Abdominal Pain – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Options

Abdominal pain refers to pain, or discomfort felt in the abdomen, which is the region between the chest and pelvis. This type of pain can be caused by various factors, ranging from digestive issues to more serious medical conditions.

A painful Abdomen is called “stomach ache” or “belly pain.”

Abdominal pain is a common medical complaint affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It is one of the most common reasons why people seek medical attention.

Four types of abdominal pain:

• Generalized abdominal pain: This type of pain is felt throughout the entire abdomen and may be caused by conditions such as indigestion, gas, or constipation.
• Colicky abdominal pain: Colicky pain is characterized by waves of intense pain that come and go. This type of pain is often associated with conditions such as kidney stones or gallstones.
• Localized abdominal pain: Localized pain is felt in a specific area of the abdomen and may be caused by conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or a hernia.
• Referred abdominal pain: Referred pain is felt in a location other than the abdomen but is caused by a problem in the abdomen. For example, a heart attack can also cause pain in the left arm or jaw, even though the problem is in the heart. Similarly, a gallbladder problem can cause pain in the right shoulder.

Abdominal pain is a common medical complaint caused by various factors. It is very important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or also accompanied by other symptoms, which include fever or vomiting.

Abdominal pain can be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common symptoms that may occur alongside abdominal pain include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Abdominal pain may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if a digestive issue or food intolerance causes it.
• Diarrhea or constipation: Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation, may be present with abdominal pain.
• Fever and chills: Infections that cause abdominal pain, such as urinary tract infections or appendicitis, may also cause a fever and chills.
• Bloating or gas: Abdominal pain may be accompanied by bloating, gas, or feelings of fullness in the stomach.
• Loss of appetite: Abdominal pain may also cause a loss of appetite or a feeling of early satiety.
• Blood in stool: In some cases, abdominal pain may be accompanied by bloody or black stools, which can signify a more serious condition.
• Pain during urination: Abdominal pain may be accompanied by pain or discomfort during urination, which can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: In women, abdominal pain may be accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding, which can signify a reproductive issue or ectopic pregnancy.

It is very important to note that not all cases of abdominal pain will have accompanying symptoms. Additionally, the presence of other symptoms may be indicative of a more serious underlying condition.

• Inflammation: Inflammation of the digestive tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease, can cause abdominal pain.
• Digestive issues: Abdominal pain can also be caused by digestive pain such as indigestion, gas, or constipation.
• Female reproductive cycle: Women may experience abdominal pain during their menstrual or ovulation due to endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
• Food intolerance or allergy: Food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, can cause abdominal pain.
• Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection can cause pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.

While most causes of abdominal pain are not serious, some conditions can be life-threatening. These may include:

• Appendicitis: It is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and infected, leading to a rupture if not treated promptly.
• Gallstones: Hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, which can cause severe pain if they become lodged in the bile duct.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which alcohol consumption, gallstones, or high levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, which can cause abdominal pain and heavy bleeding.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A bulging or weakened area in the aorta can cause severe abdominal pain and may require emergency surgery.

While abdominal pain can have many causes, most are not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes. However, suppose the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. In that case, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

• Medical history: A doctor will typically begin by asking the patient questions about their symptoms, including when the pain started, its location, severity, and accompanying symptoms.
• Physical examination: A doctor will also perform a physical examination, including palpating the abdomen to identify any tender or painful areas.
• Laboratory tests: Blood and urine tests may be ordered to assess the patient’s health and identify any underlying medical conditions.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can provide detailed pictures of the internal organs and help identify any abnormalities.
• Endoscopic procedures: In some cases, an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, may be used to visualize the digestive tract and identify any abnormalities or signs of inflammation.
• Diagnostic surgery: In some cases, a doctor may recommend diagnostic surgery, such as a laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy, to visualize the internal organs and identify any underlying conditions.

• Medications: What medicine is good for abdominal pain? Over-the-counter pain relievers, which include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or antacids may be recommended to alleviate mild abdominal pain. Prescription medicine for abdominal pain may also be prescribed for specific conditions, such as antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory medication for inflammation, or medication to regulate digestive issues.
• Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding trigger foods or drinks, reducing stress, and increasing physical activity, may help alleviate abdominal pain caused by digestive issues.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, or hernias.
• Rest and hydration: Resting and drinking fluids may be recommended to alleviate abdominal pain caused by conditions such as stomach viruses or food poisoning.
• Other therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or herbal remedies may also be helpful in some cases.

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain may be caused by gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or peptic ulcers.
• Gallbladder disease: Abdominal pain may be caused by gallstones or other disorders.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain.
• Kidney stones: Abdominal pain may be caused by passing kidney stones through the urinary tract.
• Urinary tract infections: Infections in the urinary tract can cause abdominal pain.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can cause severe abdominal pain.
• Ectopic pregnancy: In women, abdominal pain may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
• Endometriosis: A condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it and can cause abdominal pain.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs in women can cause abdominal pain.
• Hernia: A protrusion of tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles can cause abdominal pain.

• Rest: Take a break from physical activity and rest for a while, as too much movement can exacerbate abdominal pain.
• Heat therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area may help relieve abdominal pain caused by cramps or muscle tension.
• Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or antacids may help alleviate mild abdominal pain. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the label.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, may help relieve abdominal pain caused by constipation or dehydration.
• Avoiding trigger foods: If you suspect that certain foods or drinks may be causing your abdominal pain, try avoiding them for a period of time to see if your symptoms improve.
• Gentle exercise: Light exercise, such as walking or stretching, may help alleviate abdominal pain caused by digestive issues.

• Severe or persistent pain: If your abdominal pain is severe or lasts extended, it is important to seek medical attention.
• Accompanying symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, difficulty breathing, or severe tenderness in the abdomen, it may indicate a more serious medical condition that requires urgent medical attention.
• Recent injury or trauma: If you have recently experienced an injury or trauma to the abdomen, it is important to seek medical attention.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention, as it may be a sign of a serious complication such as an ectopic pregnancy.
• Age: If you are an elderly individual or a young child experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention, as these age groups may be more vulnerable to certain medical conditions that can cause abdominal pain.

• Virtual consultations: You can schedule a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms, provide medical advice, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
• Medication management: Ongo Care can also provide medication management services, including prescription refills and monitoring for potential side effects or interactions.
• Follow-up care: If necessary, Ongo Care can provide follow-up care and support to ensure that your symptoms are improving and that your treatment plan is effective.

Frequently Asked Questions