Common Causes
What are the most common causes of abdominal pain?
- Constipation.
- Gas.
- Indigestion.
Related Conditions
This pain may feel like cramps in the middle of the abdomen or the RLQ. It is most common with the types of CD known as ileocolitis and ileitis . Together, these subtypes account for 75% of all CD that is diagnosed. 2
What are some causes of abdominal pain?
Stomach spasms are contractions of your abdominal muscles (abs), stomach, or intestines. Depending on which part of your body is spasming and how badly, it might feel like either a slight muscle ...
What does abdominal pain feel like?
- Pain that’s worse than anything you have experienced
- Pain that’s so severe you can’t stand up straight
- Pain that gets worse even with minor movements, like walking or riding in a car
- It hurts to take a deep breath
- You can’t drink fluids without vomiting
- You have a fever in addition to the pain
How does your abdominal pain feel like?
How to identify abdominal pain?
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What are signs of abdominal pain?
Seek immediate medical help if pain is accompanied by other worrisome signs and symptoms, including:Severe pain.Fever.Bloody stools.Persistent nausea and vomiting.Weight loss.Skin that appears yellow.Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.Swelling of the abdomen.
What is the meaning of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Since the abdominal area contains many different organs it is divided in smaller areas.
Is abdominal pain is normal?
While abdominal pain isn't normal, it isn't necessarily serious, and it often resolves itself. But certain forms of abdominal pain may indicate a serious health condition, so it's important to recognize the signs that may indicate you have an underlying problem requiring medical attention, according to the Mayo Ciinic.
What causes abdominal pain in females?
Abdominal pain can be cramp-like, localized, or colicky. Cramp-like pain. This type of abdominal pain may be associated with constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, or bloating. In women, however, the pain can be linked to miscarriage, menstruation, or complications in the female reproductive organs.
Can sperm cause abdominal pain?
Health experts say that as sperm is an irritant to the uterus, the uterus can react when in contact with sperms. This can result in uterine contractions, which in turn causes stomach pain and cramps.
What are the four types of abdominal pain?
There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are discussed below.
What are the three types of abdominal pain?
There are three main types of abdominal pain: visceral, parietal, and referred pain.
Where is abdomen located?
The abdomen (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. The diaphragm forms the upper surface of the abdomen. At the level of the pelvic bones, the abdomen ends and the pelvis begins.
What is the medicine for abdominal pain?
For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.
Does pregnancy cause abdominal pain?
Stomach (abdominal) pains or cramps are common in pregnancy. They're usually nothing to worry about, but they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious that needs to be checked. It's probably nothing to worry about if the pain is mild and goes away when you change position, have a rest, do a poo or pass wind.
What causes lower abdominal pain in females not pregnant?
Other causes of lower abdominal pain include ovarian cysts, fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic congestion syndrome, urinary tract infections, appendicitis and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
What causes lower abdominal pain in females no period?
What Causes Cramps with No Period? Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn't always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy -- even cancer -- can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by.
What are the symptoms of a swollen abdomen?
Seek immediate medical help if pain is accompanied by other worrisome signs and symptoms, including: Severe pain. Fever. Bloody stools. Persistent nausea and vomiting. Weight loss. Skin that appears yellow. Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen. Swelling of the abdomen.
Can abdominal pain be chronic?
It may be continuous or come and go. Abdominal pain can be short-lived (acute) or occur over weeks, months or years (chronic). Call your doctor right away if you have abdominal pain so severe that you can't move without causing more pain, or you can't sit still or find a comfortable position.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly — from ribs to pelvis. It’s often called ‘stomach’ pain or a ‘stomach’ ache, although the pain can be coming from any number of internal organs besides your stomach. A brief episode of pain is called acute, which means 'of recent onset.'.
What does it mean when your abdomen hurts?
Abdominal pain comes in many forms, and may range from cramps that come and go to sudden, stabbing pains to constant, dull abdominal aching. Even mild pain can be an early sign of a serious condition, which is why healthcare providers often monitor these patients for changes in their conditions.
Why does my abdomen hurt during pregnancy?
The pain occurs during pregnancy. The abdomen is tender to the touch. Pain is the result of an injury to the abdomen in the previous days. Pain lasts for several days. These symptoms may be an indication of an internal inflammation, infection, or bleeding that requires treatment as soon as possible.
Why does my child's stomach hurt?
Up to 15% of children between 5 and 16 years have ongoing or on-again, off-again abdominal pain. Oftentimes, when children get a tummy ache, it’s from constipation. Other common causes of abdominal pain in children include: Appendicitis. GERD.
What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?
If your abdominal pain is severe or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible: Nausea, fever, or the inability to keep food down for several days. Bloody stools. Difficulty breathing. Vomiting blood.
How to tell where pain is coming from?
Healthcare providers can often determine where pain is coming from by taking a detailed history from you. Depending upon the physician’s style, you may be simply asked to relate your medical story in your own words as a narrative. Other physicians may prefer to ask a series of detailed questions.
Where does pain come from?
Sometimes you feel the pain in your belly, but it’s actually coming from the chest, back or pelvis.
Abdominal Pain
A generic term for focal or general discomfort localised to the abdominal region.
Patient discussion about Abdominal Pain
Q. What Causes Specific Abdominal Pain? Everytime I go see a doctor when I have abdominal pains he tells me I probably have gastroenteritis. How does he know that it's not something else for instance, appendicitis, just by examining my abdomen?
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is felt in the abdomen. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone (pu bic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe discomfort originating from organs within the abdominal cavity. Organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas.
Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
Modern advances in technology have greatly improved the accuracy, speed, and ease of establishing the cause of belly pain, but significant challenges remain. There are many reasons why diagnosing the cause of it can be difficult.
What exams and tests help diagnose the cause of abdominal pain?
Examining the patient will provide the doctor with additional clues to the cause of the pain. The doctor will determine:
How does IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) cause abdominal pain?
As previously mentioned, the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome is due either to abnormal intestinal muscle contractions or visceral hypersensitivity. Generally, abnormal muscle contractions and visceral hypersensitivity are much more difficult to diagnose than other diseases or other health conditions, particularly since there are no typical abnormalities on physical examination or the usual diagnostic tests. The diagnosis is based on the history (typical symptoms) and the absence of other causes.
What medications can be used to treat certain causes of abdominal pain?
For example, medications are not needed for the treatment of simple viral gastroenteritis ( stomach flu or stomach bug), while surgery and/or chemotherapy may be the best approach to treat certain cancers in the abdomen. Other causes may require antispasmodics, antimicrobials, H2 blockers, or even nitrates or morphine. The diagnosed cause usually narrows the choice of medications. A few causes can only be treated by surgery (for example incarcerated hernia, abdominal adhesions from previous surgeries, and certain abdominal injuries), although some medications may be used (for example, morphine) while the person is waiting to have surgery.
How to relieve pain from IBS?
The pain of IBS and constipation often is relieved temporarily by bowel movements and may be associated with changes in bowel habits. Pain due to obstruction of the stomach or upper small intestine may be relieved temporarily by vomiting which reduces the distention that is caused by the obstruction.
What causes bloating and bloating in the bowel?
It is caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ. In irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) it may be caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper-sensitivity to normal intestinal activities. Symptoms associated with it may include: Bloating. Belching.
What is acute abdominal pain?
Acute abdomen symptom checker. Acute abdominal pain is severe abdominal (belly) pain that develops all of the sudden and does not go away. Unlike cramps or an upset stomach, acute abdominal pain can be so intense that you may not be able to rest or relax. The pain may just be in one part of the belly or it may affect the entire area.
Why does my abdomen hurt so bad?
Sharp abdominal pain could be caused by gas or could mean you need immediate medical attention. Learn about 10 causes for severe abdominal pain and understand whether or not to worry.
Why does my child's stomach hurt?
Causes of acute abdominal pain in children include: Intestinal malrotation. Necrotizing entero colitis. Intussusception.
What causes swelling and irritation in the appendix?
The inflammation occurs when something blocks the appendix, which causes irritation, infection, and swelling of the appendix. Go to the ER immediately if you have symptoms of appendicitis. Without immediate treatment, the appendix may rupture and the infection can spread throughout the body.
How is appendicitis treated?
Appendicitis is usually treated with antibiotics and by surgically removing the appendix.
What is the pain of the appendix?
The pain is sensitive to touch. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch in the lower right side of your intestines. The inflammation occurs when something blocks the appendix, which causes irritation, infection, and swelling of the appendix.
What causes a leak in the abdomen?
A ruptured or perforation of an organ in your abdomen may cause the contents of the organ to leak and cause irritation of the lining of the abdomen.
What is the pain in the lower abdomen?
What is lower abdominal pain? Pain in the lower abdomen is often related to the digestive tract, but can also be related to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, or reproductive organs. The area may be tender to the touch or the pain may be severe and the whole abdomen might be rigid.
What causes lower abdominal pain?
Often, lower abdominal pain is related to conditions of the digestive tract, but can also be related to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, or reproductive organs.
What other symptoms might occur with lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms are frequently associated with the digestive tract, but they may also involve other body systems.
Why does my lower abdomen hurt?
Digestive tract causes of lower abdominal pain. Lower abdominal pain may be caused by digestive tract conditions including: Appendicitis. Bacterial, parasitic or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage)
What are the side effects of abdominal abscess?
Adverse effects of treatment of lower abdominal pain. Bowel obstruction, perforation or infarction (severe injury to an area of the bowel due to decreased blood supply) Fistula (abnormal hole or tube between organs or tissues) Infertility. Internal hemorrhage.
What is the term for a blistering rash that forms on the ovary?
Ovarian cysts (benign sacs in an ovary that contain fluid, air, or other materials) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; infection of a woman’s reproductive organs) Shingles (painful, blistering rash, often forming a stripe, resulting from a reactivation of the varicella-zoster, or chickenpox, virus)
Is lower abdominal pain a life threatening condition?
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition. In some cases, lower abdominal pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
Where does abdominal pain come from?
While the source of abdominal pain may come from the organs and structures within that region, referred pain may also be present.
What causes pain in the upper abdomen?
When pain is referred to the upper abdomen, it is usually caused by pathology in the thorax.
What causes suprapubic pain?
Therefore, bladder pathology such as cystitis or urinary tract infections may cause suprapubic pain. Furthermore, sexually transmitted infections may cause lower abdominal discomfort whether male or female.
What is the left upper quadrant?
Left Upper Quadrant. The primary structures in the left upper quadrant include the rest of the pancreas, part of the stomach, and the spleen. Therefore, pancreatitis can cause both epigastric and left upper quadrant pain. Similarly, the stomach pathology discussed above can cause left upper quadrant pain as well.
What causes pain in the right upper quadrant?
Therefore, problems with any of these structures may cause right upper quadrant pain. Liver pathology may include hepatitis (inflammation and/or infection of the liver), hepatic abscess (abscess of the liver), cirrhosis (chronic degeneration, inflammation, and scarring of the liver).
Why does my upper abdomen hurt?
Upper Abdomen. When pain is referred to the upper abdomen, it is usually caused by pathology in the thorax. Therefore, problems in the chest can present as upper abdominal pain. One important consideration is acute coronary syndrome - a range of conditions to describe reduced blood flow to the heart.
What causes pain in the right flank?
Therefore, pathology to any of these structures may cause right flank pain. Kidney pathology may include neprholithiasis (kidney stones), pyelonephritis (inflammation and/or infection of the kidney), or perinephric abscess (abscess involving the kidney).
What does it mean when your abdomen hurts?
When abdominal pain is severe, it indicates an underlying problem . Severe abdominal pain is often referred to by the medical term acute abdomen. Severe abdominal pain, in some cases, requires emergency care. You know your body best, so if the pain becomes unbearable, seek care immediately. A few other symptoms you may be experiencing in addition ...
What causes pain in the abdomen?
Obstructive causes. An obstruction somewhere in the abdomen can result in severe pain. Intestinal: Many things can cause an obstruction in the intestines and lead to blockages of food or liquid. Fibrous bands of tissue, called adhesions, can often form in the abdomen after surgery or other inflammatory conditions.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder infection?
Symptoms include fever; chills; right upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder; and sometimes nausea and vomiting. A gallbladder infection is an acute (sudden) illness, while the symptoms of gallstones come on gradually.
What causes stomach pain and nausea?
Infection: Bacterial and viral infections that affect the abdomen can also result in severe abdominal pain.
Why does my abdomen hurt?
Reproductive causes. Severe pain due to issues with the reproductive system may be felt in the abdomen. Male: Testicular torsion can result in severe referred abdominal pain symptoms. Torsion occurs when the testicle rotates around the spermatic cord.
What causes pain in the lower right abdomen?
For example, appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix, results in abdominal pain that often starts around the belly button and travels to the lower right abdomen. The pain can be extremely severe and debilitating. Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, is usually associated with nausea and vomiting.
Why does my stomach hurt during my period?
Severe stomach or abdominal pain during your period can be caused by endometriosis, a disorder in which uterine tissue migrates elsewhere. This tissue grows and sloughs off during your period. This can cause tenderness, pain during sex, and severe abdominal pain.