Abdominal Pain
Understanding Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a symptom that may be caused by a variety of medical conditions. It is generally described as a feeling of discomfort or cramping in the area between the chest and the groin. Abdominal pain usually originates in the organs within the abdominal cavity, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, but it may also be caused by an infection or inflammation of the skin, muscles, or other tissue in the vicinity.
If you experience abdominal pain, it’s important to identify its cause. This can help your doctor determine the right treatment and help avoid any further medical complications. To get a clearer picture of the cause of your abdominal pain, be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms and provide details about when the pain started, what it feels like, and any activities that may have triggered it.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, including:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, or food poisoning
- Infections such as gastroenteritis, appendicitis, or urinary tract infection
- Liver disorders such as jaundice or hepatitis
- Stomach issues such as ulcers, acid reflux, or gallstones
- Intestinal blockage or obstruction
- Endometriosis (a condition in which tissue normally found in the uterus grows outside of it)
- Kidney stones or kidney infection
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)
- Cancer of the abdomen or other abdominal organs
Treating Abdominal Pain
The best course of action depends on the cause of your abdominal pain. After a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms. For some conditions, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying issue. It’s also important that you take steps to avoid any behaviors or activities that may be causing or exacerbating your abdominal pain. This may involve changing your diet, exercising more, or avoiding certain types of foods. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the best treatment options for you.