Generally speaking, abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. Because there are numerous organs in the abdominal cavity, there are numerous causes for stomach pains and aches. Sometimes pain can radiate from organs that are close to, but not actually located within, the abdominal cavity. For example, abnormalities and disease of the lower lungs, the uterus and the ovaries can result in abdominal pain.
Common Causes
There are many things that can cause abdominal pain. What is crucial, however, is knowing what constitutes a medical emergency. In most cases, you can wait until normal office hours to see your doctor.
Possible causes of abdominal pain are:
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis
- Hernia
- Urinary tract infection
- Ulcers
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or colitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Appendicitis
- Diverticulitis
- Food poisoning
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas
The most common causes of abdominal pain are flatulence, or gas, constipation, ulcers and IBS. When you eat a meal, your intestines release enzymes or chemicals that serve to break down the food so that your body can absorb them. An unfortunate by-product of this digestive process is gas, which can get stuck in the digestive system, leading to mild to severe abdominal pain. Constipation, another common cause of abdominal pain is the result of stool passing too slowly through the intestinal tract. Another common cause of abdominal tenderness or discomfort is an ulcer, which is usually the result of a bacterial infection. A more common cause of intestinal pain is IBS, which is usually characterized by reoccurring attacks of diarrhea and constipation. Its causes are not entirely known, but it is thought that IBS is caused by oversensitivity in the colon towards stress and different types of foods.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is important to note that the intensity of the pain does not always mean that there is a life threatening emergency. However, if you have any doubts or concerns regarding your health, seek medical help.
What Should You Expect When Visiting Your Doctor?
In order for your doctor to accurately diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain, he or she may order certain tests, such as a CAT scan, ultrasound, an MRI, or a barium x-ray. He or she may also order blood tests to check that your kidneys and liver are functioning properly. These tests are designed to check for abnormalities along the intestinal tract. Once a diagnosis is made, your physician may prescribe medications to ease your discomfort or to help you heal. Occasionally, surgery is recommended.
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