Everyone experiences stomach discomfort from time to time, that’s not unusual. But when the pain comes on suddenly and severely – a condition called acute abdominal pain – it’s a completely different story.
Acute abdominal pain is a medical term for pain that begins suddenly and doesn’t last more than a few days. While some causes are harmless and pass on their own, others can be serious or even life-threatening. The key is knowing when to wait it out and when to seek urgent care.
If you or someone you love is doubled over in pain, go to the nearest urgent care. However, if your symptoms indicate something more serious, you may need immediate care in the emergency department.
What is acute abdominal pain?
Simply put, acute abdominal pain is a sudden onset of pain in the belly area. It can feel sharp, crampy, dull or constant. The pain might be isolated to one area or spread throughout the abdomen. Sometimes, it comes with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever or changes in bowel movements.
Because so many of your organs live in the abdominal cavity there are a lot of possible sources of pain.
Causes that require medical attention
Some causes of abdominal pain are relatively harmless, like gas, indigestion or a stomach virus. But others require fast action. Here’s a look at some conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain:
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, typically causing pain in the lower right abdomen
- Gallstones: Can block the bile ducts, causing pain in the upper right abdomen
- Peptic ulcer: A sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that can cause burning pain
- Kidney stones: Sharp pain in the side or back, sometimes radiating to the lower abdomen
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection in pockets of the colon
- Mesenteric ischemia: A blockage in the blood vessels that supply the intestines, leading to sudden, severe pain
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy outside the uterus that breaks open, causing internal bleeding
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A bulge in the large artery that runs through the abdomen, which can burst and become deadly
The variety of causes makes it hard to tell what’s going on based on symptoms alone. That’s why doctors rely on a careful differential diagnosis process to figure it out.
Diagnosing acute abdominal pain
Your doctor uses a method called differential diagnosis to narrow down what might be causing your symptoms. Acute abdominal pain has a long list of possible causes, and your doctor will ask questions about how the pain feels, where it’s located, when it started and what other symptoms are present.
Is the pain sharp or dull? Does it move around? Did it come on suddenly or gradually? Are you nauseous, feverish or noticing blood in your stool? Your provider may ask these questions to get details that will guide the physical exam and testing that follow.
What happens during a physical exam?
Your doctor will likely begin with a physical exam focused on your abdomen. This may include:
- Pressing gently on different parts of your abdomen to locate tenderness
- Listening for bowel sounds using a stethoscope
- Checking for signs of inflammation or swelling
- Looking at your posture, breathing and skin color
Sometimes, just the physical exam and your history are enough to make a diagnosis. But often, further tests are needed.
Diagnostic testing
When more information is needed, your doctor might order lab work or imaging. Common tests include:
- Blood tests to check for infection or signs of inflammation
- Urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections or kidney stones
- Pregnancy test, especially if a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a concern
- CT scan (computed tomography) to get detailed images of the abdomen
- Ultrasound, particularly useful for gallbladder and pelvic issues
A CT scan is often the go-to imaging test because it provides a clear view of the abdominal organs and can detect things like an abdominal aortic aneurysm, mesenteric ischemia or a perforated bowel.
When is acute abdominal pain life-threatening?
You should never ignore certain red flags. They could indicate life-threatening conditions. Seek medical help from the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain that doesn’t get better
- Pain accompanied by vomiting blood or bloody stools
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
- Fainting or signs of shock like sweating, fast heart rate or confusion
- Pain that radiates to the back, chest or shoulder, especially in older adults
Conditions like mesenteric ischemia, ruptured ectopic pregnancy and abdominal aortic aneurysm are life-threatening and require immediate attention.
Treatment options
Once the cause of your acute abdominal pain is identified, treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some cases can be managed with rest, fluids and medication, while others require surgery.
- Peptic ulcer: Treated with acid-reducing medications and sometimes antibiotics
- Appendicitis or gallbladder issues: Usually require surgery
- Kidney stones: May pass on their own or need medical intervention
- Infections: Treated with antibiotics
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm or ruptured ectopic pregnancy: Require emergency surgery
The earlier the correct diagnosis is made, the better the outcome. That’s why listening to your body and acting quickly can be lifesaving.
Self-care and prevention
While you can’t prevent every cause of abdominal pain, healthy habits can reduce your risk. Drink plenty of water, eat a fiber-rich diet, manage stress and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol use. Know your family history, especially if aneurysms or ulcers run in your family.
However, if you feel something isn’t right, don’t try to tough it out. Sudden abdominal pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong.
How we can help
Acute abdominal pain can range from annoying to life-threatening, and figuring out what’s going on isn’t always simple. With so many of your organs involved, the differential diagnosis is key to getting it right.
Not all abdominal pain is serious, but may still require treatment. Seeing a provider at an urgent care can ensure you are evaluated quickly. However, if the pain is sudden, intense or comes with other concerning symptoms, head straight to the nearest emergency department.
Learn about the urgent care and emergency care services we offer at Mercy Health.
