Abdominal pain describes any pain felt in the area of the body between the lower rib cage and the pelvic bone. Because this part of the body houses many vital organs--including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and stomach--abdominal pain may be related to a problem with any of those organs. Many cases of abdominal pain are related to digestive system problems (stomach ulcers, diarrhea, food poisoning) or menstrual problems (cramping).

The location of the pain can give clues to the pain's possible source:

• Upper right abdomen -- gall stones, stomach ulcers, heartburn
• Upper left -- liver problems, pancreatitis
• Lower right -- appendicitis
• Lower left -- diverticulitis, colitis

But pain is not always felt close to the source; gallbladder problems may be experienced as back pain. Abdominal pain that shifts from one location to another may be caused by intestinal gas.

The severity and duration of the pain can be used to help determine if experienced medical help is needed. Consult a physician about any abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting, sweating, unrelenting diarrhea, or fever, or about any pain that does not resolve quickly.