What does the location of abdominal pain tell you?
The location of abdominal pain points to the organs most likely involved. Upper middle pain often comes from the stomach, esophagus or pancreas; upper right pain from the gallbladder or liver; upper left pain from the stomach, spleen or colon; lower right pain from the appendix, colon or ovary; lower left pain from the sigmoid colon, such as diverticulitis; and pain around the belly button from the small intestine or early appendicitis. Pain can also spread, so location is a clue, not a diagnosis.
| Location | Common causes | Serious causes to rule out |
|---|---|---|
| Upper middle (epigastric) | Indigestion, gastritis, ulcer, acid reflux | Pancreatitis, heart attack |
| Upper right | Gallstones, liver inflammation, trapped gas | Gallbladder infection, hepatitis |
| Upper left | Gastritis, trapped gas in the colon | Spleen problems, pancreatitis |
| Around the belly button | Gas, stomach virus, constipation | Early appendicitis, hernia, blockage |
| Lower right | Gas, constipation, ovarian cyst | Appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, ectopic pregnancy |
| Lower left | Constipation, gas, IBS | Diverticulitis, ovarian problems |
| Lower middle | Bladder infection, menstrual cramps | Pelvic infection, urinary retention |
| All over | Gas, stomach virus, IBS | Bowel obstruction, perforation |
What causes upper abdominal pain?
Upper abdominal pain is most often caused by indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcers and acid reflux in the middle; gallstones and liver conditions on the right; and stomach or colon gas on the left. Pancreatitis causes severe upper pain that spreads to the back. Because a heart attack can cause upper belly pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating needs emergency care.
See upper abdominal pain causes, upper right abdomen cramps and pain above the belly button.
Have symptoms like these?
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, sees adults at our Katy and Cypress offices, serving patients across Greater Houston.
What causes lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain is commonly caused by gas, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections and menstrual cramps. On the lower right, appendicitis and Crohn’s disease are important to rule out; on the lower left, diverticulitis is a common cause in adults over 40. In women, ovarian cysts, pelvic infections and ectopic pregnancy can also cause lower pain.
Read about right-side abdominal pain.
Three questions that sharpen the location clue
- Did it move?Pain that starts at the belly button and moves to the lower right suggests appendicitis.
- Does it spread?Pain into the back suggests pancreas; into the right shoulder suggests gallbladder.
- What eases it?Relief after a bowel movement suggests the colon or IBS.
When is abdominal pain in any location an emergency?
Abdominal pain in any location is an emergency when it is sudden and severe, steadily worsening, or comes with fever, persistent vomiting, a rigid or very tender belly, inability to pass gas or stool, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, yellow skin or eyes, fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath, or when you are pregnant.
Go to the emergency room for
- Severe or worsening pain, especially lower right
- Fever, persistent vomiting or a hard belly
- Vomiting blood or black or bloody stools
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Fainting, chest pain, or pain in pregnancy
Tip: Point with one finger
When describing pain, try to point to the spot with one finger and note whether it has moved since it began. That simple step gives your doctor a much clearer picture.
How is the cause of abdominal pain found?
Doctors combine the location of pain with its timing, triggers and other symptoms, then examine the abdomen. Tests are chosen to match: blood and urine tests, a pregnancy test when relevant, an abdominal ultrasound for the gallbladder and pelvic organs, a CT scan for appendicitis or diverticulitis, and upper endoscopy or colonoscopy for ongoing stomach or bowel pain.
Get answers instead of guessing
Request a visit with Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan at our Katy and Cypress offices. Most major insurance plans are accepted and self-pay options are available.
Key takeaways
- The location of abdominal pain points to the organs most likely involved.
- Upper middle pain often involves the stomach; upper right the gallbladder; lower right the appendix; lower left the colon.
- Pain that moves or spreads gives extra clues.
- Severe, worsening pain or pain with fever, vomiting or bleeding is an emergency in any location.
- Ongoing pain should be evaluated with tests matched to its location.
Frequently asked questions
What organ is on the upper right side of the abdomen?
The liver and gallbladder sit on the upper right, along with part of the colon and the right kidney behind them.
What organ is on the lower left side of the abdomen?
The lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon, sits on the lower left, along with the left ovary in women.
Can gas cause pain in different places?
Yes. Gas pain often moves around the abdomen and eases after passing gas or a bowel movement.
Why does my pain spread to my back?
Pain spreading to the back can come from the pancreas, kidneys or gallbladder. Severe pain into the back needs prompt evaluation.
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist in Katy or Cypress?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many PPO plans let you book a specialist directly, while some HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor. Call (346) 340-4414 and the team can help you check.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Abdominal pain
- NIDDK — Gallstones
- NIDDK — Pancreatitis
- NIDDK — Diverticular disease
- American College of Gastroenterology — Patient resources
Where to be seen in Katy and Cypress
United Gastroenterology Associates has two offices: Katy, at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, next to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and Cypress, at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, on US-290. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, and serve patients from Fulshear, Richmond and across Greater Houston. Call (346) 340-4414 for either office.
Katy office
23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555
Katy, TX 77494
Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza 1
Next steps
If you are dealing with abdominal pain by location or any ongoing digestive concern, a focused evaluation can find the cause and start the right treatment. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan and the team at United Gastroenterology Associates see adults from Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond, Greater Houston and across Texas. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment today.
If you have severe pain, vomit blood, pass black stools or have chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
