What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain is a common health issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. It refers to any discomfort felt between the chest and the pelvis. Understanding the causes and characteristics of abdominal pain can help individuals make informed decisions about seeking medical assistance.
What Are the Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain can stem from various underlying conditions. Some common causes include:
- Infections – Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a viral or bacterial infection that can cause abdominal pain, along with symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Urinary tract infections can also lead to pain in the lower abdomen.
- Appendicitis – This is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen. It usually causes severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen and requires immediate medical attention.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, often radiating to the back.
- Peptic Ulcers – Ulcers that develop in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine can cause a burning sensation and discomfort in the mid-abdomen.
- Gallstones – These are hard particles that form in the gallbladder, leading to pain in the upper abdomen, often after a fatty meal.
- Hernia – A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, causing pain and a bulge in the affected area.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – A chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, IBS can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Constipation – Stool moving slowly through the intestines can lead to constipation. As a result, gas and waste accumulate, causing abdominal bloating and discomfort.
- Kidney Stones – When mineral deposits form in the kidneys and become hard stones, they can cause excruciating pain in the back and lower abdomen as they pass through the urinary tract.
- Gynaecological Issues – In women, conditions like menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to abdominal pain.
How Does Abdominal Pain Feel Like?
Abdominal pain can present in different ways, depending on the cause and individual factors. Here are some common descriptions of how abdominal pain may feel like:
- Dull Ache – Abdominal pain may be experienced as a persistent, mild discomfort or a dull ache. It feels more like a sense of heaviness or pressure in the belly region.
- Cramping – Some people may describe the pain as cramping, similar to the sensation experienced during menstruation. It often comes and goes in waves.
- Sharp or Stabbing – Sharp or stabbing pain is more intense and may be sudden in onset. It can feel like a piercing or stabbing sensation in a specific abdomen area.
- Burning Sensation – Abdominal pain caused by acid reflux or peptic ulcers may be experienced as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by heartburn.
- Localised or Generalised – The pain may be confined to a specific area in the abdomen, or it might spread across the entire belly.
- Intermittent or Constant – Abdominal pain can be intermittent, coming and going at irregular intervals, or constant and unrelenting.
- Colicky – Colicky pain is characterised by intense, recurrent spasms that come and go. It is commonly associated with conditions like kidney stones or gallstones.
- Referred Pain – Sometimes, the source of abdominal pain is not in the abdomen itself but in another area of the body. This is known as referred pain, and it can be confusing as the pain is felt in a different location from its actual origin.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While some cases of abdominal pain may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Seek medical help if you experience severe or persistent pain, especially if it is accompanied by other worrisome signs such as fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, or fainting. Pregnant individuals should also consult a healthcare professional if they experience abdominal pain.
What Are the Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Causes?
To identify the cause of abdominal pain, doctors may use various diagnostic procedures. These can include medical history assessments, physical examinations, blood tests, imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, and, in some cases, gastroscopy or colonoscopy. These tests help pinpoint the underlying issue, allowing for appropriate treatment.
Why It's Important to Share Detailed Symptoms With the Doctor?
When experiencing abdominal pain, it’s essential to communicate with the doctor openly and share detailed information about the pain’s location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms. This information assists healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and providing appropriate treatment options. Remember that early detection and treatment of abdominal pain can improve outcomes and alleviate unnecessary anxiety about potential health issues.
