Localized pain is confined to or is most intense in one section of the abdomen.

Localized pain may indicate a more serious problem if:

• The pain comes on suddenly and increases in severity. Sudden severe pain may be caused by a problem with an underlying organ.
• Other symptoms develop, such as nausea and vomiting or fever, after the abdominal pain started. It is common to have cramping abdominal pain immediately before vomiting or having diarrhea. However, a more serious problem may be present when nausea and vomiting start after the onset of abdominal pain.
• Generalized abdominal pain becomes localized pain. This may mean there is an infection in a specific organ, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis.