Abdominal Pain

Relevant specialty: General Internal Medicine (GP) · Gastroenterology

Abdominal pain is very common; location, duration, and accompanying symptoms indicate whether an assessment is needed.

Possible causes

01

Gastrointestinal infection

Often with nausea, diarrhea, short-term.

02

Irritable bowel syndrome / functional

Recurrent, with bloating, without warning signs.

03

Organ-related

For example appendix, gallbladder, or urinary tract — depending on location.

Abdomen & Digestion

Typical steps at the doctor's office

  1. 1The doctor palpates the abdomen and assesses the situation based on location and course.
  2. 2If necessary, ultrasound, laboratory tests, or a urine examination follow.
  3. 3Treatment depends on the cause; warning signs lead to prompt investigation.
Abdomen & Digestion
Next step

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Editorial content · as of 9/5/2026

Based on recognised Swiss specialist sources — including the FOPH and the Federal Commission for Vaccination Issues, medical societies and university hospitals.