Symptoms usually experienced
Abdominal Pain
Related terms · stomach ache · squeezing pain in the abdomen
Abdominal pain is a broad term for pain felt in the stomach area. Identifying the location and intensity of the pain, as well as its relationship with meals, bowel movements, posture, and timing, helps in determining the cause.
Overview
Abdominal Pain: Please check these three things first
- For abdominal pain, we examine not only the location and intensity but also the timing in relation to meals, bowel movements, and posture.
- The order of evaluation differs for sudden, severe pain versus long-term, recurring pain.
- In Korean medicine treatment, we first identify emergency or structural causes, then examine the pain alongside digestion, bowel movements, and systemic reactions.
Definitions and Distinctions
What is meant by 'abdominal pain'?
Pain in the abdomen can be caused by not only the gastrointestinal tract but also the gallbladder, pancreas, urinary system, gynecological issues, or the abdominal wall; therefore, the cause cannot be determined by a single term. 'Abdominal pain' is a broad term for any pain felt in the belly. Identifying the location and intensity, as well as the timing relative to meals, bowel movements, and posture, helps in narrowing down the cause.
- Easily Confused Terms
- Even though they are all abdominal pain, the evaluation order differs for pain in the epigastrium (upper center), around the navel, or in the lower right abdomen. For sudden, severe pain, urgent causes are checked first; for recurring pain, the relationship with meals and bowel movements is examined.
- Why this is checked during the medical evaluation
- We ask whether the pain can be pointed to with a single finger or if it is diffuse, how it changes before and after meals or bowel movements, and whether it wakes you up at night.
- Information to prepare
- Sudden and unbearable pain, a hardening of the abdomen, recurring vomitingvomiting, dizziness as if fainting, bloody stools, vomiting blood, or high fever require immediate medical evaluation.
More details
Connecting abdominal pain to your symptoms
Try to point to exactly where and when it hurts with one finger
The organs to be examined vary by location, such as the epigastrium, around the navel, or the lower right abdomen. Please also let us know if the pain changes before or after meals, before or after bowel movements, or when moving or coughing. If the pain is widespread, it is helpful to note where it started and the direction in which it spread.
For suddenly worsening pain, medical evaluation takes priority over documenting symptoms
If you experience unbearable pain, a hardening of the abdomen, recurring vomiting, dizziness as if fainting, bloody stools, vomiting blood, or high fever, seek immediate medical evaluation. For long-term recurring pain, we look beyond just a list of foods to see how much it interferes with daily life, including sleep, menstruation, and bowel movements.
Creating a pain map allows you to compare changes during your medical evaluation
Mark the initial site of pain and the direction it spread on a body diagram, and record the time the pain started and ended. Note changes following meals, bowel movements, menstruation, or movement on the same line, and record any medications taken and the reactions to them. For sudden unbearable pain, a hard abdomen, fainting sensations, bleeding, or high fever, seek medical evaluation immediately rather than completing the map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into abdominal pain
Why does my stomach hurt but feel better after a bowel movement?
Pressure, movement, and sensory sensitivity within the intestines can change before and after a bowel movement. If this pattern repeats and the shape of the stool also changes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome we examine for gut-brain interaction disorders.
Can abdominal pain be treated with Korean herbal medicine even if test results are normal?
If functional abdominal pain recurs despite having the necessary tests, we examine the pain timetable along with patterns of bowel movements, sleep, sensitivity to cold, and tension. Byeonjeung (pattern identification)We determine the direction of herbal medicine treatment for pain relief and recovery of daily activities. New bleeding or weight loss must be re-evaluated first.
Gastrointestinal Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can proceed to a detailed explanation after confirming the simple meaning.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAbdominal PainFor abdominal pain, we first rule out dangerous symptoms that appear suddenly, such as pain that worsens abruptly, bleeding, fainting, or persistent vomiting. If these causes are absent and tests show no significant abnormalities, but the same pain repeats over a long period depending on meals, bowel movements, sleep, or stress, it is time to examine not only the location of the pain but also bowel motility, sensory hypersensitivity, and overall body temperature and energy levels.→
- Condition GuideEpigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS)Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS) is a pattern of functional dyspepsia centered on pain or burning in the epigastric region (the upper central abdomen). It does not only occur after meals and may overlap with postprandial distress syndrome. If you experience black stools, vomiting blood, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or if the pain newly worsens, do not dismiss these as functional symptoms; you must first undergo an evaluation to determine the cause.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when I have abdominal pain and bloating?The phrase 'indigestion' can encompass a variety of symptoms, including pain in the epigastric area (the pit of the stomach), a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, acid reflux, lower abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. Start by noting whether your most distressing symptoms occur before or after meals, or before or after bowel movements. If you vomit blood, have black stools, vomit to the point of dehydration, or experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, do not wait to record your symptoms; seek medical attention immediately.→
- Digestive Health ColumnPain in the epigastrium, belly button, or lower abdomen: How should we look at the timing relative to meals and bowel movements?→
Evidence and Update Information
The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.
- NIDDK: Abdominal PainReferenced the symptoms to check and the timing for medical evaluation when describing abdominal pain.
- MedlinePlus: Abdominal PainReferenced the location of abdominal pain, accompanying symptoms, and changes that require prompt medical evaluation.