R10.4: Other and unspecified abdominal pain

Other and unspecified abdominal pain, referenced by ICD-10 code R10.4, generally describes discomfort or a harmful sensation occurring in the abdominal area for which the underlying cause may not be immediately clear. The abdominal pain itself can vary greatly from mild to severe, can come and go or be consistent, and occur anywhere inside the abdominal cavity, which extends from under the ribs to the pelvis. This sensation can be the result of a variety of factors or conditions affecting the abdominal organs, such as digestive issues, inflammation, injury, or diseases affecting the stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, intestines or other abdominal structures. Some common symptoms accompanying this abdominal pain can include bloating, gas, indigestion or changes in bowel movements. Disease progression widely varies based on the root cause and the organ system impacted. The person may also experience systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue if the underlying cause is a systemic disease. This term is often used by healthcare providers when they are still working to diagnose the exact cause of the person's abdominal pain.