A person with left-upper abdominal pain as discomfort in the left upper part of the abdomen. This is occasionally perceived as being "under the ribcage."

Upper abdominal pain can also be:

• Located in the middle of the abdomen or epigastric area
• Located in the upper right abdomen

The location of the pain can be an important clue in determining the underlying cause. Pain that is localized to one area of the abdomen is often more serious than pain that is perceived as coming from all over the abdomen.

Other important features of abdominal pain include:

• Pain severity
• Character: cramping, burning, sharp, etc.
• Timing: constant, intermittent, etc.
• Associated symptoms: fever, vomiting, etc.