Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 789.00      ICD10: R10.9      ICD11: MD81

"Abdominal pain, stomach cramps" is a very general description of a symptom.
It refers to pain or discomfort located in the abdominal area, often described as cramping, squeezing, or aching. Because the abdomen contains so many organs, the possible causes are extremely varied.

Here's a breakdown of what each term means:

Abdominal Pain: Pain felt anywhere between the chest and the pelvic region. This can range from mild and fleeting to severe and persistent.
Stomach Cramps: A specific type of abdominal pain often described as a sharp, squeezing, or spasming sensation. It often comes in waves. The term "stomach cramps" is often used by people to describe cramps coming from various parts of their abdomen, and not just the stomach.

Possible Causes:

The list of potential causes for abdominal pain and stomach cramps is very long. It can range from mild, self-limiting conditions to serious medical emergencies.

Common Causes:

Gas: Trapped gas in the intestines can cause bloating, cramping, and pain.
Indigestion/Upset Stomach: Eating too much, eating fatty foods, or stress can lead to indigestion.
Constipation: Difficulty passing stools can cause abdominal pain and cramps.
Diarrhea: Loose, frequent stools are often accompanied by abdominal cramping.
Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): A viral infection of the digestive system causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Menstrual Cramps: Common in women during their periods.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic disorder that affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Food Intolerances: Lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance can cause abdominal pain and cramps after consuming the triggering food.
Muscle strain: Straining abdominal muscles.
Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can sometimes manifest as abdominal discomfort.

More Serious Causes (Require Medical Attention):

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix.
Gallstones: Hard deposits that form in the gallbladder.
Kidney Stones: Hard deposits that form in the kidneys.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infection of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Intestinal Obstruction: Blockage in the intestines.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus (life-threatening emergency).
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs.
Stomach Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach.
Certain Cancers: In rare cases, abdominal pain can be a symptom of cancer.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

It's important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following along with abdominal pain and stomach cramps:

Severe pain: Especially if it comes on suddenly.
Persistent pain: Pain that lasts for more than a few days.
Fever
Bloody stools
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Inability to keep down food or liquids
Weight loss
Abdominal tenderness to the touch
Swelling or distention of the abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Difficulty breathing
Pain that radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulder
If you are pregnant or suspect you might be.
If you have a known medical condition that could be causing the pain.

Diagnosis:

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam. They may order tests such as:

Blood tests: To check for infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Urine tests: To check for UTI or kidney problems.
Stool tests: To check for infection or blood in the stool.
Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans to visualize the abdominal organs.
Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: Procedures to examine the inside of the digestive tract.

Treatment:

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the abdominal pain and stomach cramps. It may involve:

Medications: Pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrheal medications, antibiotics, or other medications specific to the underlying condition.
Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications, stress management techniques, or exercise.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause.

In conclusion, "abdominal pain, stomach cramps" is a broad symptom that can have many different causes. It's important to pay attention to the severity and duration of your symptoms, as well as any other accompanying symptoms, and seek medical attention if you are concerned. Don't try to self-diagnose; a doctor can properly evaluate your condition and determine the best course of treatment.