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Causes of Chronic Abdominable Pain

Chronic abdominal pain can be caused by hundreds of different ailments, diseases or conditions, though some are more common than others. The specific cause of abdominal pain is largely dependent on what part of the abdomen is affected, the frequency of the pain and other accompanying symptoms. The causes of chronic abdominal pain can range from the relatively harmless to the potentially fatal, though the latter is more uncommon. Chronic abdominal pain should always be evaluated by a physician to rule out any potentially serious conditions.

  1. Constipation

    • Constipation is the most common cause of chronic abdominal pain. The pain is normally a cramping sensation felt in the mid-to-lower abdomen and is caused by the colon contracting against hardened, backed-up stool. This contraction normally happens several times a day and will usually subside within 10 to 30 minutes. Chronic abdominal pain caused by constipation is often accompanied by other constipation symptoms such as difficulty passing a bowel movement; thick, hard stools; or not having a bowel movement for several consecutive days.

    Lactose Intolerance

    • Many people experience chronic abdominal pain due to lactose intolerance. Though the inability to digest lactose sugar is often diagnosed during childhood, late-onset lactose intolerance is common in adults as well. Abdominal pain associated with lactose intolerance can occur anywhere in the abdomen. Cramps, bloating, diarrhea and pressure are all symptoms of possible lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy. The symptoms are generally more severe after consuming dairy products, though they can occur at any time.

    Gastritis/Ulcers

    • Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach due to the overproduction of stomach acid. An overabundance of acid in the stomach can lead to ulcers as it erodes the stomach lining. Abdominal pain caused by gastritis or ulcers is typically a burning sensation that occurs in the upper abdomen and may even extend up to the chest area, hence the term "heartburn." Stress, infection and medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin are the most likely causes of the overproduction of acid.

    Intestinal Infections

    • Intestinal infections can cause chronic abdominal pain in any area of the stomach. Intestinal parasites and bacteria are the most common underlying causes for stomach and intestinal infections. Intestinal infections are generally accompanied by chronic diarrhea that lasts more than several days in conjunction with abdominal pain symptoms. These types of infections can usually be cleared up with prescription medications, though the infection may spread to other organs if it goes undiagnosed for a long period of time.

    Tumors/Organ Problems

    • Stomach and intestinal tumors are more uncommon than other causes of chronic abdominal pain. A hard mass or lump present in the stomach may indicate the presence of a tumor and should always be evaluated by a physician. Abdominal organs such as the gall bladder, liver, pancreas and spleen can become inflamed or distended due to injury, obstruction of the intestines or blood flow or disease, such as hepatitis. Abdominal pain tied to a specific organ is more common in adults than in children and may require extensive treatment to resolve the underlying problem.

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