Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt in the belly area. Nearly everyone experiences it at some point, and while most causes are minor and easily treatable, some may signal a serious condition requiring medical attention.
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### **Left-Side Abdominal Pain**
The location of your pain can help identify its cause.
#### **Lower Left Pain**
- **Diverticulitis** – Inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon.
- **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)** – Can cause cramping and discomfort.
#### **Upper Left Pain**
Possible causes include:
- **Pancreatitis** (pancreas inflammation)
- **Gastritis** (stomach lining inflammation) or **stomach ulcers**
- **Splenomegaly** (enlarged spleen)
- **Kidney issues** (infection or stones)
- **Bile reflux** or **stomach cancer** (less common)
**Pain may also originate from the chest due to:**
- Heartburn, **angina**, or **heart attack**
- **Pericarditis** (heart lining inflammation)
- **Pneumonia** or **pleurisy** (lung lining inflammation)
- **Pulmonary embolism** (blood clot in the lungs)
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### **Right-Side Abdominal Pain**
#### **Lower Right Pain**
- **Appendicitis** (inflamed appendix) – Requires urgent care.
- Rarely, **appendix cancer**.
#### **Upper Right Pain**
Possible serious causes:
- **Liver issues** (hepatitis, liver disease, or cancer)
- **Gallstones** or **cholecystitis** (gallbladder inflammation)
- **Kidney stones** or **infection**
- **Duodenal ulcer** or **bowel obstruction**
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### **When to Seek Medical Help**
#### **Call 911 Immediately If You Have:**
- Severe pain after an injury
- Chest pain with abdominal discomfort
- Inability to keep food down for over 2 days
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, extreme thirst, infrequent urination)
- Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling, yellow skin, or unexplained weight loss
#### **See a Doctor Soon If You Experience:**
- Persistent pain lasting hours
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen
- Pain with vomiting, fever, or inability to pass stool
- Frequent or painful urination
Pregnant women and those with worsening symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation.
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### **Final Thoughts**
While many cases of abdominal pain are harmless, severe or persistent pain should never be ignored. Pay attention to accompanying symptoms and seek medical advice when in doubt. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
