Introduction

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice. It can range from mild discomfort that resolves on its own to severe pain requiring urgent medical treatment.

The abdomen contains many important organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and reproductive organs. Because so many different conditions can cause abdominal pain, identifying the underlying source is essential for appropriate treatment.

Some causes, such as indigestion or viral gastroenteritis, are usually self-limiting. Others—including appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones or bowel obstruction—may require urgent medical intervention.

Residents and visitors to Mallorca frequently seek medical care for abdominal pain, particularly when symptoms develop suddenly during travel, after eating unfamiliar foods or in association with vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration.

Understanding the different types of abdominal pain and recognising warning signs can help determine when medical assessment is necessary.

What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort occurring anywhere between the chest and the pelvis.

The pain may originate from:

• The digestive system.
• The urinary tract.
• The liver or gallbladder.
• The pancreas.
• The kidneys.
• The reproductive organs.
• The abdominal muscles.
• Blood vessels within the abdomen.

Pain may be:

• Mild or severe.
• Sudden or gradual.
• Constant or intermittent.
• Sharp or dull.
• Localised or widespread.

The characteristics of the pain often provide valuable clues to its underlying cause.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Doctors classify abdominal pain in several ways.

Acute Abdominal Pain

Acute pain develops suddenly over minutes or hours.

Common causes include:

• Gastroenteritis.
• Food poisoning.
• Appendicitis.
• Kidney stones.
• Gallstones.
• Urinary tract infections.

Acute abdominal pain sometimes requires urgent medical evaluation.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain persists for weeks or months.

Possible causes include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Chronic gastritis.
• Peptic ulcer disease.
• Food intolerances.
• Endometriosis.

Localised Pain

Pain confined to one area often points towards a specific organ.

For example:

• Right lower abdomen → appendicitis.
• Upper right abdomen → gallbladder disease.
• Left flank → kidney stone.
• Upper central abdomen → stomach or pancreas.

Generalised Pain

Pain affecting most of the abdomen is commonly associated with:

• Viral gastroenteritis.
• Food poisoning.
• Intestinal infections.
• Gas accumulation.
• Early bowel obstruction.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Many different medical conditions can cause abdominal pain.

Some of the most common include:

Gastroenteritis

Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses or bacteria frequently leads to:

• Cramping abdominal pain.
• Diarrhoea.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.

Food Poisoning

Food contaminated by bacteria, viruses or toxins may cause:

• Sudden stomach cramps.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Fever.

Symptoms often begin within hours after eating contaminated food.

Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Indigestion commonly causes:

• Burning discomfort.
• Upper abdominal fullness.
• Bloating.
• Belching.
• Nausea after meals.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining may produce:

• Burning upper abdominal pain.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Early fullness.

Constipation

Constipation frequently causes:

• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• Bloating.
• Cramping.
• Difficulty passing stools.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS often causes recurrent:

• Cramping.
• Bloating.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Relief after passing stool.

Gallstones

Gallstones may block the gallbladder, causing sudden severe pain beneath the right ribs.

Pain often develops after fatty meals and may radiate towards the right shoulder.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones typically produce:

• Severe flank pain.
• Pain radiating to the groin.
• Blood in the urine.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

The pain often comes in waves.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis usually begins with pain around the navel before moving to the lower right abdomen.

Other symptoms commonly include:

• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Increasing tenderness.

Prompt medical assessment is essential.

Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections may cause:

• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• Pain during urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Fever in more severe infections. 

Abdominal Pain by Location

The location of abdominal pain can provide valuable clues about its underlying cause. However, it is important to remember that pain may sometimes radiate to other areas, and the exact location alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis.

Upper Right Abdomen

Pain beneath the right ribs may originate from:

• Gallstones.
• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Liver disorders.
• Occasionally the right kidney.
• Less commonly, pneumonia affecting the lower right lung.

Typical symptoms may include:

• Pain after eating fatty meals.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Pain radiating to the right shoulder.

Upper Left Abdomen

Pain in the upper left abdomen may be related to:

• Gastritis.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Pancreatic disorders.
• The spleen.
• Occasionally the left kidney.

Associated symptoms can include:

• Indigestion.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Early fullness after eating.

Upper Central Abdomen (Epigastric Pain)

Pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen is commonly associated with:

• Indigestion.
• Gastritis.
• Peptic ulcer disease.
• Acid reflux.
• Pancreatitis.

Pain may worsen after eating or, in some cases, improve temporarily with food before returning.

Around the Navel

Pain around the umbilicus may occur with:

• Early appendicitis.
• Viral gastroenteritis.
• Small bowel disorders.
• Intestinal infections.

In appendicitis, the pain often begins near the navel before moving to the lower right side of the abdomen.

Lower Right Abdomen

Pain in the lower right abdomen may indicate:

• Appendicitis.
• Crohn's disease.
• Kidney stones.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Certain gynaecological conditions in women.

Appendicitis should always be considered when pain progressively worsens in this area, particularly if accompanied by fever or loss of appetite.

Lower Left Abdomen

Common causes include:

• Diverticulitis.
• Constipation.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Kidney stones.
• Urinary tract infections.

Older adults are particularly susceptible to diverticulitis.

Lower Central Abdomen

Pain above the pubic bone may arise from:

• Bladder infections.
• Urinary retention.
• Prostate disorders in men.
• Gynaecological conditions in women.
• Constipation.

Urinary symptoms often help distinguish these conditions.

Pain Throughout the Abdomen

Generalised abdominal pain is frequently caused by:

• Viral gastroenteritis.
• Food poisoning.
• Gas accumulation.
• Early bowel obstruction.
• Peritonitis (a serious inflammation of the abdominal lining).

Severe pain involving the entire abdomen should always be assessed urgently.

Symptoms That May Accompany Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is often associated with other symptoms that help guide the diagnosis.

These may include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Constipation.
• Fever.
• Bloating.
• Loss of appetite.
• Heartburn.
• Blood in the stool.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain during urination.
• Weight loss.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

The combination of symptoms, rather than the pain alone, often provides important diagnostic clues.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Many episodes of mild abdominal pain resolve without specific treatment. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden severe abdominal pain.
• Pain lasting longer than several hours without improvement.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Inability to keep fluids down.
• Blood in the vomit or stool.
• Black, tarry stools.
• High fever.
• Severe abdominal swelling.
• Pain after a significant injury.
• Difficulty breathing associated with abdominal pain.
• Chest pain accompanied by upper abdominal discomfort.
• Confusion or fainting.
• Persistent pain during pregnancy.

These symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition requiring urgent investigation.

How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?

Because abdominal pain has many possible causes, diagnosis begins with a careful medical assessment.

Your doctor will ask about:

• The location of the pain.
• When it started.
• Whether it developed suddenly or gradually.
• The type of pain (sharp, dull, cramping or burning).
• Factors that worsen or relieve it.
• Associated symptoms.
• Previous medical conditions.
• Current medications.
• Recent travel or dietary changes.

A physical examination typically includes assessment of:

• Tenderness.
• Abdominal guarding.
• Rebound tenderness.
• Bowel sounds.
• Signs of dehydration.
• Blood pressure.
• Heart rate.
• Body temperature.

Depending on the suspected diagnosis, additional investigations may include:

• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Stool analysis.
• Ultrasound.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• Endoscopy.

These investigations help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Abdominal Pain
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.

Possible approaches include:

• Rest and hydration for viral illnesses.
• Oral rehydration solutions for diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Dietary modifications.
• Acid-reducing medication for gastritis or reflux.
• Antibiotics when bacterial infections are confirmed or strongly suspected.
• Pain relief when appropriate.
• Surgical treatment for conditions such as appendicitis or certain gallbladder disorders.
• Hospital admission for severe or complicated cases.
• Because abdominal pain can have many different causes, self-treatment should never replace professional medical evaluation when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with warning signs

Medical Assessment for Abdominal Pain at Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's Practice in Mallorca

At Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's practice in Mallorca, patients presenting with abdominal pain receive a comprehensive medical assessment aimed at identifying the underlying cause and determining whether urgent treatment is required.

Because abdominal pain can originate from many different organs and medical conditions, a careful evaluation is essential before recommending any treatment.

Depending on the patient's symptoms and clinical findings, the assessment may include:

• A detailed medical history.
• Physical examination of the abdomen.
• Assessment of the location and characteristics of the pain.
• Measurement of vital signs.
• Evaluation for signs of dehydration or infection.
• Blood tests when clinically indicated.
• Urine testing if a urinary tract disorder is suspected.
• Stool analysis in selected cases.
• Referral for ultrasound, CT scan or other imaging studies when appropriate.

Treatment recommendations are based on current evidence-based medical guidelines and tailored to each individual's clinical presentation.

Depending on the diagnosis, management may include dietary advice, hydration, medication, further diagnostic investigations or referral to hospital when emergency treatment or surgery is required.

The primary goal is not only to relieve symptoms but also to identify and treat the underlying cause as early as possible.

Abdominal Pain While Visiting Mallorca

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons travellers seek medical care while visiting Mallorca.

Changes in diet, dehydration, food poisoning, traveller's diarrhoea, viral infections and prolonged exposure to heat can all contribute to digestive symptoms during a holiday.

While many cases are mild and resolve with supportive care, severe or persistent abdominal pain should never be ignored.

Travellers should seek medical assessment if abdominal pain is accompanied by:

• Persistent vomiting.
• High fever.
• Severe diarrhoea.
• Blood in the stool or vomit.
• Increasing abdominal swelling.
• Inability to eat or drink.
• Fainting or severe dizziness.
• Pain that becomes progressively worse.
• Pain localised to the lower right abdomen.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Prompt medical evaluation helps determine whether the condition is related to a self-limiting illness or a more serious problem requiring urgent investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of abdominal pain?

The most common causes include indigestion, viral gastroenteritis, constipation, food poisoning and irritable bowel syndrome.

However, abdominal pain has many possible causes, and some require urgent medical treatment.

When should abdominal pain be considered an emergency?

Emergency medical care should be sought if abdominal pain is severe, sudden, associated with fainting, persistent vomiting, high fever, blood in the stool or vomit, difficulty breathing or signs of shock.

Can dehydration cause abdominal pain?

Yes.

Dehydration can contribute to abdominal cramping and digestive discomfort, particularly when associated with vomiting, diarrhoea or prolonged exposure to heat.

Does the location of the pain indicate the cause?

The location often provides valuable clues, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis on its own.

A medical assessment considers the location, timing, associated symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary, laboratory or imaging studies.

Should I take painkillers before seeing a doctor?

Simple pain relief may be appropriate in some situations, but persistent or severe abdominal pain should always be medically evaluated rather than masked with medication.

Self-treatment should never delay assessment when warning signs are present.

Key Takeaways

• Abdominal pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis and may have many different causes.
• The location, type and associated symptoms help guide the diagnosis.
• Common causes include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, gastritis, constipation, gallstones, kidney stones and appendicitis.
• Persistent, severe or worsening abdominal pain requires prompt medical assessment.
• Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures appropriate treatment.
• Travellers visiting Mallorca should seek medical advice if abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool or signs of dehydration.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain is one of the most common medical complaints and can range from minor digestive discomfort to a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Because many different organs are located within the abdomen, identifying the underlying cause is essential before treatment can begin.

Recognising warning signs, monitoring associated symptoms and seeking timely medical assessment when necessary can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate care.

At Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's practice in Mallorca, patients receive personalised, evidence-based medical evaluations designed to determine the cause of abdominal pain and develop an individualised treatment plan based on the latest clinical guidelines.

Whether symptoms are related to a temporary digestive illness or a condition requiring urgent investigation, early assessment provides the best opportunity for effective treatment and recovery.

About Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert

Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert is a physician based in Mallorca with a special interest in acute medical care, preventive healthcare and personalised medicine.

She provides comprehensive medical assessments for residents and international visitors experiencing abdominal pain, digestive disorders, dehydration, food poisoning, gastroenteritis and other acute medical conditions, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to patient care.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

• Abdominal pain can sometimes indicate a serious medical condition requiring urgent care. If you experience sudden severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool or vomit, high fever, fainting, difficulty breathing or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.