Abdominal pain is aching or discomfort in the belly region from ribs down to the pelvis. Bellyache, stomach ache, or stomach pain are other names that people use for abdominal pain. Despite the name, this pain emanates from one or more internal organs and not the belly.
Abdominal pain may come in many forms. It can be colicky pain that someone feels, and then disappears suddenly and is usually severe. Localized pain happens in one area of the belly and mainly signifies a problem in an organ. General pain affects more than half the belly, usually due to stomach problems. Specialists call a brief episode of abdominal pain ′acute′, meaning the onset is recent. Stomach pain falls to a chronic category if it lasts for a longer period, like three or more months, because it signifies an ongoing problem.
Stomach pain can occur because of mild issues like bloating but may also indicate a serious underlying condition. A healthcare expert should check the cause of abdomen pain if it persists and explain the intensity because there is no reliable measure to calculate its intensity.
Potential Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain occurs due to different issues, but those listed below are the most frequent.
- Menstrual cramps - Menstruation can cause pain and inflammation in the abdomen. Cramping, gas, bloating, and constipation may happen during menstruation to cause abdominal discomfort. Women with endometriosis experience more severe or chronic pain.
- Gas - Gas occurs when the body finds foods broken down by the bacteria in the small intestines to be intolerant. The gas increases pressure in the intestines to cause sharp pain in the abdomen. Stomach gas also causes tightness and flatulence in the abdomen.
- Vomiting - Vomiting causes abdominal pain because of irritation on the tissues when stomach acid moves backward through the digestive tract. The vomiting act can also cause abdominal muscles to swell and ache. Acid reflux on its own can cause burning sensation and pain in the abdomen as it rises to the throat.
- Gastritis - Inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining may cause stomach pain. Other common symptoms that accompany the pain are gas, nausea, and vomiting.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - People with IBS usually have a lesser capacity to digest certain foods. The primary symptom is abdominal pain that often relieves after a bowel movement. Bloating, gas, cramping, and nausea are other common symptoms of IBS.
- Food intolerances - Intestinal and stomach bacteria break down the food materials that the body is unable to digest. The process releases a gas that increases if the stomach has a large amount of undigested material to cause pressure and pain.
- Constipation - Constipation causes accumulation of waste in the bowel and causes pain because of intense pressure on the colon. Constipation may also occur due to intestine blockage or neurological disorder, and it still causes stomach aches.
- Stomach ulcers - Ulcers are wounds in the abdomen. They cause severe abdominal pain that persists until they heal. They also trigger indigestion, bloating, and weight loss.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - GERD is a long-term condition causing persistent acid reflux leading to heartburn, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Less frequent causes of abdominal pain are:
- Appendicitis
- Kidney infection, stones, or disease
- Gallbladder stones
- Hepatitis
- Abdominal organ infection
- Cardiac conditions
- Hiatal hernia
- Organ cancer
- Cysts that compromise organ function or space
Treating Abdominal Pain
Frequent causes of gastrointestinal abdominal pain can often be relieved quickly by trying home remedies. A heating pad helps to ease belly pain. Peppermint tea helps to relieve gas. Drinking clear fluids in plenty ensures that the body has enough water. The following lifestyle changes help to relieve or prevent stomach pain.
- Staying away from foods that upset the stomach, such as fried or spicy foods
- Eating more smaller meals instead of the typical three big ones
- Chewing food slowly and well to make it refined for faster digestion
- Reduce intake of alcohol and caffeine
- Ease stress by working out and mediation
Abdominal pain requires the attention of a healthcare professional if it is severe or persists for days. Treatment depends on the cause but usually ends with a prescription or over-the-counter medications. These may include:
- Mild stool softeners or laxatives to help with bowel movement during constipation
- Medicine with n ingredient to eliminate gas and pain it causes
- An acid reducer to relieve heartburn from GERD
- Medicine with ingredients designed to reduce cramping due to diarrhea
- Some over the counter painkillers, but others may make it worse
Abdominal pain due to chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes with the possibility of surgery. Treatment for an acute illness such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or gallstone involves surgery to remove or repair inflamed tissue and hospital care for a period.