What Are the Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain & Bloating?

Lower abdominal pain and bloating can result from many diverse conditions, most of which originate in the gastrointestinal tract. Learning to identify the triggers and accompanying symptoms of lower abdominal pain and bloating can help identify the underlying cause.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• According to the National Institutes of Health, inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis are often characterized by abdominal pain and bloating. Other symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, fever and increased gas, or flatulence.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Symptoms typical of IBS include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and alternating constipation and diarrhea. According to E Medicine Health, IBS is thought to be caused by abnormal intestinal contractions triggered by food sensitivities, stress and other factors, though the exact cause is not known.

Bacterial and Viral Infection

• Infection occurs when harmful bacteria or viruses enter the gastrointestinal tract and multiply. Infection can result from food poisoning or contraction of a contagious virus, such as adenovirus or enterovirus. Signs and symptoms of infection may include vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal bloating and pain.

Other Causes

• In some cases, lower abdominal pain may originate outside the gastrointestinal tract. Possible non-gastrointestinal causes of abdominal pain and bloating include endometriosis, bladder infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of a woman's repoductive organs), according to Web MD.

Warning

• Severe abdominal pain that comes on suddenly may indicate a serious condition. If you experience lower abdominal pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea, muscle weakness, or fever over 102 degrees, seek immediate medical attention.