Localization of pain

Navel area [3]

Pain that is localized near the belly button can be related to a small intestine disorder or an inflammation of the appendix. This condition is called appendicitis. The appendix is a small, finger-like organ that projects out from colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. If it becomes obstructed, it may become inflamed and filled with pus.

Upper middle abdomen

The middle area of the abdomen is called the epigastric area. Pain in this region is in most cases associated with stomach disorders. Persistent pain in this area may also signal a problem with the duodenum, pancreas or gallbladder.

Upper left abdomen

Pain in the upper left abdomen may suggest a colon, stomach, spleen or pancreas problem.

Upper right abdomen

Inflammation of the gallbladder often causes intense pain in the upper right abdomen.

Lower middle abdomen

Pain below the navel may indicate that there is some underlying colon disorder. In women, pain in this area may also indicate a urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Lower left abdomen

Pain in the lower left abdomen most often suggests a problem in the lower colon. Several conditions influence this area such as inflammatory bowel disease or an infection in the colon known as diverticulitis.

Lower right abdomen

Inflammation of the colon may cause pain in your lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis may also spread to the lower right abdomen.

When Should You Be Concerned About Abdominal Pain?

A patient should know that pain is always an abnormal condition, but no one should panic. Although some kinds of pain may indicate a serious condition, it isn’t necessarily a medical emergency. Mild pain or chronic pain should be discussed with your doctor when convenient. A physician should examine severe pain immediately.

Some of the serious signs associated with abdominal pain are:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Persistent constipation
• Blood in the stools
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• A tender belly
• Jaundice
• Abdominal swelling [4, 5]

Treatment Of Intestinal Pain

Medications

The drugs used most commonly for this purpose are:

• Antidepressant drugs, like Amitriptyline® or Trazadone®. Patients can take these medicines in tiny doses that minimize side effects and have little or no antidepressant effects. [6]
• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes these medications are used to reduce inflammation or affect the function of an organ, thereby relieving pain. [7]
• Analgesics. Occasionally, a doctor treats the pain with Analgesics, drugs that reduce pain. [8]

Tips For Soothing Pain At Home 

• Intestinal illnesses, food poisoning or sore abdominal muscles in children: warm your child with a hot bath, and gently rub his tummy. 
• Gas pain: massage the belly to try to move the gas bubbles along. A warm bath may also help.  
• Upset stomach or heartburn: Antacids are usually used to relieve heartburn. A glass of water with a few teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate can also soothe heartburn.
• Menstrual cramps: the most common medication used for relieving menstrual cramps is Ibuprofen.
• Peppermint tea is often the best choice when trying to soothe the intestinal pain. 
• Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
• Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.