Table of Contents
- 1 What is abdominal pain linked to?
- 2 What illnesses conditions can present with abdominal pain?
- 3 Should I be worried about constant abdominal pain?
- 4 What are the three types of abdominal pain?
- 5 What should you assess for abdominal pain?
- 6 What kind of doctor do I see for abdominal pain?
- 7 What relieves abdominal pain?
- 8 Can abdominal pain be life threatening?
- 9 What causes pain in the lower abdomen for years?
- 10 What is the difference between acute and chronic abdominal pain?
What is abdominal pain linked to?
Abdominal pain can be caused by many conditions. However, the main causes are infection, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction (blockage), and intestinal disorders. Infections in the throat, intestines, and blood can cause bacteria to enter your digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain.
What illnesses conditions can present with abdominal pain?
Conditions that may cause chronic abdominal pain include:
- Angina (reduced blood flow to the heart)
- Celiac disease.
- Endometriosis.
- Functional dyspepsia.
- Gallstones.
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia.
Which is true regarding abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can be characterized as cramping, dull, or aching and as either constant or intermittent. Cramping abdominal pain is characterized by pain that increases in intensity in short waves to a maximum and then abruptly ceases for a period of complete absence of pain. Repetition of the pain occurs at intervals.
Should I be worried about constant abdominal pain?
When to seek immediate medical attention Get medical help immediately if: You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden. You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena)
What are the three types of abdominal pain?
There are three main types of abdominal pain: visceral, parietal, and referred pain. Visceral pain happens when the nerves that run through the walls of an organ get stretched. The pain isn’t usually well localized and feels like a dull ache or cramp.
What causes abdominal pain in females?
Crampy pain may be due to gas, indigestion, inflammation or infection, or, in women, from menstrual cramps or endometriosis. Severe pain that comes in waves may be caused by kidney stones. Trauma to the body wall, hernias, and shingles can also cause lower abdominal pain.
What should you assess for abdominal pain?
The American College of Radiology has recommended different imaging studies for assessing abdominal pain based on pain location. Ultrasonography is recommended to assess right upper quadrant pain, and computed tomography is recommended for right and left lower quadrant pain.
What kind of doctor do I see for abdominal pain?
If you have chronic digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, your primary care physician will probably refer you to a specialist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.
What causes abdominal pain without menstruation?
What Causes Cramps with No Period? Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn’t always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy — even cancer — can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by.
What relieves abdominal pain?
You might try a heating pad to ease belly pain. Chamomile or peppermint tea may help with gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has enough water. You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely.
Can abdominal pain be life threatening?
However, chronic pain in your belly or abdominal pain with vomiting blood, bloody stools, dizziness, abdominal distention, fainting, shortness of breath, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice) can be a sign of a serious, potentially life-threatening condition and should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
Does abdominal pain indicate a serious health condition?
But certain forms of abdominal pain may indicate a serious health condition, so it’s important to recognize the signs that may indicate you have an underlying problem requiring medical attention, according to the Mayo Ciinic. Abdominal pain may take several different forms.
What causes pain in the lower abdomen for years?
Conditions that may cause chronic abdominal pain include: Angina (reduced blood flow to the heart) Celiac disease. Endometriosis. Gallstones. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
What is the difference between acute and chronic abdominal pain?
1 Acute. The various conditions that cause acute abdominal pain are usually accompanied by other symptoms and develop over hours to days. 2 Chronic (intermittent, or episodic) The specific cause of chronic abdominal pain is often difficult to determine. 3 Progressive.
What are the most common causes of stomach pain?
The most common causes — such as gas pains, indigestion or a pulled muscle — usually aren’t serious. Other conditions may require more-urgent medical attention. While the location and pattern of abdominal pain can provide important clues, its time course is particularly useful when determining its cause.