Abdominal Pain Location and What It Might Mean

     Abdominal pain is a symptom not to be overlooked, as it can signal underlying issues with vital internal organs. Understanding specific pain locations can offer deeper insight into potential conditions.

Pain Location and Associated Conditions

1.  Epigastric Pain

This area correlates with the stomach, pancreas, and liver.

• Dyspepsia/Indigestion: Pain with bloating, fullness, and gas immediately after meals.
• Gastritis: Similar to dyspepsia; if bleeding occurs, stool may be black or vomit may be dark red.
• GERD (Acid Reflux): Burning sensation and tightness 2-3 hours after meals, or when lying down post-meal.
• Pancreatitis: Suspect this if experiencing severe pain with nausea and vomiting; requires prompt diagnosis.

2.  Left Upper Quadrant Pain

     Located on the upper left, this area houses the stomach, spleen, and pancreas. Pain here may indicate gastric pain or serious conditions like a ruptured spleen.

3.  Right Upper Quadrant Pain

     This area contains the liver and gallbladder. If you experience aching, fullness, cramping pain, or intermittent spasms, along with yellowing of the skin/eyes and dark urine, seek immediate medical attention. These are potential signs of gallstones or a liver mass.

4.  Periumbilical Pain

     Pain around the navel typically involves the small intestine. Gassy pain may indicate general diarrhea. However, severe, unbearable pain, especially with vomiting, could signal enteritis or bowel obstruction.

5.  Lumbar Region

Pain in the back flanks, both left and right, is associated with the ureters, kidneys, and large intestine.

• Kidney Stones/Urinary Tract Infection: Burning during urination, fever, and severe pain upon gentle tapping on the lower back.
• Bowel Obstruction: Intermittent cramping pain with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

6.  Suprapubic Pain 

     This area is related to the bladder and uterus. Pain during urination or frequent, scanty urination may indicate cystitis or bladder stones. For women, severe menstrual cramps, chronic pain, or a palpable mass warrant consultation with a specialist for possible uterine inflammation or fibroids.

7.  Left Iliac Fossa

     This involves the ureter and left adnexa. Cramping pain radiating to the thigh may signal ureteral stones. If accompanied by fever, chills, and vaginal discharge, suspect pelvic inflammatory disease.

8.  Right Iliac Fossa

Pain in this crucial area relates to the appendix, ureter, and right adnexa. If new, suspect appendicitis until ruled out.

• Appendicitis: Sharp, localized pain that worsens over time, tender to touch.
• Kidney Pelvis Abnormality: Intermittent cramping pain radiating to the thigh.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Cramping pain with fever.
• Appendiceal Mass or Ovarian Abnormality: If a mass is palpable, further evaluation is needed.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Abdominal Pain:

We strongly recommend immediate medical consultation if abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following:

• Pain lasting over 6 hours and intensifying.
• Pain so severe that it prevents eating.
• Excessive vomiting (more than 3-4 times) alongside pain.
• Pain that worsens with movement.
• Persistent right lower abdominal pain (especially).
• Severe pain that prevents sleep.
• Pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding.
• Pain accompanied by fever.
• Pain with gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., bloody vomit, black vomit, bloody stool, or black stool).

Your Health is Our Priority

     At Ramkhamhaeng Hospital's Gastroenterology Center, we are dedicated to your well-being, helping you return to a happy life. Please do not hesitate to consult our expert physicians for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.