Abdominal Pain & Cramping
Medically Reviewed & Fact-CheckedBy MD, Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine
Reviewed: 9/6/2026Overview
Pain perceived in the abdominal region originating from visceral, parietal peritoneal, or referred pain pathways. Visceral pain is dull and poorly localized; somatic peritoneal pain is sharp, constant, and exquisitely localized.
Possible Causes
- Upper Abdomen: Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Cholecystitis, Acute Pancreatitis.
- Lower Abdomen: Acute Appendicitis (right lower quadrant), Diverticulitis (left lower quadrant), IBS.
- Pelvic/Gynecologic: Ectopic pregnancy, Ovarian cyst torsion, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
- Renal: Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).
When to Seek Care
Seek emergency department evaluation if abdominal pain is excruciating, worsens with movement, radiates to the groin, or is associated with vomiting blood or black tarry stools.
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