Abdominal Pain - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Pain in the abdomen can come from any one of them. The pain may start somewhere else, such as your chest. Severe pain doesn’t always mean a serious problem. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone below, and the flanks on each side. Abdominal pain is caused by inflammation (e.g., appendicitis, diverticulitis), by stretching or distention of an organ (e.g., obstruction of the intestine, blockage of a bile duct by gallstones, swelling of the liver with hepatitis), or by loss of the supply of blood to an organ (e.g., ischemic colitis). Abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset, or the pain can be chronic and longstanding.
Abdominal pain can be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramplike, knifelike, twisting, or boring. Many other types of pain are possible. The causes of abdominal pain depend on sex and age of the patient. Abdominal pain may be minor and of no great significance, or it can reflect a major problem involving one of the organs in the abdomen. A woman may have a twisted ovarian cyst while a man may have testicular torsion with a twisted testis. Treatment depends on the cause. The key is knowing when it’s just a minor problem like a mild stomach ache or when it’s something worse. Pain that persists can be a sign of a medical condition or illness. Very severe abdominal pain usually requires immediate medical care.
Causes of Abdominal pain
Possible causes include:
1. Excessive gas
2. Lactose intolerance
3. Giardia Lamblia
4. Hernia
5. Heartburn or indigestion
6. Diverticular disease, including inflammation of small pouches that form in the large intestines
7. Urinary tract infections
8. Ovarian Cysts
9. Pancreatic Cancer
Symptoms of Abdominal pain
In a woman who might be pregnant: severe pain that arises suddenly in the lower right or lower left abdomen, usually without vomiting or fever. Some people have constipation, while others have frequent loose stools, often with an urgent need to move the bowels and still others experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms may vary from person to person. Severe pain that starts in the upper abdomen and often spreads to the sides and the back. The pain may flare up soon after a large meal, or six to 12 hours after an episode of heavy drinking.
Treatment of Abdominal pain
Medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Activated charcoal capsules also may help. If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may provide some relief, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or occasional laxatives for constipation, as well as medicines to decrease diarrhea, tranquilizers to calm you, or drugs that control colon muscle spasms to reduce abdominal pain. Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain.
Facts And Tips For Women With Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Most women experience some sort of abdominal pain during pregnancy. This is completely normal, especially in the beginning stages during pregnancy. These abdominals pains can are sometimes confused as cramps from menstruation. However, abdominal pain during pregnancy is sometimes an indicator of a more dangerous health issue.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a early warning sign of an Ectopic Pregnancy, which is a life threatening condition to both you and your baby. This condition should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Some of the warning signs include:
• Sharp, serious pains that last for a long period of time
• Pain in other areas of the both, in adition to abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
If you have an Ectopic Pregnancy, that means the egg has implanted itself where it shouldn’t be - Usually in the fallopian tubes, as opposed to inside the uterus. As the egg continues to grow and expand, the rest of your body is put in jeapordy.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest you may have more than just normal abdominal pain during pregnancy, seek medical attention right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can also indicate a miscarriage. A miscarriage is usually signaled by bleeding in your vagina, followed by cramping. The cramps can last between several hours and several days.
Again, if you’re experiencing abdominal pains, along with other symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue, consult your doctor immediately.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually safe and normal. However, coupled with other symptoms, it can be an early warning sign of more serious issues.