Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain that occurs in the region between the chest and the pelvis. We often think of abdominal pain as “stomach ache” or “stomach pain,” but the pain in your abdomen could be coming from other organs besides your stomach. It can vary in intensity and duration. It may be acute abdominal pain (short-term) or chronic abdominal pain (long-term). The pain can be sharp, crampy, or dull, and it may come and go or remain constant.
Most causes of abdominal pain aren’t reasons to worry so your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that needs medical attention.
There are several types of abdominal pain, based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts:
Acute Abdominal Pain – Acute abdominal pain develops quickly over a few hours or days. It may come with other symptoms. Often, it is not serious and could be caused by gas or menstrual cramps. However, sudden and severe pain could mean something serious. For example, conditions like appendicitis or a duodenal ulcer may need emergency care.
Chronic Abdominal Pain – This type of pain lasts 3 months or more and may come and go. Chronic abdominal pain may occur along with other symptoms, depending on the cause of the pain. If you have a stomach ulcer or an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease, you might have chronic diarrhea in addition to abdominal pain.
Progressive Abdominal Pain – This type of abdominal pain gets worse over time. Other symptoms typically develop along with the pain. Those additional symptoms depend on what’s causing the pain. It’s usually a sign of serious illness, including inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Colicky – This type of abdominal pain comes in waves that stop and start suddenly. It’s frequently severe. Kidney stones and gallstones are a common culprit.
Abdominal pain is extremely common and affects people of all ages. It is one of the most frequent reasons for visits to the emergency room and primary care physicians. While many cases are minor and resolved on their own, some can be indicative of more serious underlying health issues. Abdominal pain causes 5% of emergency room visits.
Some of the common symptoms of abdominal pain include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden and severe abdominal pain. Especially in addition to symptoms like fever, vomiting, or dizziness, etc.
Yes, stress can contribute to abdominal pain by affecting the digestive system. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises can help alleviate symptoms.
Foods that are spicy, fatty, or acidic can exacerbate abdominal pain. It is advisable to avoid these foods and opt for a bland diet until symptoms improve.
Go straight to your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you have symptoms such as:
Yes, some medications can cause abdominal pain as a side effect. Common culprits include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and certain supplements. If you experience persistent pain after starting a new medication, consult your doctor for alternative treatments or adjustments.
Constant abdominal discomfort can happen due to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, stomach flu, gas, diarrhea, food allergies, and food poisoning.
The treatment options include a rectal exam, checking penis and scrotum, pelvic exam, blood test, urine test, ECG, endoscopy, x-ray, and ultrasound.
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