes in appetite.
|
Cause |
How It Can Cause Pain |
Other Symptoms That May Happen |
|
Indigestion |
The stomach can become irritated after eating, eating too fast, or eating certain foods. |
Burning, bloating, burping, nausea, and feeling too full. |
|
Gas and bloating |
Trapped wind can stretch the stomach or bowel. |
Pressure, cramps, swollen tummy, passing wind. |
|
Constipation |
Poo moves too slowly, causing pressure and cramps. |
Hard poo, straining, fewer bowel movements. |
|
Stomach or bowel infection |
Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can irritate the gut. |
Diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, cramps, nausea. |
|
Food intolerance |
The body may have difficulty digesting some foods. |
Bloating, diarrhoea, and cramps after eating. |
|
Acid reflux or gastritis |
Acid or swelling can irritate the stomach lining or the food pipe. |
Burning pain, nausea, sour taste, and discomfort after meals. |
|
Menstrual cramps |
The womb contracts during a period, causing lower abdominal pain. |
Pelvic pain, back pain, tiredness, and mood changes. |
|
An infection can irritate the bladder or urinary tract. |
Burning when passing urine, needing to urinate often, and lower abdominal pain. |
|
|
Gallstones |
Stones can block the gallbladder or bile ducts. |
Pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and pain after fatty meals. |
|
Kidney stones |
Stones can irritate or block the urinary tract. |
Severe side or back pain, blood in urine, nausea. |
|
Appendicitis |
The appendix becomes swollen and inflamed. |
Pain often starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side, fever and nausea. |
Many cases of abdominal pain are linked to digestion. Indigestion, trapped wind, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and stomach infections are common causes. These problems may cause cramps, pressure, burning, nausea, diarrhoea, or changes in bowel habits.
Food can also cause pain for some people. Some people feel pain after eating dairy, foods with gluten, spicy food, fatty food, or large meals. This may be due to a food intolerance, reflux, IBS, or short-term gut irritation.
Abdominal pain can happen when the stomach or bowel is irritated by an infection. This may happen after eating or drinking something unsafe, being near someone who is unwell, or not washing hands properly. Pain from an infection is often crampy and may be accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, fever, or loss of appetite.
Most mild stomach infections get better with fluids and rest. However, you should speak to a doctor if symptoms are severe, you become dehydrated, there is blood in your poo, or diarrhoea does not stop.
Pain in the lower abdomen, side, or back may come from the urinary system. A urinary tract infection can cause lower abdominal pain, a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Kidney stones can cause severe pain. The pain may start in the side or back and move towards the lower abdomen or groin. It can come in waves and may happen with nausea or blood in the urine.
Abdominal pain can also come from the reproductive organs. Period cramps are common, but pelvic pain may also be linked to ovulation, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pregnancy-related problems.
Pain during pregnancy, severe pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or pain with fever should be checked quickly.
Some causes of abdominal pain need urgent medical help. These may include appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, pancreatitis, a blocked bowel, severe infection, internal bleeding, or bowel inflammation.
Get urgent medical advice if abdominal pain is severe, sudden, getting worse, or comes with fever, repeated vomiting, a hard or swollen tummy, black poo, blood in vomit or poo, yellow skin or eyes, fainting, confusion, chest pain, or trouble passing poo or urine.
Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the cause. It also depends on where the pain is, how bad it feels, and whether you have other symptoms. These may include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fever, bloating, problems passing urine, or bleeding. Mild pain may get better with simple self-care, but sudden, severe, long-lasting, or worsening pain should be checked by a doctor.
|
Treatment Option |
When It May Help |
Important Notes |
|
Fluids and rest |
Mild stomach bugs, vomiting, diarrhoea, or general stomach upset. |
Helps prevent dehydration and supports recovery. |
|
Smaller meals |
Indigestion, reflux, bloating, or nausea. |
Avoid large, heavy meals until you feel better. |
|
Avoiding trigger foods |
Reflux, IBS, bloating, and food intolerance. |
Trigger foods are different for each person. |
|
Antacids or acid-reducing medicines |
Heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux. |
Speak to a doctor if symptoms happen often or feel severe. |
|
Gas relief medicines |
Bloating or pressure caused by trapped wind. |
May help when pain is linked to trapped wind. |
|
Laxatives |
Pain caused by constipation. |
The right type depends on your symptoms and how long you have been constipated. |
|
Anti-diarrhoeal medicines |
Short-term diarrhoea in some cases. |
Do not use without medical advice if you have a fever, blood in your poo, or severe pain. |
|
Prescription medicines |
IBS, reflux, infection, swelling, or urinary problems. |
Should be used only when the cause is known. |
|
Medical procedures or surgery |
Appendicitis, gallstones, a blocked bowel, or other urgent problems. |
Needed only for certain causes. |
If the pain is mild and you have no warning signs, simple self-care may help. Drink fluids, rest, and eat smaller, lighter meals while your stomach settles. A warm compress or heat pad may help ease cramps, especially if the pain is linked to trapped wind, constipation, or period cramps.
Avoid alcohol, very fatty foods, spicy meals, and large portions until you feel better. If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, take small sips of water often. You can also use an oral rehydration solution to help lower the risk of dehydration.
Some over-the-counter medicines may help, but they should match the likely cause. For example, antacids may help with indigestion or reflux. Laxatives may help if the pain is caused by constipation.
Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers, anti-diarrhoeal medicines, or laxatives if you are not sure what is causing the pain, especially if your symptoms are severe. Some medicines can make certain stomach problems worse or delay the right treatment.
A doctor may suggest prescription treatment if abdominal pain is linked to a clear condition. This may include reflux, IBS, a urinary tract infection, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or another diagnosed problem.
Antibiotics are only needed for some bacterial infections. They should only be used if a doctor prescribes them. Long-term abdominal pain may need tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, an ultrasound, or a referral to a specialist.
Some causes of abdominal pain need urgent medical care. These include appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, pancreatitis, kidney stones, a blocked bowel, severe infection, or internal bleeding.
Seek urgent medical advice if abdominal pain is sudden, severe, getting worse, or comes with:
|
Warning Sign |
Why It Matters |
|
Repeated vomiting |
Can cause dehydration or may suggest a serious cause. |
|
Blood in vomit or stool |
May be a sign of bleeding or swelling. |
|
Black or tar-like stool |
Can suggest bleeding in the digestive tract. |
|
High fever |
May be linked to an infection or swelling. |
|
A hard, swollen abdomen |
May suggest a blockage or severe swelling. |
|
Fainting, confusion, or severe weakness |
Can be a sign of dehydration, bleeding, or serious illness. |
|
Yellow skin or eyes |
May point to liver, gallbladder, or bile duct problems. |
|
Pain during pregnancy |
Should be checked quickly. |
|
Difficulty passing stool, wind, or urine |
May need urgent assessment. |
Abdominal pain cannot always be prevented. This is especially true when it is caused by infections, gallstones, kidney stones, appendicitis, or medical conditions. However, healthy daily habits can lower the risk of common triggers, such as indigestion, constipation, bloating, reflux, and food-related stomach upset.
|
Prevention Tip |
What To Do |
Why It Helps |
|
Eat balanced meals |
Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. |
Supports digestion and regular bowel movements. |
|
Eat slowly |
Chew well and do not rush meals. |
Reduces swallowed air, bloating, and indigestion. |
|
Avoid large heavy meals |
Choose smaller portions if food often causes discomfort. |
May reduce reflux, fullness, and bloating. |
|
Drink enough water |
Sip fluids often during the day. |
Helps prevent constipation and supports digestion. |
|
Identify trigger foods |
Keep track of foods that cause pain, bloating, reflux, or diarrhoea. |
Helps you avoid your own triggers. |
|
Stay active |
Walk, stretch, or exercise regularly. |
Helps the bowel move and lowers the risk of constipation. |
|
Manage stress |
Try slow breathing, relaxation, gentle exercise, or better sleep habits. |
Stress can affect the gut and digestion. |
|
Handle food safely |
Wash hands, cook food properly, and store leftovers safely. |
Lowers the risk of stomach infections and food poisoning. |
|
Limit alcohol and smoking |
Cut down or avoid both if they trigger symptoms. |
They can irritate the stomach and worsen reflux. |
Eating too quickly, eating large meals, or lying down soon after eating can trigger indigestion, bloating, or reflux. Try eating smaller meals, chewing slowly, and giving your body time to digest before lying down.
If certain foods often cause symptoms, such as spicy foods, fatty meals, dairy, caffeine, fizzy drinks, or foods with gluten, keep a symptom diary. Speak to a doctor before making big long-term changes to your diet.
Constipation is a common cause of abdominal discomfort. Drinking enough water, eating foods high in fibre, and staying active can help support regular bowel movements. Add fibre slowly, as adding too much too quickly can cause gas and bloating.
Stress can affect the gut. It may make cramps, bloating, reflux, or IBS-like symptoms worse. Relaxation habits such as slow breathing, walking, stretching, mindfulness, or a steady sleep routine may help reduce stress-related stomach discomfort.
Foodborne infections can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. You can lower your risk by washing your hands before preparing food, cooking meat and seafood properly, washing fruit and vegetables, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, and storing chilled foods correctly.
Even with healthy habits, abdominal pain can still happen. Speak to a doctor if pain keeps coming back, becomes more severe, lasts longer than expected, or comes with warning signs. These include fever, vomiting, blood in your poo, black poo, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin or eyes, or pain during pregnancy.
If abdominal pain keeps coming back or you are not sure what may be causing it, Mobi Doctor can help. An online doctor can assess your symptoms, review possible triggers, and recommend safe next steps. This may include self-care, treatment, tests, or referral if needed.

























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