Everything you need to know about Abdominal Pain

 Introduction:

Abdominal pain can be felt anywhere between thorax ( chest ) and pelvis. Pain could be mild, moderate or severe. It may be dull or acute.

Almost everyone has experienced abdominal pain, one time or other. Most of the time, stomach pain is not serious, but severe abdominal pain is a cause of concern. If pain starts suddenly and unexpectedly, it should be regarded as an emergency, and investigated accordingly.

Symptoms:

Pain in abdomen can be of various intensities and nature. It can be:

Sharp, stabbing cramp like pain

Brief pain that may come or go

Pain associated with vomiting

Various conditions are associated with abdominal pain . Causes of abdominal pain include:

Constipation

Irritable bowel syndrome

Food allergy

Food poisoning

Menstrual pain

Sudden, severe abdominal pain:

Abdominal infection

Appendicitis

A perforated peptic ulcer

Gallstones

Kidney stones

Diverticulitis : Inflammation of small pouches that are part of the bowel

Other common causes in adults are:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Crohn's disease

Urinary tract infection

Long term Peptic ulcer

Constipation

Heartburn and acid reflux

Common Causes in children

Constipation

Urinary tract Infection

Anxiety

Heartburn and acid reflux

Diagnosis:

Generally abdominal pain goes with time, but if the pain does not subside, then one should seek medical help:

Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longer

Abdominal pain that does not improve in 24 - 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomiting

Bloating that persists for more than 2 days

Burning sensation or increase in frequency on urination

Diarrhoea for more than 5 days

Fever (over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children) with pain

Prolonged poor appetite

Prolonged vaginal bleeding

Unexplained weight loss

Management:

Generally, treatment for abdominal pain depends upon its cause.

Treatment usually is with medications for inflammation of

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

or Ulcers

Use antibiotics in case of infections

Modify your eating habits

Surgical treatment is indicated in conditions like appendicitis

or hernia (inguinal and umbilical)

Seek doctors advice before going in for any treatment.

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