Abdominal Pain: Causes, Types, and Prevention

Overview

Abdominal pain is experienced in the area between the chest and pelvic regions. It often feels like cramping, sharp, throbbing, intermittent, or intense discomfort. This pain is also commonly referred to as stomach pain.

Inflammation or diseases affecting abdominal organs can trigger abdominal pain. Key organs located in the abdomen include:

• Small and large intestines
• Kidneys
• Appendix (part of the large intestine)
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Pancreas

Severe abdominal pain may stem from viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections impacting the stomach and intestines.

What Causes Abdominal Pain?

Numerous conditions can lead to abdominal pain, with the primary causes being infections, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstructions, and intestinal disorders.

Infections in the throat, intestines, or bloodstream can allow bacteria to enter the digestive tract, causing pain. These infections might also result in diarrhea or constipation due to digestive disturbances.

Menstrual cramps can cause lower abdominal pain, although they typically lead to pelvic discomfort.

Other common causes include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gastroenteritis (intestinal virus)
• Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux causing heartburn and other symptoms)
• Vomiting
• Stress

Chronic abdominal pain can be associated with digestive system disorders such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes cramps and changes in bowel habits
• Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel condition)
• Lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting lactose found in dairy products)

Additional causes include:

• Organ rupture or near rupture (e.g., appendicitis)
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Kidney infections

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may be localized, cramping, or spasmodic.

Localized pain is confined to a specific area and usually points to an issue with a particular organ. The most frequent cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers (open sores in the stomach lining).

Cramping pain may be linked to diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas. In women, it can relate to menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive organ complications. This type of pain often comes and goes and may resolve without treatment.

Spasmodic pain is often a sign of more serious conditions like gallstones or kidney stones. It appears suddenly and can feel like a severe muscle spasm.

Abdominal Pain Location and What It Indicates

The precise location of abdominal pain can provide clues about its cause.

Generalized pain throughout the abdomen may suggest:

• Appendicitis
• Crohn's disease
• Traumatic injury
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Urinary tract infection
• Flu

Lower abdominal pain could indicate:

• Appendicitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

In women, pain in reproductive organs located in the lower abdomen may be caused by:

• Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Ovarian cysts
• Miscarriage
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy

Upper abdominal pain causes include:

• Gallstones
• Heart attack
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Pneumonia

Central abdominal pain may be due to:

• Appendicitis
• Gastroenteritis
• Injury
• Uremia (buildup of waste in the blood)

Lower left abdominal pain causes include:

• Crohn's disease
• Cancer
• Kidney infection
• Ovarian cyst
• Appendicitis

Upper left abdominal pain may be caused by:

• Enlarged spleen
• Fecal impaction (hardened stool)
• Injury
• Kidney infection
• Heart attack
• Cancer

Lower right abdominal pain causes include:

• Appendicitis
• Hernia (organ protrusion through abdominal muscles)
• Kidney infection
• Cancer
• Flu

Upper right abdominal pain may result from:

• Hepatitis
• Injury
• Pneumonia
• Appendicitis

When to See a Doctor

Mild abdominal pain often resolves without treatment, but certain situations require medical attention.

Call emergency services if you experience severe pain due to trauma or if you have chest pain or pressure.

Seek immediate care if the pain is intense, making it difficult to stay still or if you feel the need to curl up, especially if accompanied by:

• Blood in stools
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Vomiting blood
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe abdominal swelling or tenderness
• Difficulty breathing

Schedule a doctor's visit if you have:

• Abdominal pain lasting more than 24 hours
• Prolonged constipation
• Vomiting
• Burning sensation during urination
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

Pregnant or breastfeeding women experiencing abdominal pain should consult their healthcare provider promptly.

How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain involves various tests. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, gently pressing on different areas of your abdomen to identify tenderness or swelling.

The location and severity of pain guide which diagnostic tests are necessary.

Imaging tests such as MRI, ultrasound, and X-rays provide detailed views of abdominal organs, tissues, and structures, helping detect tumors, fractures, ruptures, or inflammation.

Additional tests include:

• Colonoscopy to examine the colon and intestines
• Endoscopy to detect inflammation or abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach
• Upper gastrointestinal imaging using contrast dye to identify growths, ulcers, inflammation, or blockages

Blood, urine, and stool samples may also be analyzed to detect bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

How to Prevent Abdominal Pain

While not all abdominal pain is preventable, these tips can reduce your risk:

• Maintain a balanced, healthy diet
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals

If you have an intestinal disorder like Crohn's disease, follow your healthcare provider's dietary recommendations to lessen symptoms. For GERD, avoid eating within two hours before bedtime.

Lying down immediately after eating can cause acid reflux and abdominal discomfort. Aim to wait at least two hours post-meal before going to bed.

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