Abdominal pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. It can occur anywhere in the area between your chest and groin. The pain can be dull, sharp, constant, intermittent, cramp-like, or even be a general feeling of discomfort. The severity and location of abdominal pain can provide clues to its cause.
It's important to note that not all abdominal pain is a cause for concern. However, severe, persistent, or recurring abdominal pain, particularly if accompanied by other worrying symptoms, may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.
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What are the possible causes of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can arise from various conditions. Common causes include indigestion, gastritis, stomach ulcers, gallstones, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, appendicitis, and hernia. It can also be a symptom of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis.
What should I do if I have severe abdominal pain?
If your abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, uncontrolled vomiting, persistent nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or swelling of the abdomen, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a serious condition that needs urgent medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
The investigations depend on what your doctor suspects might be the cause based on your symptoms, physical examination, and medical history. Common tests include blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and endoscopy.
These investigations are crucial in determining the underlying cause of your abdominal pain. They can help rule out serious conditions and guide the appropriate treatment strategy. For example, an ultrasound can detect gallstones or appendicitis, while blood tests can help identify infections or liver disease.
Red flags that warrant immediate medical attention include severe pain, repeated vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling, persistent constipation or diarrhea, or if the pain awakens you from sleep or prevents you from sleeping.
You can start with your primary care doctor. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist if a digestive disease is suspected, or a surgeon if conditions like appendicitis or hernia are the possible cause.
Yes, stress can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including abdominal pain. This is particularly true for people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or peptic ulcer disease, where stress can trigger flare-ups.
Certain medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can cause stomach upset or ulcers, leading to abdominal pain. If you suspect your medication is causing your pain, talk to your doctor – do not stop taking your medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
For mild abdominal pain, measures such as resting, avoiding foods that trigger pain, sipping water or clear fluids, and applying a heating pad to your abdomen can help. Over-the-counter antacids or pain relievers may also be beneficial. However, persistent or severe abdominal pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause. For instance, medications are available to treat conditions like gastritis and IBS, while surgical intervention may be necessary for conditions like appendicitis or gallstones.
While it's not common, abdominal pain can occasionally be a symptom of certain cancers, such as pancreatic, stomach, colon, or ovarian cancer. However, these cancers usually present with other symptoms as well, such as unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or persistent fatigue.
Seek emergency medical help if your abdominal pain is severe and associated with trauma (such as an accident or injury) or if you have pain along with any signs of a serious condition, like chest pain or pressure, confusion, bloody stool, persistent vomiting or nausea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
