Abdominal pain can be divided into three main categories: visceral pain, somatic pain, and related pain^.1) The first, visceral pain, is pain felt through visceral nerves when the digestive tract stretches, contracts, or spasms; the second, somatic pain, is caused by irritation of sensory nerves in the peritoneum,​ ​mesentery (membrane surrounding and supporting the small intestine), diaphragm, or other organs. The second, somatic pain, is caused by stimulation of the sensory nerves that pass through the peritoneum, mesentery (the membrane surrounding and supporting the small intestine), and diaphragm. The third, associated pain, is caused by an abnormality in a location distant from the abdomen.

Visceral pain is characterized by a vague ache over the entire abdomen. The pain often comes and goes in a steady rhythm. For example, pain during diarrhea is an internal organ pain.

Somatic pain, on the other hand, has a well-defined area of pain and is followed by a sharp pain. It can also run suddenly and cause pain in the side of the body, appendicitis Appendicitis is also a somatic pain. In the case of appendicitis, the pain begins in the stomach area, then gradually increases around the appendix, and finally becomes a piercing pain. This is because visceral pain occurs first, followed by somatic pain.

The third type of pain is related pain, in which pain in an organ is transmitted to the spinal nerves and causes pain in the skin or other parts of the body that are different from the organ's location. The pain is caused by an abnormality in a distant location, but the cause can be estimated because the general relationship between the pain in this location and the organ is known.

As described above, there are three types of abdominal pain, but it is dangerous for those who do not have medical knowledge to judge the cause or severity of abdominal pain, as it may mask an unexpected disease. It is dangerous for those who do not have medical knowledge to judge the cause or severity of abdominal pain.

When you visit a clinic or hospital, you will be asked the following ^questions2)​

It may be difficult to communicate well when you have a tummy ache, but having this information will make your medical examination easier. It would be nice if you could explain it with the help of someone at home.