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Abdominal Pain
Alternate Names : Abdominal Cramps, Acute Abdomen, Belly Ache, Pain - Abdomen, Stomach Pain
Definition
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel in the abdominal area (the area between your chest and groin), often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Even when you feel pain there, however, it may originate from somewhere else -- like your chest, pelvic region (the area just below the abdomen that houses the reproductive organs), or a generalized infection affecting many parts of your body (like the flu or strep throat).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Considerations
There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including:
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Organs related to digestion -- the stomach, the end of the esophagus, the small and large intestines, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas.
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The aorta -- a large blood vessel that runs straight down the inside of the abdomen.
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The appendix -- an organ in the right lower quadrant that no longer serves much function.
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The kidneys -- two bean shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity.
The intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain. Severe abdominal pain can be from mild conditions, such as gas or the cramping of viral gastroenteritis (a virus that causes inflammation along the lining of the stomach and intestines). On the other hand, relatively mild pain (or no pain) may be present with life-threatening conditions, such as cancer of the colon or early appendicitis .
The severity of the condition has more to do with the suddenness of the pain, especially if it is sharp and localized to one region, rather than spread throughout your abdomen.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Abdominal Pain: Overview & Considerations
• Abdominal Pain: Common Causes
• Abdominal Pain: Home Care & Treatment
• Abdominal Pain: Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Cholecystitis (Gallstones)
• Aortic Dissection
• Appendicitis
• Cholelithiasis
• Colic and Crying
• Colon Cancer
• Crohn's Disease
• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• Food Allergy
• Food Poisoning
• Gastric Cancer
• Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants
• Giardiasis
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Intussusception (Children)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Functional Bowel)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Nephrolithiasis
• Ovarian Cancer
• Ovarian Cysts
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Somatization Disorder
• Strep Throat
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Uterine Fibroids
• Viral Gastroenteritis
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
Other Topics
• Constipation
• Groin Lump
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Menstruation - Painful
• Point Tenderness
• Ulcers
Review Date : 9/4/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Andrew J. Muir, MD MHS, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/31/2002).
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