Abdominal pain and nausea are a combination seen in many conditions, from transient bloating to surgical pathology. Abdominal pain is not always a sign of something serious, and some episodes resolve within a few days. At the same time, the intensity of pain does not always reflect the severity of the cause.
Why abdominal pain and nausea often occur together
Visceral pain (pain from the affected organ itself) is distressing in nature and is usually accompanied by sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Such pain is poorly localized and is felt along the midline of the abdomen. Bloating of the upper digestive tract, which includes the stomach, duodenum, and bile ducts, is localized in the epigastric region.
Stomach conditions that cause pain and nausea
A feeling of fullness and bloating after eating, heartburn, and nausea may indicate indigestion (dyspepsia). Nausea and vomiting together with watery stool are characteristic of an intestinal infection or food poisoning. The list of possible causes of abdominal pain from MedlinePlus includes heartburn, indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux, as well as ulcers.
Other organs that cause pain and nausea
Abdominal pain may not originate only from the stomach. Localized pain in one area more often points to a problem with a specific organ — the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach. Colicky pain that comes in waves is often seen with kidney and gallbladder stones. With kidney stones, there may be severe pain radiating to the groin, nausea, and pain during urination; with gallbladder stones — severe pain lasting up to 8 hours in the center of the abdomen or under the ribs on the right.
How to describe the pain: location, timing, relation to food
The doctor asks where the pain is felt — throughout the abdomen or in one place, and whether it radiates to the back or groin. The type of pain is also clarified separately: severe, sharp, cramping, constant, or intermittent, and whether it wakes you at night. The time of onset (after eating, during menstruation), factors that worsen and relieve the pain, and medications being taken are important. Generalized pain is typical of a viral infection, indigestion, or gas.
- Pain that does not go away or returns
- A lump-like mass in the abdomen
- Diarrhea or vomiting that does not stop for several days
- Blood in the stool
Warning signs that require urgent help
Call 103 or 112 if abdominal pain started suddenly and is very severe; if you are vomiting blood or the vomit is green or looks like coffee grounds; if there is a lot of blood from the anus or the stool is black and sticky; if you cannot urinate at all or cannot have a bowel movement or pass gas; if a rash appears that does not blanch when pressed; if it is difficult to breathe. The combination of pain and nausea alone is not a reason to call an ambulance.
What examinations the doctor prescribes
The doctor examines the abdomen and asks about symptoms, after which they may prescribe blood, urine, and stool tests, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, abdominal X-ray, electrocardiogram, upper endoscopy, or colonoscopy. For acute pain, a plain abdominal X-ray and ultrasound are used. If pain and nausea persist or recur, consult a doctor: the material is for reference and does not replace consultation with a specialist.
Sources
Update history
Reader reviews
No reviews yet — tell us whether this article was helpful.
Leave a review
This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer