Abdominal Pain

Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam
Apr 23
2 min read

Updated: Apr 24

Introduction

Abdominal pain (belly pain) is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. It may be sharp or dull, mild or severe, and may come and go or stay constantly. The cause can range from gas to serious problems like appendicitis. One helpful clue is the location of the pain, which often points to the possible cause.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Some common general causes include:

Indigestion or Gas
Constipation
Infections (like food poisoning, UTI)
Acid reflux (GERD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Appendicitis, gallstones, or kidney stones
Menstrual cramps or ovarian issues

Differential Diagnosis Based on Site of Pain

Symptoms to Watch For

Bloating or gas
Nausea, vomiting
Fever or chills
Constipation or diarrhea
Blood in stool or vomit
Pain with urination
Pain that worsens or doesn’t go away in 1–2 days

Diagnosis

Your doctor may recommend:

Physical examination
Blood and urine tests
Stool analysis
Ultrasound or CT scan
Endoscopy or colonoscopy (if needed)

Treatment Options

Depends on the cause:

Gas, indigestion: Antacids, dietary changes
Infections: Antibiotics if bacterial
Appendicitis, gallstones, hernia: May need surgery
Kidney stones: Pain relief, increased fluids, possible surgery
IBS/constipation: High-fiber diet, medications, stress management

Natural Home Remedies

These can help mild cases:

Ajwain (carom seeds) + warm water – for gas
Ginger or peppermint tea – for digestion and cramps
Warm compress or hot water bottle – relaxes abdominal muscles
Fennel seeds – soothe the stomach
Lemon water – helps clear toxins and relieve bloating
Probiotics (curd/yogurt) – improve gut health

When to See a Doctor

Severe or persistent pain
High fever, vomiting
Pain with yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Blood in stool or urine
Pain during pregnancy
Pain after injury

Summary

Abdominal pain can have many causes depending on where it hurts and what symptoms you have. While some cases can be treated at home, others may need medical care. Understanding the site of pain can help narrow down the cause. Always consult your doctor if you are unsure or if symptoms are serious. Early diagnosis helps in faster recovery.

Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist

Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456