What is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain can stay for a short period or may remain for a long time, sometimes years. It can be mild or severe. Attempt to find medical attention if the pain is extreme to a level that you can not move or the pain presents worrisome signs and symptoms, including:
- Bloody stools
- Fever
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain
- Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen
- Skin that appears yellow
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Weight loss
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain occurs in the abdominal cavity that holds various organs such as the stomach, liver, small and large intestines, pancreas, spleen, and gall bladder. These organs are between the lower edge of the ribcage and the pelvic area.
Abdominal pain may be caused by many different issues, including irritation, blockage, stretching, and swelling. It can also occur when some tissues or organs do not receive enough supply of blood. Pain location, duration, and nature are crucial to determine the cause of abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain can be a symptom related to severe conditions. For this reason, you should always seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis before using any drugs to relieve the pain.
Various common causes of abdominal pain include, but are not limited to:
- Acid reflux
- Appendicitis
- Constipation
- Diverticulitis
- Food Poisoning
- Gallbladder stones
- Gluten Intolerance
- Gastroenteritis
- Hernia
- Indigestion
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Injury-related Abdominal pain
- Irritable Bowel Disease
- Kidney Stones
- Lactose Intolerance
- Peptic Ulcer
How is abdominal pain treated?
Depending on the nature of your pain, the best treatment may involve over-the-counter or prescription medications, self-care measures or surgery procedures, and drug injections.
Self-Care
Taking the following measures if abdominal pain is mild due to digestive upset may respond well:
- Avoid solid foods for a few hours
- Avoid dairy products, citrus fruits, fatty foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages
Rest until you feel better - Sipping water or clear fluids
- Stick to mild foods like crackers, rice, bananas, or applesauce
Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory drugs for abdominal pain since these medications can irritate your stomach and make the pain worst.