Understanding New and Severe Abdominal Pain

You have reported that you have pain with even minimal motion of the abdomen. This is concerning because it suggests you may have an inflamed abdominal lining, a condition known as "peritonitis."

Seek emergency care immediately!

Peritonitis can be the result of a severe abdominal infection such as appendicitis or diverticulitis. It may also be a sign of life-threatening abdominal contamination due to a hole (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Usually, a perforation is a complication of a peptic ulcer (a sore in the wall of the stomach or duodenum).

If you have cirrhosis of the liver, you may accumulate fluid called "ascites" beneath the peritoneum. Ascites can result in severe abdominal pain if it becomes infected.