Abdominal Pain: Causes, and Treatment

Originally posted on September 23, 2022 @ 5:01 pm

Abdominal pain; all of the digestive organs, including the stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, are located in the abdomen. These organs are loosely connected by mesentery, which enables them to expand and rub up against one another.

Why is Abdominal Pain?

Discomfort or other unpleasant sensations in the area of your belly are known as abdominal pain. Most people will have stomach pain at some point in their lives.

Most causes of abdominal pain are not serious, and your doctor can quickly identify and treat the issue. But sometimes it could be a sign of a serious health problem that needs medical help.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Based on how quickly and for how long you experience discomfort, there are various forms of abdominal pain:

• Acute Pain: The onset of acute pain can take a few hours or days, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms.
• Chronic pain can continue for weeks, months, or longer and might come and go.
• Progressive pain worsens with time and frequently occurs in conjunction with other symptoms.

Causes Abdominal Pain

Abdominal discomfort can be brought on by a variety of factors, whether it’s a minor ache or severe cramps. You could have stomach flu, constipation, indigestion, or, if you’re a woman, menstrual cramps.
Other potential factors include:

• Chronic diarrheal syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Vomiting from food
• allergens in food.
• Gas
• urinary tract infection
• pulled or strained abdominal muscles.

If you have ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease, or are lactose intolerant, you may also experience abdominal pain. Some more factors are:

• Hernia
• Gallstones
• urinary stones
• Endometriosis
• Illness of the stomach and esophagus (GERD).
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• An abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling of the major artery in the abdomen)
• An obstruction or a bowel blockage
• Cancer of the pancreatic, bile duct, gallbladder, liver, stomach, or immune system.
• Cysts or ovarian cancer.
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• A blood vessel blockage causes low blood flow to your intestines.
• An abnormal pregnancy (when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, for example, in a fallopian tube)

READ ALSO Amazing Home Remedy to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

When to Consult a Doctor About Abdominal Pain

Consult your doctor if your abdominal discomfort is severe, doesn’t go away, or keeps returning. If you have any chest pain or your belly hurts because you have suffered an injury there, call 911 immediately.
Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to the pain, you should call your doctor right away:

• Fever
• I am unable to resist eating for more than two days.
• Dark urine, infrequent urination, and extreme thirst are all indications that you are dehydrated.
• Especially if you’re vomiting, you can’t go to the bathroom.
• Urge to urinate on a regular basis
• Furthermore, if any of the following apply,
• It feels good to touch your belly.
• more than a few hours of discomfort.

Other symptoms you experience could point to a health issue that requires immediate attention from a physician. If you experience abdominal pain along with any of the following:

• Throw up blood.
• Pay attention to any bloody or tarry bowel motions.
• breathing difficulties
• Constantly throwing up
• I have abdominal swelling.

  

• Have golden skin.
• You’re expecting
• I had an unforeseen weight loss.

Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain

Your doctor will do a comprehensive physical examination due to the large number of potential causes. They’ll also inquire about your symptoms and the kind of discomfort you’re experiencing. For example, is it a sharp stabbing pain or a nagging ache?

Your doctor may also want to know where the pain in your belly is coming from and other things.

• What causes pain when?
• Always?
• Which occurs more frequently, mornings or nights?
• What is the average duration of the pain if it comes and goes?
• Do you get pain after consuming particular meals or alcohol?
• Does it hurt when you have your period?
• What is the duration of your pain?
• Do your lower back, shoulders, groin, or buttocks occasionally become painful as well?
• Do you take any prescription drugs or dietary supplements?
• Do you have a baby?
• Is there any action, such as eating or sleeping on one side, that reduces the pain?
• Do certain movements or positions exacerbate the pain?
• Have you recently suffered an injury?

You might require tests to help your doctor identify the source of your pain once the examination is complete and all of your questions have been answered. These tests could involve

• Stool testing or urine testing.
• Blood tests
• Barium enemas, or swallows
• Endoscopy
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• A CT scan
• Either a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy

Treatment for Abdominal Pain at Home

Depending on the source of your stomach pain, you may need to

• Drugs to reduce inflammation, stop acid reflux, treat ulcers or infections.
• Surgery to address an organ’s condition

Aspirin and ibuprofen are two over-the-counter painkillers that might aggravate stomach pain. If your doctor hasn’t determined the source of your abdominal pain and hasn’t given the go-ahead, don’t take them.

Changes in food and lifestyle may alleviate indigestion and gas-related abdominal pain. What you can try is listed below:

• Eat more frequently and in smaller portions.
• Eating slowly
• Chew your meal thoroughly.
• Drinks should be consumed at room temperature.
• Avoid foods that make you gassy or bloated.
• Control your tension.
• Alcohol and coffee in moderation
• After eating, stand up immediately.
• Take a little stroll after eating and engage in regular physical activity.