What are common causes of acute abdominal pain?

Acute abdominal pain can arise from several underlying conditions, and two of the most common causes are appendicitis and gallstones.

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, usually due to blockage or infection. This condition often presents with sudden pain that begins near the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. If untreated, appendicitis can lead to severe complications, including appendiceal rupture.

Gallstones, on the other hand, are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. The presence of gallstones can lead to intense, episodic pain known as biliary colic, typically experienced in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, especially after eating a fatty meal. If a gallstone obstructs the bile duct, it can cause acute cholecystitis, characterized by severe abdominal pain, fever, and even jaundice.

Given their prevalence and potential seriousness, appendicitis and gallstones are key considerations in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, making this option the most accurate reflection of common causes.