Dr. Niamh Kelly
In personOnlineIMC verified
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain means pain anywhere from the chest line to the pelvis. It can come from the stomach, intestines, liver, urinary system or reproductive organs, and severe or worsening pain needs prompt care.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Severe, worsening or constant abdominal pain, especially with a hard or swollen belly.
- Abdominal pain with fainting, confusion, chest pain or trouble breathing.
- Vomiting blood, black stools, blood in stool, or repeated vomiting.
- Abdominal pain with high fever, yellow eyes, severe dehydration or inability to pass stool or gas.
- Abdominal pain during pregnancy, after injury, or with severe pain on one side of the lower belly.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Indigestion, gas, constipation or food-related illness.
- Stomach or intestinal infection.
- Gallbladder, liver or pancreas problems.
- Urine infection or kidney stone.
- Period pain, pregnancy-related problems or other gynecological causes.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask where the pain is, when it started, and whether there is fever, vomiting, stool change or urinary symptoms.
- They may examine the abdomen and check pulse, blood pressure and hydration.
- Blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound or other imaging may be advised depending on the pain pattern.
Looking after yourself
- Rest and drink small amounts of safe fluids if you are not vomiting repeatedly.
- Avoid heavy meals while pain is active.
- Seek medical advice if pain is new, severe, keeps returning or you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
- When is abdominal pain an emergency?
- Severe or worsening pain, a hard belly, fainting, blood in vomit or stool, pregnancy, or pain with high fever needs urgent care.
- Can food poisoning cause abdominal pain?
- Yes. Contaminated food or water can cause belly pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.
- Can abdominal pain be from the heart?
- Sometimes heart problems can feel like upper belly pain, especially with sweating, breathlessness or chest discomfort.
- Which doctor should I see for abdominal pain?
- A general physician can start assessment. A gastroenterologist helps when digestive causes are likely or symptoms persist.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- General Physician Good first contact because abdominal pain has many possible causes.
- Gastroenterologist Helpful when symptoms suggest stomach, intestine, liver or gallbladder problems.
- Gynecologist Important for pregnancy-related pain or pelvic pain in women.
Not sure? See a general physician
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