What is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal Pain is pain on the inside of the abdomen or the outer muscle wall. It can range from mild and temporary to severe and require emergency treatment. Abdominal pain can have causes that are not due to diseases like;
- Constipation
- Wind
- Overeating
- Stress
- Muscle strain
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Get A Second OpinionAn Overview of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain refers to cramping, dull aches, sharp, burning, or twisting pain in the tummy (abdomen). It is also called belly, gut, or stomach pain.
- The abdomen contains major organs such as the stomach, large and small intestines, appendix, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas.
- The largest artery and vein in the body are also in the abdomen.
- Abdominal pain can be very serious, but mostly, they are caused by a minor upset or a stomach “bug” and do not last long.
- Minor abdominal pain is very common, and people may experience an upset stomach or cramping every few months.
- You can usually treat abdominal pain yourself, and it will go away within a few days.
What are the Types of Abdominal Pains?
Abdominal pains are divided into three different types based on their location and the type of pain they cause.
Localised Pain
Localised Pain is defined as pain in one area of the abdomen. It is usually caused by a problem in a particular organ. Stomach ulcers (open sores on the inner lining of the abdomen) are the most common cause of localised pain.
Cramping-like Pain
Cramping-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas. In women, it can be connected with menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications. This pain comes and goes and may go away on its own without treatment.
Colonic Pain
Colonic pain is a symptom of more serious conditions, such as gallstones or kidney stones. It can come on suddenly and resemble a severe muscle spasm.
What are the Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?
Many conditions can cause abdominal pain. However, the major causes are;
- Infection
- Abnormal growths
- Inflammation
- Blockage
- Intestinal disturbances
Infections of the throat, guts, and blood can cause bacteria to enter the digestive tract, causing abdominal pain. These infections can also lead to changes in metabolism, like diarrhea or constipation.
Cramps related to menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain, but they are commonly known to cause pelvic pain.
Other common causes of abdominal pain include:- constipation
- diarrhea
- gastroenteritis
- acid reflux
- vomiting
- stress
Digestive Issues
Chronic abdominal pain can also be caused by diseases that affect the digestive system. Abdominal pain after eating may be due;
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon
- Crohn's disease
- Lactose intolerance
Inflammation
Sometimes, temporary inflammation can occur in your organs due to irritation or infection. Causes of severe abdominal pain include:
- Organ rupture or near-rupture (like a burst appendix or appendicitis)
- Gallbladder stones
- Kidney stones
- Kidney infection
Female Reproductive Cycle
Women usually face discomfort from two primary causes: menstrual cramps and ovulation pain.
Menstrual cramps
- These are a normal part of menstruation, occurring when the uterus contracts to shed its lining.
- The pain can range from mild to intense and might be accompanied by bloating and tiredness.
Ovulation Pain
- Some women experience a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen when they ovulate, which is the release of an egg from the ovary.
- This discomfort, called mittelschmerz, is usually short-lived but can be annoying at times.
What are the Methods Used to Diagnose Abdominal Pain?
- Several tests can diagnose the cause of abdominal pain.
- Before ordering the tests, your doctor will perform a physical exam.
- The physical tests include light pressure on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling.
- This information, combined with the severity of the pain and where it is in the abdomen, will help your doctor decide which tests to order.
- The tests help in diagnosing tumors, fractures, ruptures, and inflammation.
- Imaging tests, such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays, visualise the organs, tissues, and other structures in the abdomen in detail.
- Colonoscopy
- endoscopy
- Upper GI (upper gastrointestinal tract)
Blood, urine, and stool samples can also be taken for evidence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
How Can Abdominal Pain Be Relieved?
There are various causes and treatments for this discomfort. In some cases, surgery may be necessary for conditions like gallstones or appendicitis. Medication can help alleviate pain caused by ulcers or infections.
Sometimes, you just have to tough it out when dealing with stomach flu or kidney stones.
If you're unsure about the cause of your abdominal pain and it persists, it's crucial to find out what's going on. Remember, even mild cases can be serious.
However, if you suspect your stomachache is related to digestion, you can try these self-care methods:
- Give your bowels a break by avoiding food or sticking to easy-to-digest options like crackers or bananas.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or using a hydration formula.
- Find relief with heat therapy, such as a warm water bottle or a relaxing bath.
- Explore home remedies like licorice for gas, ginger for indigestion, or peppermint to relax your intestinal muscles.
Abdominal Pain Treatment
Common causes of gastrointestinal abdominal pain, such as gas, indigestion (dyspepsia), constipation, and upset stomach, will likely go away within a few hours, even without treatment.
For faster relief, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the right medicine.
OTC options include:- Antacids and acid reducers
- Antigas products like Maalox
- Anti-nausea medication
- Stool softeners for constipation
Other gastrointestinal causes of abdominal pain, such as food poisoning, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease, may also go away after the stomach or intestinal lining can heal.
Medical treatments can include:- Antibiotics for bacterial causes
- Acid reducers and acid blockers
- Pepto-Bismol
- Electrolyte replacement fluids for vomiting or diarrhea to prevent dehydration
Treatment alternatives for other causes of abdominal pain depend on the cause. Treatment for chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, will most likely involve a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery at some point.
Acute conditions, such as bowel obstruction, appendicitis, or gallstones, may involve hospital care and possibly surgery to repair or remove diseased tissue.
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Book an AppointmentWhen to visit a Doctor?
You should see a physician for abdominal pain if it is severe or mild abdominal pain lasting more than a week.
The so-called "red flag" symptoms (warning sign that is a potentially serious underlying disease) that can indicate serious or life-threatening illness include:
- The abdomen is stiff or hard and tender when you or someone else touches it
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Constipation with vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- dizziness
- High fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Pulsating mass in the abdomen
- Rapid pulse or rapid breathing
- Severe pain spreading from the original location, such as to the chest, arm, neck, jaw, or shoulder
- jaundice
To help diagnose the cause of abdominal pain, questions your physician may ask you include:
- Describe your abdominal pain. Is it dull or sharp and stabbing?
- Is abdominal pain constant, or does it come and go?
- Where do you feel the pain?
- What other symptoms are you experiencing besides abdominal pain?
- What medications, herbs, and supplements are you taking?
In many cases, gastroenterologists and other providers can determine or at least suspect the cause simply by your symptoms.
For example, abdominal pain accompanied by painful urination and fever suggests a bladder infection. Imaging tests and blood and urine tests may be needed to identify the cause of abdominal pain and determine the best treatment.
In some cases, the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult to diagnose. If you have persistent abdominal pain without a diagnosis, seek a second opinion.
What are the Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain?
Accurate medical diagnosis is the safest first step in relieving abdominal pain. A doctor or other healthcare professional can perform an exam and order tests to rule out serious causes.
However, if you have generalised abdominal pain and suspect it is because of minor gastrointestinal problems, consider these home remedies:
- Baking soda for heartburn: mix one teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water and drink it.
- Ginger aids digestion and reduces nausea. The best remedy is ginger root, which can be soaked in hot water or tea.
- Heating bags compress your stomach for cramp-like pain
- A liquid diet of broth and sweetened, non-caffeinated sports drinks
- Lying tilted to the left side, which can help you pass the gas
- Modify your diet to exclude problematic foods, such as dairy products, beans, broccoli, and potential allergens
- Blackstrap molasses for constipation. Take one tablespoon per day.
- Tylenol for pain or fever
