More worrisome signs include pain that occurs more often, lasts more than 24 hours, or occurs with a fever. It is likely to be due to gas and bloating, and is often followed by diarrhea. Cramp-like pain - This type of pain is not serious most of the time.It is more likely to be a sign of a problem in an organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach. Localized pain - This is pain found in only one area of your belly.If the pain becomes more severe, it may be caused by a blockage of the intestines. This type of pain is more typical for a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas. Generalized pain - This means that you feel it in more than half of your belly. Other ways to describe pain in your abdomen include: However, fatal conditions, such as colon cancer or early appendicitis, may only cause mild pain or no pain. How bad your pain is does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain.įor example, you might have very bad abdominal pain if you have gas or stomach cramps due to viral gastroenteritis. But if that’s not the case, and you know your pain is related to eating or physical activity, you can take steps to prevent it in the future.Almost everyone has pain in the abdomen at some point. Some abdominal pain is unavoidable because it’s related to a serious medical condition that’s developed over time. Female reproductive issues such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or blocked fallopian tubes may also require surgery. If testing shows your pain is related to gastrointestinal conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, duct or intestinal blockage or appendicitis, you may need surgery. Some conditions may benefit from prescription medication. Stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can irritate the stomach. Treating abdominal painĭepending on the cause of your abdominal pain, your doctor may prescribe medication including acetaminophen, antacids or other over-the-counter medicines. These tests may include X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, barium enema or endoscopy. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your gastrointestinal system and other organs. Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Lower abdomen: Diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis or inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis).Middle abdomen: Intestinal blockage, pancreatitis, appendicitis or thoracic aortic aneurysm.Upper abdomen: Pancreatitis, heart attack, GERD or gallstones.General: Appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infection or irritable bowel syndrome.Lower right abdomen: Stomach flu, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), ovarian cyst or appendicitis.Upper right abdomen: Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct), fecal impaction (hardened stools), hepatitis or peptic ulcer.Lower left abdomen: Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or kidney stones.Upper left abdomen: Heart attack, hiatal hernia, shingles or spleen infection.The location of your pain also gives your doctor clues for diagnosing the possible cause: The doctor will analyze all of this information to determine what’s causing your pain. Your doctor may also ask you to describe your pain using words such as burning or achy, crampy or colicky, mild or severe, in one place or all over, dull or sharp, constant or in waves. Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and medical history, and they’ll perform a thorough physical exam. Chest pain (get prompt medical attention)Īny of these additional symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying cause that requires medical treatment.Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination.Bloating or swelling that lasts more than a few days.Female reproduction: Pain related to the female reproductive cycle could be from ovulation, menstrual cramps or inflammation in the female organs.Ĭall your gastroenterologist if your abdominal pain does not get better in 24 to 48 hours or if you also have:.Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have diarrhea, food allergies, indigestion, constipation or food poisoning.Inflammation: Painful irritation or infection in your organs can be caused by inflammation from a peptic ulcer, stomach flu, pancreatitis, a urinary tract infection, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or gallstones.The most common causes of abdominal pain can be classified into three general categories: inflammation, digestive problems and female reproduction. If you experience abdominal pain often, or the pain is intense or doesn’t go away, you may need to see a doctor. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but in some cases it can be a symptom of something more serious such as a bowel blockage or internal infection. Most people have abdominal pain now and then.
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