Lower abdominal pain is pain that occurs below a person’s belly button. Bloating refers to a feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen, or a visibly distended abdomen. Sometimes, these symptoms occur together.

Though occasional lower abdominal pain and bloating are common, a person should speak to their doctor if it becomes a regular occurrence. In some cases, this combination of symptoms may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical treatment.

Keep reading for more information on some of the more common causes of abdominal pain and bloating. We also outline various treatment options for this combination of symptoms.

Causes of both abdominal pain and bloating

Consuming high fat foods may cause lower abdominal pain and bloating.

There are several causes of combined lower abdominal pain (LAP) and bloating. Some relatively harmless, or benign, causes include:

consumption of high fat foods
swallowing too much air
stress
In some cases, LAP and bloating can occur as a result of an underlying medical condition, such as:

constipation
food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although this more commonly causes upper abdominal pain-gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that causes vomiting and diarrhea
diverticulitis, which is inflammation or infection of part of the large intestine
ileus, which is a condition that slows the function of the small and large intestine
delayed stomach emptying, or gastroparesis, which is a complication of diabetes mellitus
intestinal obstruction
inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
Other conditions that can cause LAP and bloating are specific to females. These include:

menstrual pain
endometriosis
ovarian cysts
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
pregnancy
ectopic pregnancy
LAP and bloating can also be due to conditions that do not necessarily affect the stomach, intestines, or reproductive organs. These conditions include;

drug allergies
side effects of certain medications
hernia
cystitis, or infection of the urinary tract infection
appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix
kidney stones
When to see a doctor
If the cause of LAP and bloating is relatively benign, symptoms should go away within a few hours to days.

A person should see a doctor if:

their symptoms last longer than a few days
their symptoms begin to interfere with their daily life
they are pregnant and are unsure of the cause of LAP and bloating
People should seek immediate medical attention if vomiting or the inability to pass gas occur alongside LAP and bloating.

People who experience LAP and bloating along with one or more of the following symptoms should seek emergency medical attention:

A doctor will also make a note of the person’s medical history, and any other symptoms they experience. They may also ask whether there is anything that triggers the pain or makes it worse.

sudden worsening of pain
fever
unusual vaginal discharge
bloody stool
unexplained weight loss
severe nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, a doctor will begin by carrying out a physical examination. An initial examination will involve applying pressure to the abdomen. This will help the doctor to check the location of pain and to feel for any abnormalities.

Diagnostic tests, such as urine, blood, or stool tests, may also be necessary. These can help to identify signs of infection or other underlying conditions.

In some cases, a doctor may order one of the following imaging tests to check for abnormalities in the abdomen:

ultrasound
X-ray
CT or MRI
If the imaging tests come back normal, a doctor may perform a colonoscopy for a closer look inside the intestines.

Treatment
The following are some general home treatment options that may help to alleviate symptoms of LAP and bloating:

increasing fluid intake
exercising to help alleviate gas and bloating
taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
taking OTC antacids
If home treatments do not work, a person should speak to their doctor about other treatment options. These will vary, depending on the cause of LAP and bloating. However, some examples include:

prescription medications to treat pain and bloating
antibiotics to help treat a bacterial infection
emergency surgery to remove a ruptured appendix
Prevention
There are some steps a person can take to help alleviate LAP and bloating. Two key steps include quitting smoking and avoiding trigger foods.

The following are examples of foods that may cause or contribute to LAP and bloating:

high fat foods
certain plant-based foods, such as cabbage, lentils, and beans
dairy products if a person is lactose intolerant
carbonated drinks
beer
chewing gum
hard candy
Also, people may benefit from increasing their intake of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will help to prevent constipation and associated bloating.

If an underlying condition is the cause of LAP and bloating, then treating the condition should help to alleviate these symptoms.

Outlook
There are many potential causes of lower abdominal pain and bloating. Some causes are relatively benign and easy to treat, while others may be more serious.

Occasional lower abdominal pain and bloating are usually not a cause for concern. However, people should see a doctor if their symptoms worsen, last more than a few days, or disrupt their daily activities.

People who experience additional symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool, should seek emergency medical attention.

In some cases, people can prevent lower abdominal pain and bloating by avoiding foods that may trigger these symptoms.