Abdominal pain and cramping are common digestive symptoms that can affect people of all ages. The discomfort may occur anywhere in the abdomen, including the upper, lower, left or right side, and can range from mild cramping to severe pain. While many causes are temporary and easily managed, persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by a specialist.
Common causes
When to seek medical advice
Seek urgent medical attention if you have
Relevant diagnostic tests
Abdominal pain can feel very different depending on its cause. Some people experience occasional mild discomfort, while others develop severe pain that affects their ability to work, eat or carry out everyday activities.
The location, severity and pattern of symptoms can often provide useful clues about the underlying cause. Pain may occur anywhere in the abdomen and can feel:
Some people notice symptoms after eating, while others experience discomfort in a particular area, such as lower abdominal pain, left side stomach pain, right-sided abdominal pain or upper abdominal pain. Abdominal pain frequently occurs alongside other digestive symptoms, including:
Although abdominal pain can be worrying, many cases are linked to common digestive conditions that can be effectively diagnosed and treated.
There are many possible abdominal pain causes, ranging from temporary digestive upset to underlying medical conditions that require specialist assessment.
Lifestyle & Dietary Triggers
These factors are among the most common causes of abdominal discomfort. Eating large meals, consuming fatty or spicy foods, drinking excessive alcohol and eating too quickly can all place additional strain on the digestive system.
Stress, anxiety, dehydration, food intolerances and a lack of dietary fibre may also contribute to symptoms. Some people experience stomach cramps after eating because of indigestion, food sensitivities or conditions that affect how food is digested.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is one of the most common causes of recurring abdominal pain and cramping. Symptoms often include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and lower abdominal pain that improves after opening the bowels (having a bowel movement).
Indigestion
Indigestion commonly causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, particularly after eating. It may also be accompanied by bloating, nausea and a feeling of fullness after meals.
Constipation
This can cause cramping and discomfort throughout the abdomen, particularly in the lower abdomen. Symptoms may improve once the bowels have been emptied.
Gastroenteritis
Viral or bacterial infections can cause temporary abdominal pain alongside diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
Coeliac disease
This condition is caused by a reaction to gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating and ongoing changes in bowel habits.
Less Common or Serious Conditions
Gallstones
These may cause episodes of severe pain, often in the upper right side of the abdomen and particularly after eating fatty foods.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can cause ongoing abdominal pain, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Diverticular disease
This condition commonly causes left side stomach pain, particularly in older adults.
Appendicitis
This condition typically causes worsening pain that often begins around the tummy button before moving to the lower right side of the abdomen.
Bowel cancer
Although less common, bowel cancer can cause persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding and significant changes in bowel habits.
While many episodes of abdominal pain settle without treatment, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist, become more frequent or begin affecting your daily life.
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
If you are concerned about your symptoms, it’s worth speaking to NHS 111, your GP, urgent care services or a specialist digestive health clinic.
Identifying the cause of abdominal pain often requires a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination and diagnostic testing.
Initial Consultation
During your consultation, your specialist will discuss your symptoms in detail, including where the pain occurs, when it started, how often it happens and whether there are any triggers such as eating or bowel movements. They will also ask about associated digestive symptoms, any medication you’re currently taking, previous digestive conditions you’ve experienced and any relevant family medical history.
A physical examination may also be performed where appropriate.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help identify infection, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies and other underlying conditions.
Stool Tests
These tests may be used to investigate infection, inflammation and digestive disorders.
Gastroscopy
This procedure involves using a small camera to examine the upper digestive tract. It may be recommended if symptoms suggest a problem affecting the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach), stomach or duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This procedure involves using a camera to examine the lower part of the large bowel and rectum.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves using a camera to examine the entire large bowel. It can help investigate pain, bowel habit changes and bleeding.
Ultrasound, CT or MRI Scans
These imaging scans can provide detailed information about parts of the abdomen and may help identify gallstones, inflammation and other underlying conditions.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Self-Care & Home Remedies
Self-care measures can often help improve mild abdominal pain and cramping, depending on the cause. Staying well hydrated, eating regular meals, identifying potential food triggers and maintaining a healthy level of physical activity may all help reduce symptoms.
For some people, increasing dietary fibre and managing stress levels can improve digestive health, while reducing excessive alcohol consumption may further support symptom control.
Medical & Prescription Treatments
Medical treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your specialist may recommend antispasmodic medication (medicine used to relieve abdominal cramps), laxatives for constipation or treatments to manage diarrhoea.
Medication for indigestion, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease and certain infections may also be recommended where appropriate.
Surgical or Specialist Interventions
Some patients may need further specialist treatment, including:
Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
At Clarity, we understand that ongoing abdominal pain can be uncomfortable, disruptive and concerning. Our experienced digestive health specialists provide rapid access to expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Why Choose Clarity?
We provide fast access to experienced digestive health specialists without the long waiting times often associated with traditional referral pathways.
Our service combines consultant-led care with access to advanced diagnostic investigations, including endoscopy and imaging, helping patients receive a faster diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring care is based on your symptoms, diagnosis and personal health goals. From your initial consultation through to diagnosis and treatment, our team is committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-focused care.
As the first step in your private digestive health journey, Clarity Consult is an entirely FREE consultation.
This is designed to be a clear, consultant-led private pathway for patients experiencing digestive symptoms, with fast access, transparent costs and flexible appointments.
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