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Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
Secretary
RELATED
IBS
Stomach Ulcer
Constipation
Gastroscopy
TRUSTED INFORMATION
US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, digestive symptom guidance.
What is abdominal pain?
A very common symptom with many possible causes, ranging from minor to serious. Persistent pain deserves proper investigation.
Abdominal pain causes span a huge range, from trivial to serious. Abdominal pain itself is any discomfort felt between the chest and pelvis. It is one of the most common reasons people seek digestive health advice.
With 18+ years of consultant experience, Dr Kejariwal reaches an accurate diagnosis efficiently. He regularly sees patients with persistent or unexplained abdominal pain from Newcastle, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland.
Causes and risk factors
Abdominal pain has a wide range of possible causes. These include indigestion, IBS, constipation, gastritis, and stomach ulcers, as described by the NIDDK (2026). The location and timing of pain often give useful clues to the cause.
Symptoms
- Dull, aching or cramping pain in the abdomen
- Pain that comes and goes, or is constant
- Pain linked to eating, or relieved by opening the bowels
- Pain accompanied by bloating, nausea or a change in bowel habit
When to seek help: Seek urgent help for sudden, severe pain that does not settle, or pain with fever or vomiting blood.
How is abdominal pain diagnosed?
Assessment starts with a detailed history and examination. Blood tests follow. Depending on the likely cause, gastroscopy or colonoscopy may identify the source of pain directly.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause once identified. This might be a functional condition such as IBS, an inflammatory condition, or something needing more targeted care. Dr Kejariwal takes a structured approach to reach an accurate diagnosis first.
Living with abdominal pain in 2026
Most abdominal pain has a common, manageable cause. Pain that is persistent, worsening, or comes with other symptoms deserves proper investigation. A methodical assessment is often the quickest route to both diagnosis and treatment.
Self-care and prevention
Keep a diary of when pain occurs, alongside diet, stress and bowel habit. This helps identify patterns. Stay well hydrated and avoid known dietary triggers while you await assessment.
What happens at your appointment?
You meet Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital for a full consultation. He reviews your symptoms, history, and any past tests. He explains what he thinks is happening in plain English. Together you agree a clear next step, whether that means more tests, starting treatment, or simple monitoring. A written summary goes to you and your GP after every visit. Most patients are seen within one to two weeks, and urgent concerns are prioritised.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist for pain that is persistent, severe, or comes with weight loss, bleeding or a change in bowel habit.
Frequently asked questions about abdominal pain
What are the most common causes of abdominal pain?
Common causes include indigestion, IBS, constipation, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. Serious causes should always be ruled out if pain is persistent.
When is abdominal pain an emergency?
Sudden, severe pain that does not improve, or pain with fever or vomiting blood, needs urgent assessment.
Why does the location of abdominal pain matter?
Location often narrows down likely causes. Upper pain often links to the stomach or gallbladder, lower pain more often to the bowel.
Can anxiety cause abdominal pain?
Yes. Anxiety and stress can cause genuine physical pain through effects on gut motility, though other causes should still be excluded first.