What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain in most cases is pain that mostly occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. Mostly referred to as stomach ache. This pain can either be mild, dull, sharp, intermittent or in form of cramps.
So, what are the most possible causes of stomach pain? Here’s a list of the most likely causes:
- Food Poisoning
This mostly occurs when one eats food that is contaminated with either bacteria, parasites or viruses. The symptoms can range from mild cramping to dehydration to bloody diarrhea. This condition could be fatal hence immediate doctor’s attention is often recommended.
- Indigestion
Also known as [dyspepsia], is a condition that happens to people most of the time. Eating habits and chronic digestive problems often trigger indigestion.
- Urinary Tract Infections
This is often caused by bacteria that occur in any part of the urinary tract mostly the bladder. The symptoms might include pain or pressure on the back and in your abdomen.
- Appendicitis
This is the inflammation of the appendix. This is a very serious condition and needs medical attention. The symptoms could include a sharp pain especially on the right side of your abdomen.
- Food Allergies
Some people develop allergies to foods that are usually even not harmful such as eggs,milk or peanuts. This mostly happens when the immune system mistakes food as harmful and attacks it. Symptoms may include stomach pain, diarrhea, rash, gas or bloating.
- Stomach Ulcer
These are painful sores either on the stomach lining or in the small intestine. Symptoms might include a burning pain in the upper or middle stomach, bloating, nausea and gas.
- Gallstones
These are hard deposits that occur in the gallbladder and block the exiting bile ducts. The symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice, itchy skin and fever.
- Hernia
This is when the upper part of your stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and into your chest cavity. This condition is fatal hence immediate medical advice is needed. This results in abdominal discomfort, heartburn and belching.
- Lactose Intolerance
This mostly happens when one’s small intestines cant break down lactose an enzyme found in dairy products. This often results in gastrointestinal symptoms and discomforts.
- Crohn’s Disease
This is a chronic bowel disease that causes severe inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms often include abdominal pain and diarrhea. In severe cases, inflammation of other body parts can occur such as mouth, eyes and skin.
Other possible causes of abdominal pain might include:
– Gas
– Menstrual cramps
-Gastroesophageal disease[GERD]
-Kidney stones
-Pelvic inflammatory disease
How Can Abdominal Pain Be Treated?
Most abdominal pain treatments depend on the cause of the pain. Treatments often range from medication for pain caused by inflammation such as ulcers and GERD to antibiotics for pain caused by infections. In serious cases such as appendicitis and hernia, surgery is often recommended.
Sourced from: Mayo Clinic
Photo: Thinkstock/milla1974
