Abdominal Pain
Overview
Abdominal pain is a symptom characterized by discomfort between the chest and pelvic regions. All of these symptoms, along with cramping, discomfort, dullness, and occasional stomach pain are possible. When referring to it, the term “stomachache” is frequently used to describe it.
In certain cases, abdominal pain may occur as a consequence of an infection or disease that affects one or more of the organs located in the abdomen including the spleen, stomach, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Stomach and intestine infections, whether viral, bacterial, or parasitic in origin, may result in severe stomach and intestinal pain and discomfort.
The symptom can be described as cramping-like, colicky, or localized.
In the abdomen, localized pain refers to the discomfort that occurs exclusively in a specific area of the body. This kind of pain is often caused by problems with a specific organ or set of organs. Stomach ulcers are the most common cause of localized abdominal pain, as it results in open sores on the inner lining of the stomach that leads to abdominal pain.
Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating are all conditions that cause cramping to occur. Irregular menstruation cycles, miscarriage, and other reproductive issues in women cause cramp-like abdominal pain; however stomach cramps come and go. Abdominal cramps may go away on their own without the need for medical intervention in certain instances.
Colicky pain in infants is a symptom of a more severe condition, such as gallstones or kidney stones. When this pain comes suddenly, it may seem to the person experiencing it as though they are suffering a severe muscle spasm.
Causes
Abdominal pain may be caused by a number of medical problems, including pregnancy. It is most common for intestine issues to be caused by infection, abnormal growth, inflammation, obstruction (blockage), and intestinal anomalies. Infection is the most common cause of intestinal problems. A throat, intestinal, or blood infection may cause germs to enter the digestive tract and cause stomach pain and discomfort. As a consequence of the disease, you may have digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.
Other than menstrual cramps, a number of other causes may lead to discomfort in the lower abdomen as well. Pelvic pain is the most common kind of discomfort.
Some other common causes for this symptom are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gastroenteritis
- Stress
- Vomiting
- Acid reflux
There are certain diseases that affect the digestive system and cause sharp pain in the stomach, which is chronic in nature. These diseases include:
- GERD; i.e. gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Crohn’s disease; i.e. inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lactose intolerance
Sometimes severe abdominal pain is also caused by:
- Organ rupture as can occur in appendicitis
- Gallstones
- Kidney infection and stones
The location of the discomfort may be able to identify the cause of the abdominal pain. A physical examination of the area in which you are suffering abdominal pain may aid in determining where the source of the discomfort is coming from.
One of the following conditions may be indicated by persistent stomach discomfort (rather than pain in a specific location):
- Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed
- Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that affects the intestines
- IBS is a gastrointestinal disease that is characterized by inflammation
- A urinary tract infection
Sharp pain in the lower abdomen indicate:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Appendicitis
- Intestinal obstruction
Pain in the lower abdomen in women is possibly caused by:
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Menstrual cramps
- Miscarriage
Following are the conditions that lead to upper abdominal pain:
Sharp pain in the lower abdomen is possibly due to the below conditions:
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Ovarian cysts
- Kidney infection
Pain in the upper abdomen is possibly caused by the following conditions:
- Injury
- Heart attack
- Enlarged spleen
- Fecal implantation; i.e. hardening of the stool due to which there is difficulty in its elimination
Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen near the hip bone can be due to the following conditions:
- Appendicitis (may also cause dull pain in the lower right abdomen that comes and goes)
- Hernia
- Kidney infection
Sharp pain on the upper right side of the stomach is possibly from the following conditions:
- Pneumonia
- Appendicitis
- Injury
Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if your pain is so severe that you are unable to sit still or must curl into a ball in order to be comfortable. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, get medical attention immediately:
- Feces that are reddish-brown in color
- Bout of nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or severe stomach discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
If you observe any of the abdominal pain symptoms listed below, you should see your doctor:
- Stomach discomfort that lasts for more than 24 hours
- Constipation that lasts longer than 24 hours
- A burning feeling when urinating
You should contact your doctor right away if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are suffering abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain involves a systematic approach, which may include the following steps:
- Medical History: The healthcare provider will ask questions about the onset, location, and characteristics of the pain, as well as any other symptoms or relevant medical history.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination may reveal tenderness, masses, or other signs that can help identify the cause of the pain.
- Imaging: Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays can provide detailed views of the abdominal organs to detect structural abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Laboratory tests may be conducted to check for infection, inflammation, liver or kidney function, and other markers that can point to specific conditions.
- Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: These procedures involve using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, helping diagnose conditions like ulcers, inflammation, or polyps.
- Stool Tests: Examination of stool samples can detect infections or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Biopsy: If a tumor or abnormal growth is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
Treatment
The abdominal pain treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment approaches:
- Medications: Pain relief medications, antacids, antibiotics for infections, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed based on the abdominal pain diagnosis.
- dietary Changes: Modifying one’s diet, such as avoiding trigger foods for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or following a low-fat diet for gallbladder issues, can help alleviate pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in lifestyle, including stress reduction, regular exercise, and improved eating habits, can help manage chronic abdominal pain.
- Surgery: Surgical interventions may be necessary for conditions like appendicitis, gallstones, or certain gastrointestinal disorders.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and exercises may be recommended for certain conditions, such as muscle strains or abdominal muscle weakness.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: In cases where abdominal pain is a symptom of an underlying condition (e.g., Crohn’s disease or gastritis), the focus of treatment will be on managing that specific condition.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention when experiencing severe or persistent abdominal pain, as it can be a symptom of various serious medical conditions. Only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
When To See A Doctor
If you have mild stomach pain, it may resolve on its own without the need for medical attention. The doctor may be required to see you if you are experiencing stomach pain in specific circumstances. You should seek medical care if your stomach pain is severe and is linked with trauma (such as an accident or injury), or if you are experiencing chest pressure or discomfort.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about abdominal pain or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.
