The abdominal area consists of many important organs such as the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine, which are located both near and far from each other in each organ. Evaluating the symptom of ‘abdominal pain’ from different locations is one way to preliminarily analyze the possible causes or diseases, to allow for further examination for confirmation and to plan appropriate treatment.
7 Abdominal Pain Locations… Where it Hurts Can Indicate What Disease?
- Upper right abdominal area
This may indicate conditions related to the liver, gallbladder, intestines located in that area, including the right kidney, such as hepatitis, gallstones, right kidney pelvis inflammation, or kidney stones on the right side.
- Lower right abdominal area
Abdominal pain in this area may indicate diseases related to the appendix, intestines in this location, or the right fallopian tube, such as appendicitis or right fallopian tube inflammation.
- Epigastric area (below the sternum)
This may be caused by diseases of the stomach, esophagus, or gallbladder, such as gastritis, acid reflux disease, or gallstones.
- Periumbilical area (around the navel)
Diseases originating from the small intestine may occur here, such as enteritis, and it can be an early symptom of appendicitis. If it is appendicitis, the pain will gradually move to the lower right abdomen.
- Suprapubic area (above the pubic bone)
This may be related to diseases of the bladder or uterus, such as cystitis, uterine inflammation, uterine fibroids, or blockage.
- Upper left abdominal area
This may be caused by diseases of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines in this area, and the left kidney, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, splenic rupture, left kidney pelvis inflammation, or kidney stones on the left side.
- Lower left abdominal area
This may be caused by diseases of the intestines in this area or the left fallopian tube, such as enteritis or left fallopian tube inflammation.
Abdominal pain is often overlooked or considered minor by many people, but in reality, serious diseases may be hidden beneath the pain. The pain in different abdominal locations can indicate different possible diseases.
To correctly identify the cause or origin of abdominal pain, it is recommended to remember the location and duration of the pain to inform the doctor during the examination. This will help the doctor understand the background as if starting the diagnosis from the onset of symptoms. The doctor will then inquire about symptoms, perform examinations using various methods and tools before concluding the diagnosis to provide targeted treatment appropriate to the disease and severity of symptoms.
Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat
Internal Medicine Specialist
Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
