Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Everyone experiences abdominal pain from time to time. Other terms used to describe abdominal pain are stomachache, tummy ache, gut ache and bellyache. Abdominal pain can be mild or severe. It may be constant or come and go. Abdominal pain can be short-lived, also called acute. It also may happen over weeks, months or years, also known as chronic.

Call a healthcare professional right away if you have abdominal pain so bad that you can't move without causing more pain. Also call if you can't sit still or find a comfortable position.

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July 10, 2026

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