Lower abdominal pain
Lower Abdominal Pain Assessment and Treatment
Specialist assessment of persistent or unexplained lower abdominal pain, with investigation tailored to your symptoms.
Overview
Understanding lower abdominal pain
Lower abdominal pain can be localised to one side or felt across the lower abdomen. Because the abdomen contains bowel, urinary, gynaecological and abdominal wall structures, careful assessment is needed to identify the cause.
When to seek urgent help
Severe or worsening pain, fever, vomiting, abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or an inability to pass stool or wind should be assessed urgently.
Lower abdominal pain causes and treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Assessment may be needed for localised or generalised pain, particularly where there are associated symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding or weight loss.
Common causes of lower abdominal pain
Common surgical and gastrointestinal causes include appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction and constipation. Other causes may include urinary problems, hernias, abdominal wall pain and gynaecological conditions.
Symptoms to mention
Important associated symptoms include abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, urinary symptoms and whether the pain is related to eating, bowel opening or movement.
Right lower abdominal pain
Right lower abdominal pain may be associated with appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, ovarian or urinary causes, hernias or abdominal wall pain.
Left lower abdominal pain
Left lower abdominal pain may be associated with diverticulitis, constipation, bowel inflammation, urinary problems, hernia or abdominal wall pain.
How lower abdominal pain is investigated
Assessment usually starts with history, examination and blood tests. Imaging may include CT, MRI or ultrasound depending on symptoms. Endoscopic investigations may be needed if bowel disease, bleeding or weight loss is present.
When CT or MRI may be needed
CT is often useful for acute abdominal pain, suspected diverticulitis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction or complications. MRI may be used in selected situations.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Some conditions need medication, bowel rest, antibiotics or lifestyle changes. Others, such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction or a strangulated hernia, may require urgent surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Lower abdominal pain FAQs
When should lower abdominal pain be assessed urgently?
Severe or worsening pain, fever, vomiting, abdominal swelling, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or inability to pass stool or wind should be assessed urgently.
Can lower abdominal pain come from the bowel?
Yes. Common bowel-related causes include constipation, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction and appendicitis.
What tests might be needed for lower abdominal pain?
Assessment may include blood tests, urine tests, CT or MRI imaging, ultrasound and, in some cases, endoscopic camera tests.
Why is it important to describe the exact site of the pain?
The position, pattern and triggers of pain can help guide the likely cause and the most appropriate tests.
What treatment is used for lower abdominal pain?
Treatment depends on the cause and can range from medication and lifestyle measures to urgent surgical treatment for selected conditions.
Specialist care in Manchester
Book a consultation with Mr Christian Macutkiewicz
Arrange a private consultation at Spire Manchester Hospital to discuss your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Hernia Clinic Manchester 