What Is Causing My Abdominal Pain?

When abdominal pain strikes, it can be hard to focus on anything else.

Five Keck Medicine of USC experts explain common causes and how to treat them.

Digestion problems

“The digestive system — or gastrointestinal (GI) tract — is a large network of organs, and each one is vulnerable to different conditions or illnesses,” says gastroenterologist James Buxbaum, MD. Differentiating between the many possibilities depends on location and type of pain.

Three common examples include:

Celiac: Pain and nausea after eating gluten.

Pancreatitis: Severe pain in the uppercentral abdomen.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Cramping, diarrhea (sometimes with blood) or constipation.

Treatment options: Dietary adjustments, quitting alcohol and smoking, medications.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs):

UTIs are common in people with female urinary tracts. “It’s normal to get one or two infections a year,” says urogynecologist Elodi Dielubanza, MD. “But if you’re getting them more frequently, talk to your doctor so they can investigate the root cause. And stay hydrated — urinating flushes away UTI-causing bacteria.”

Symptoms:

• Acute lower abdominal pain.
• Painful, burning urination.
• Blood in urine.
• Fever (sometimes).

Treatment: Antibiotics.

Gynecological conditions:

“For people who menstruate, severe pain that occurs monthly can suggest a gynecological condition such as endometriosis or fibroids,” says gynecologist Anna Reinert, MD.

Endometriosis symptoms:

• Debilitating pain for one to several days.
• Usually does not show up on imaging.

Fibroid symptoms:

• Feeling of fullness or weight in the pelvic area.
• Heavy menstrual flow.

Treatment options: Medication, minimally invasive surgery.

Gallbladder stones

Genetics, a fatty diet and blood disorders like sickle cell anemia can lead to gallstones, which “can cause inflammation or block bile flow after a fatty meal, leading to biliary colic,” says Mohd Raashid Sheikh, MD, MHA, a hepatobiliary surgeon.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the upper-right abdomen.
• Pain may radiate to right shoulder.
• Nausea or vomiting (sometimes).

Treatment: Gallbladder removal.

Urinary retention

“Urinary retention occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely,” says urologist Jullet Han, MD. “Causes include an enlarged prostate, uncontrolled diabetes, nerve injuries, bladder tumors or pelvic organ prolapse. It can lead to discomfort and, if untreated, affect kidney function, so seeing a doctor is important.”

Symptoms:

• Lower abdomen fullness or pain.
• Not voiding urine for a long time, or small, frequent voids.

Treatment options: Foley catheterization, medications, surgery or pessary.

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