Table Of Contents
- What is Abdominal Pain?
- What Causes Abdominal Pain?
- How to Diagnose Abdominal Pain?
- What is the Treatment for Abdominal Pain?
What is Abdominal Pain?
Discomfort between the chest and the pelvis is known as abdominal pain. It can be in the form of Cramping, aching, dull, or intermittent, acute abdominal discomfort. It is generally a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal problem.
What Causes Abdominal Pain?
Many conditions can result in abdominal pain; some of them include:
- Infection
- Aberrant growths
- Blockage
- Inflammation
- Organ damage as a result of illness
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Stress
Chronic abdominal discomfort can be caused by diseases that damage the digestive system. The following are the most common:
- GERD, stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or colon spasms
- Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease)
- Lactose sensitivity (the inability to digest lactose)
Severe abdominal discomfort can be caused by:
- Rupture or near-rupture of an organ (like a burst appendix or appendicitis)
- Gallstones
- Renal stones
- Infected kidneys
Generalised pain in the abdomen can be caused by:
- Traumatic injury
- Urinary tract infection
Pain in the lower abdomen in reproductive organs can be caused by:
- Severe menstrual discomfort (called dysmenorrhea)
- Cysts in the ovary
- Miscarriage
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Inflammation of the pelvis
- Ectopic conception
How to Diagnose Abdominal Pain?
There are many reasons for abdominal pain, and it can be diagnosed by a series of tests and physical examination. Physical examination includes checking for soreness and swelling by gently pushing on several parts of your abdomen.
Tests include:
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy: An endoscope is inserted to better picture the abdomen.
- Blood and urine samples to look for bacterial or viral infections.
- MRI Scans, Ultrasounds and X-Ray to look for tumours, fractures or ruptures.
What is the Treatment for Abdominal Pain?
Home remedies include:
- Chamomile tea with bitters and soda
- BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast)
- Peppermint
- Vinegar made from apples
- Warming pad
- Hot bath
- Eating smaller meals
Pain modifying drugs can help lower the pain by changing the brain processes signals.