The Complete Guide to Abdominal Pain: Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment

It is common for everybody to endure abdominal pain or discomfort in the region that extends from their ribs to the pelvis. It is often known as stomach pain/ache although the pain could arise from different places of the internal organs. The abdomen has many organs, which include the stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large bowel, reproductive organs, and also major blood vessels.

Abdominal pain can vary in intensity and type, from intermittent cramps and sharp, stabbing sensations to a persistent, dull ache. Even mild discomfort may indicate an underlying serious condition.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Acute Pain	Chronic Pain	Progressive Pain	Colicky Pain
Acute abdominal pain develops and often resolves over a few hours to a few days.	Chronic abdominal pain is present for more than three months. It may be present all the time, or it may come and go.	Pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms	Colicky pain occurs in waves, starting and stopping suddenly. It is often intense, with kidney stones being a common cause.

When Should a Person Visit a Gastroenterologist?

One should consult a gastroenterologist if these symptoms continue.

• Abdominal pain
• Constant vomiting
• Dark colored urine
• Fever
• Not urinating frequently
• No proper bowel movement
• Pain during peeing
• Pain lasts more than a few hours
• Swelling in the belly
• Tender belly to touch
• Trouble breathing
• Vomit blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow skin

What are the Causes of Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can stem from various factors, whether it’s a dull ache or intense cramping. Common causes include indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or, in women, menstrual cramps. Other possible causes could include

• Abdominal muscle strain or pulls
• Food allergies
• Food poisoning
• Gas
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lactose intolerance
• Urinary tract infection

Other Underlying Conditions that Could Result in Abdominal Pain

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (swelling in the belly’s main artery)
• Appendicitis
• Bowel blockage or obstruction
• Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, or immune cells
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, viz, in a Fallopian tube)
• Endometriosis
• Hernia
• Heart Burn
• Kidney stones
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Low blood flow to your intestines caused by a blocked blood vessel
• Ovarian cysts or cancer
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Pelvic Inflammatory disease
• Ulcer

Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Mild abdominal pain is common in pregnancy, but some cases require medical attention.

Common Causes

• Round Ligament Pain: Sharp or dull aches as the uterus expands, common in the second trimester.
• Gas & Constipation: Slowed digestion due to progesterone; hydration and fiber help.
• Braxton-Hicks Contractions: Mild, irregular tightening of the abdomen, eased by hydration.

Serious Causes Needing Medical Attention

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Severe pain and bleeding from an egg implanting outside the uterus.
• Placental Abruption: Constant pain, bleeding, or premature water breakage.
• Miscarriage: Cramping, bleeding, back pain, and loss of pregnancy symptoms.
• UTI: Lower abdominal pain, burning urination, and possible kidney infection.
• Preeclampsia: Upper right abdominal pain, nausea, and high blood pressure.

Seek medical help for severe or persistent pain.

Treatment for Abdominal Pain

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the origin of the condition. The gastroenterologist might first diagnose the cause and then prescribe the medicines. The best course of treatment may involve self-care measures, over-the-counter, prescription medications, or procedures, including drug injections or surgery.

Medicament Options

It is essential to visit a doctor/ gastroenterologist for abdominal pain. Not all abdominal pain requires antibiotics or medicines and it is not at all recommended to take medications before consulting the doctor. Sometimes, consuming tablets without consulting the doctor may irritate further and worsen the pain. If that person has an underlying health condition such as appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bowel blockage, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux that requires medical treatment, the doctor may prescribe medications such as the following:

• Drugs to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Antibiotics to treat infection
• Medicines to reduce inflammation
• Targeted treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Procedures and Surgery

In rare cases, medical procedures or surgery may be needed to effectively treat your abdominal pain if the condition of the abdominal pain is severe, like an inflammatory bowel disease, appendix, hernia, etc. These procedures may include the following:

• Injection of a numbing agent
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hernia repair surgery
• Appendectomy

Self-Care/Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain

It is often possible to treat and palliate abdominal pain using home remedies. Here are some tips to ease your abdominal ache.

• Chew food well
• Drink beverages at room temperature
• Consume smaller meals more frequently.
• Engage in physical activities
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Manage your stress
• Apply a hot water bottle or a heated wheat bag to your abdomen.
• Opt for mild and bland foods such as rice, bananas, or applesauce.

Frequently Asked Questions