Abdominal pain is extremely common and usually benign. Frequent causes include indigestion, trapped wind, constipation, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, and viral gastroenteritis. The location, timing, and character of pain offer clues — for example, cramping pain with diarrhea suggests a gut infection, while burning upper pain may be reflux or gastritis.
See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or comes with weight loss, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, black tarry stools, or a change in bowel habits.
Seek emergency care if pain is sudden and severe, the abdomen is rigid or very tender, pain has moved to the lower right side (possible appendicitis), you are vomiting blood, or you have severe pain with fever, fainting, or a swollen hard belly. Pregnant people with severe abdominal pain should be assessed urgently. A clinician can determine the cause; this is general information only.