Abdominal pain

Abdominal Pain

Just about everybody at one point or another will experience abdominal pain. Most of the causes are not serious and can be readily diagnosed and treated. However, pain can also be a sign of a serious illness. It's important to be able to recognize symptoms that are severe and know when to call a doctor.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?

Whether it's a mild stomach ache, sharp pain, or stomach cramps, abdominal pain can have numerous causes. Some of the more common causes include:

1.Indigestion
2.Constipation
3.Stomach virus
4.Menstrual cramps
5.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
6.Food poisoning
7.Food allergies
8.Gas
9.Lactose
10. intolerance Ulcers
11.Pelvic inflammatory disease
12.Hernia
13.Gallstones
14.Kidney stones
15.Endometriosis
16.Crohn's disease
17.Urinary tract infection
18.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD )
19.Appendicitis

What Symptoms of Abdominal Pain Are Cause for Concern?

If your abdominal pain is severe or recurrent or if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible:

FeverInability to keep food down for more than 2 daysAny signs of dehydrationInability to pass stool, especially if you are also vomitingPainful or unusually frequent urinationThe abdomen is tender to the touchThe pain is the result of an injury to the abdomenThe pain lasts for more than a few hours

These symptoms can be an indication of an internal problem that requires treatment as soon as possible.

Seek immediate medical care for abdominal pain if you:

Vomit bloodHave bloody or black tarry stoolsHave difficulty breathingHave pain occurring during pregnancy

How Is the Cause of Abdominal Pain Determined?

Because there are so many potential causes of abdominal pain, your health care provider will perform a thorough physical exam, discuss with you the type of symptoms you are experiencing, and ask you several questions about the pain you are feeling. These questions may include:

What type of pain are you experiencing? Is the pain throughout your abdomen or is it confined to a particular area?Where in your abdomen does the pain seem to be located?What type of pain are you experiencing? Is it stabbing and severe? Is it a dull ache?When does the pain occur? Always? More often in the morning or at night? If the pain comes and goes, about how long does it last each time? Does it occur after eating certain types of foods or after drinking alcohol? During menstruation?How long have you had this pain?Does the pain also radiate into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?Are you pregnant?Does any activity such as eating or lying on one side relieve the pain?Have you been injured recently?

Once an initial evaluation has been completed, your health care provider may have you undergo some tests to help find the cause of your pain. These may include stool or urine tests, blood tests, barium swallows or enemas, an endoscopy, X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.

How Is Abdominal Pain Treated?

Treating abdominal pain depends on its cause. Treatments can range from medications for inflammation, GERD, or ulcers, to antibiotics for infections, to changes in personal behavior for abdominal pain caused by certain foods or beverages. In some cases, such as appendicitis and surgery may be necessary

Pain Management Guide

Nearly any part of your body is vulnerable to pain. Acute pain warns us that something may be wrong. Chronic pain can rob us of our daily life, making it difficult and even unbearable. Many people with chronic pain can be helped by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pain - and how to cope with the frustrations.

OVERVIEW & FACTS

What Is Pain?

Chronic Pain

Causes

What Causes Chronic Pain?
Nerve Pain
What Causes Chest Pain?
Burns and Pain
Compressed Nerve (Pinched Nerve)
Foot Pain
Hand Pain

Causes
Knee Pain
Lower Leg Pain
Pelvic Pain
Elbow Pain
Low Back Pain

SYMPTOMS & TYPES

Types

Pain Types and Classifications
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Abdominal Pain
Hip Pain:
Causes and Treatment
Chronic Knee and Joint Pain
Piriformis Syndrome
Back Pain
Chronic Neck and Shoulder Pain
Whiplash
Chronic Muscle Pain
Muscle pain
Neuralgia
Shingles Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia)
Sciatica Pain
Arachnoiditis :
Spinal Pain Joint Pain
Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome Central Pain Syndrome Phantom Limb Pain
Diabetes-Related Nerve Pain (Neuropathy )Depression, Anxiety, and Pain
Compartment Syndrome