Abdominal pain can have various causes, and some can be more serious than others. Sometimes what feels like a stomach ache might originate from another organ in your abdomen or even outside of your digestive system. It's crucial to seek medical attention if your abdominal pain is persistent, severe, or unexplained.
What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain refers to any discomfort experienced within the belly region, spanning from the area between your ribs down to your pelvis.
While we commonly associate abdominal pain with stomach issues like stomachache, it can originate from various organs within the abdomen, such as:
- Stomach.
- Liver.
- Gallbladder.
- Pancreas.
- Small intestine.
- Large intestine.
Additionally, pain may also arise from the abdominal wall, which includes the muscles and skin surrounding the abdomen. Sometimes, abdominal pain may stem from other areas like the chest, pelvis, or back.
Abdominal pain can manifest in diverse ways:
- It may be mild or severe.
- It can feel dull or sharp,
- Burning or achy
- Crampy or colicky.
- The pain may be constant or intermittent
- It may be localized to a specific spot or felt throughout the abdomen.
Since abdominal pain is subjective, only you can accurately describe its nature and intensity. Your healthcare provider will take your description seriously and work with you to identify the cause of your abdominal pain and provide appropriate care.
What Are The Four Types Of Abdominal Pain?
Given that your abdomen houses numerous organs, healthcare providers may aim to pinpoint the type of pain you're experiencing by identifying the specific region affected. Typically, healthcare providers divide the abdomen into quadrants or four parts.
They may inquire about the location of your pain, asking whether it is:
- Upper part or lower part: Upper abdominal pain is situated above your belly button, while lower abdominal pain is below it.
- Right side or left side: The midline of your abdomen extends from your sternum through your belly button, dividing it into right and left sides.
What are the most common causes of abdominal pain?
Most instances of abdominal pain are transient and not severe. They often relate to digestion, menstruation, or temporary infections.
Source: Location is an important clue to your abdominal pain, though it’s not the only factor.
Some common causes include:
1. Digestive Issues
Abdominal pain following meals may stem from:
- Indigestion
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Food poisoning
2. Inflammation
Irritation or infection in the organs can lead to temporary inflammation, such as:
- Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
3. Female reproductive cycle
Individuals with a uterus may experience occasional pain due to:
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovulation pain
What are the more serious causes of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can sometimes signal a severe medical issue that requires treatment. Pain in different areas of the abdomen may indicate involvement of different organs.
Here are some examples:
1. Right upper quadrant
The upper right abdomen contains the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and right kidney, as well as sections of the small and large intestines. Pain in this area could indicate:
- Liver disease (such as hepatitis)
- Gallbladder disease (like gallstones or inflammation)
- Bile duct issues
Conditions affecting the duodenum, ascending colon, or right kidney (like infections, stones, or ulcers)
2. Left upper quadrant
The upper left abdomen houses the stomach, pancreas, spleen, and left kidney.
Pain here may suggest:
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic or stomach cancer
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Gastritis or stomach ulcers
- Kidney problems
Conditions referred from the chest (like heart-related issues or lung problems)
3. Lower abdomen
Most of the small and large intestines are located in the lower abdomen, along with organs like the ovaries, uterus, and ureters.
Causes of lower abdominal pain include:
- Gastrointestinal diseases (like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease)
- Bowel obstructions or cancers
- Aneurysms or infections (like peritonitis)
- Issues with the pelvic organs (such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or uterine conditions)
4. Left lower quadrant
Pain specifically in the lower left abdomen is often linked to diverticulosis or diverticulitis of the colon.
- Right lower quadrant:
- Pain in the lower right abdomen may be related to appendicitis or, rarely, appendix cancer.
5. General pain
Other causes of abdominal pain can include stress, visceral hypersensitivity, bloating, traumatic injuries, abdominal muscle strain, or conditions like shingles.
How Do You Relieve Abdominal Pain?
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause. Some conditions may require surgery, while others can be managed with medication. If you're unsure about the cause of your pain, it's essential to seek medical advice, especially if the pain persists.
However, if you suspect your abdominal pain is related to digestion and want to alleviate discomfort at home, you can try the following:
- Bowel rest: Avoid eating solid foods or stick to easily digestible options like crackers or bananas.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water or consider using a hydration formula to stay hydrated.
- Heat therapy: Apply a warm water bottle or take a warm bath to ease abdominal discomfort.
- Home remedies: Some natural remedies may help relieve specific symptoms, such as licorice for gas, ginger for indigestion, or aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. These ingredients are found in Cumargold. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies.
When to Call the Doctor
It's important to seek medical attention if you experience unexplained, persistent, or severe abdominal pain, or if you're pregnant or have been injured.
Additionally, you should contact your doctor if your abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent fever.
- Continuous nausea or vomiting.
- Presence of blood in your stools, urine, or vomit.
- Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen upon touch.
- Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the eyes and skin.
- Pain in other parts of your body.
- Shortness of breath or symptoms that worsen with exertion.
If you notice any of these symptoms along with abdominal pain, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
