Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints among patients, and its causes range from mild digestive upset to serious medical emergencies. Understanding the nature of your pain and knowing when to seek medical help can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

In this blog, we will explore the common causes of lower abdominal pain, warning signs that require urgent attention, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options. If you’re unsure whether your pain warrants a visit to the doctor, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain

The lower abdomen is the area below your belly button, encompassing parts of your digestive system, urinary tract, and, in women, reproductive organs. Pain in this region can be dull, sharp, cramping, or constant, and it may come on suddenly or develop gradually.

Common Characteristics:

• Location: Right lower, left lower, or central

• Onset: Sudden or gradual

• Duration: Short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic)

• Severity: Mild to debilitating

• Associated symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits

Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

1. Digestive Causes

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Cramping, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements

• Constipation: Pain due to hard stool buildup

• Gastroenteritis: Inflammation from infections, often with diarrhea and vomiting

• Appendicitis: Sudden sharp pain in the right lower abdomen; medical emergency

• Diverticulitis: Inflamed pouches in the colon; typically causes left-sided pain

• Gas or bloating: Temporary discomfort often related to diet or food intolerances

2. Urinary Causes

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Burning sensation, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain

• Kidney stones: Severe, sharp pain radiating to the groin or back

• Bladder infection or interstitial cystitis: Chronic pelvic pain, urgency, and frequency

3. Reproductive Causes (in women)

• Menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Lower pelvic cramping before/during periods

• Ovarian cysts: Sudden pain if ruptured or twisted

• Endometriosis: Chronic pain associated with menstruation

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection causing pain and fever

• Ectopic pregnancy: Medical emergency if pregnancy occurs outside the uterus

• Pregnancy-related pain: Due to uterus stretching, ligament strain, or complications

4. Musculoskeletal Causes

• Muscle strain: Common after exercise or lifting

• Hernias: Weakness in the abdominal wall; may cause bulge and pain

5. Other Causes

• Injuries or trauma

• Post-surgical pain

• Nerve-related issues

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While many cases of abdominal pain resolve on their own, some situations call for immediate medical attention. According to the Sparsh Diagnostic Centre infographic, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

1. Sudden and Severe Pain

Sharp, intense pain that appears suddenly could indicate serious conditions like:

• Appendicitis

• Ovarian torsion

• Kidney stones

• Bowel obstruction

2. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away or Worsens

Persistent or worsening pain suggests a chronic issue or progressive illness such as:

• IBS

• Endometriosis

• Pelvic infection

3. A Swollen and Firm Stomach

Abdominal distension and firmness may be due to:

• Bowel blockage

• Internal bleeding

• Inflammatory conditions

4. Blood in Urine or Stool

This can be a sign of:

• Urinary tract infection

• Kidney stones

• Colorectal cancer

• Hemorrhoids

• Inflammatory bowel disease

5. Nausea and Vomiting That Doesn’t Stop

Uncontrolled vomiting can lead to:

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Signals serious infections or obstructions

6. Inability to Eat for Days

Loss of appetite with pain could indicate:

• Pancreatitis

• Liver disease

• Stomach or intestinal disorders

7. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)

Usually linked with:

• Liver dysfunction (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis)

• Gallstones

8. No Bowel Movements for Days

Constipation that lasts several days may indicate:

• Intestinal blockage

• Severe dehydration

• Neurological conditions

9. Recent Injury to the Abdomen

Blunt trauma or a fall can cause:

• Internal bleeding

• Organ damage

10. Pregnancy

Pain during pregnancy should never be ignored as it could signify:

• Miscarriage

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Preterm labor

Diagnostic Tests for Lower Abdominal Pain

Doctors may recommend several tests to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms:

1. Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Liver and kidney function tests

• Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)

2. Urine Tests

• Urinalysis for infection, blood, or ketones

3. Stool Analysis

• Detect infections, blood, or parasites

4. Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound (abdominal or transvaginal)

• CT scan (to detect appendicitis, stones, tumors)

• X-ray (for bowel obstruction)

5. Endoscopy/Colonoscopy

• For visualizing the stomach or colon lining

6. Pregnancy Test

• Especially if symptoms include missed periods or vaginal bleeding

Treatment Options

The treatment depends entirely on the cause of the pain. Below are common options:

1. Medications

• Pain relievers: Paracetamol, antispasmodics

• Antibiotics: For infections

• Laxatives or stool softeners: For constipation

• Antacids or PPIs: For acidity or ulcers

• Hormonal treatment: For endometriosis or menstrual pain

2. Lifestyle Changes

• High-fiber diet for digestive health

• Regular hydration

• Exercise to prevent bloating or constipation

• Avoid trigger foods (dairy, spicy items, etc.)

3. Surgical Treatment

• Appendectomy

• Hernia repair

• Removal of ovarian cysts

• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)

4. Pregnancy-Specific Care

• Bed rest, progesterone supplements

• Emergency care for ectopic pregnancy

• Close monitoring by an obstetrician

Prevention Tips

While not all abdominal pain is preventable, certain steps can reduce your risk:

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid overeating or skipping meals

• Practice safe sex to prevent infections

• Don’t ignore recurrent pain — seek medical advice

• Maintain regular health check-ups, especially if you have chronic conditions

Why Choose Sparsh Diagnostic Centre

At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we understand how distressing abdominal pain can be. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:

• Advanced ultrasound and imaging services

• Skilled and experienced radiologists

• Blood, urine, and stool testing

• Gastrointestinal and gynecological screenings

• Home sample collection across Kolkata

• Same-day appointments and fast reporting

We’re open Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM, ensuring flexibility for working professionals and families.

📞 For appointments, call or WhatsApp: 9830117733 / 8335049501

Lower abdominal pain can be mild and self-limiting, or it can indicate a more serious health condition. It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to warning signs like severe pain, bloating, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable — early diagnosis can make all the difference. Trust the experts at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre to guide you toward the right tests and treatment.