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What Can Cause Abdominal Pains?

Abdominal pain, sometimes referred to as belly aches, can develop at any time, and can range from discomfort to severe pains that require medical treatment. There are many causes of abdominal pain, some of which are common among infants and children and others that usually occur in adults. Consider this information derived from the University of Michigan Health System and the Mayo Clinic about what causes abdominal pains.

  1. Anxiety

    • Anxiety about events at school or at home may trigger sudden stomach aches and other digestive problems. Mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression may also be a cause of abdominal pains. Stress can cause the abdominal muscles of children and adults to become tight, which can result in abdominal pains.

    Bowel Disorders

    • Disorders of the bowels may cause abdominal pains as well as changes in bowel movements. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one condition that can cause frequent abdominal pains and alternating severe diarrhea with periods of constipation in between. Crohn's disease is another bowel disorder that may cause abdominal pain in the lower left part of the abdomen.

    Gynecological Problems

    • Abdominal pains in women may be caused by an ectopic pregnancy or an impending miscarriage, and the pains may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding. Ovarian cysts and endometriosis are gynecological disorders that cause symptoms including abdominal pains and abnormal menstrual periods.

    Heart Disease

    • Pain in the upper part of your abdomen that comes on suddenly or is severe may be a sign of a heart attack. An aortic aneurysm is a weakening of the aorta that can rupture and cause abdominal pain and life threatening bleeding. Angina is another form of heart disease that includes symptoms such as chest and upper abdominal pains.

    Infections

    • Infections anywhere in the abdomen may cause abdominal pains, swelling and a fever as well as other symptoms. An infection of the kidneys, bladder or urinary tract may cause lower abdominal pains and painful urination and can occur in adults or children. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in women that may result in abdominal pains.

    Inflammation

    • Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, which is called peritonitis, may cause abdominal pains. Gastritis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, may also cause abdominal pain. Inflammation of other abdominal organs, including the liver, pancreas and gallbladder may also result in abdominal pains.

    Obstructions

    • Obstructions in abdominal organs and ducts may result in abdominal pains. Gallstones and kidney stones can cause severe pains in the abdomen and require urgent treatment. Obstructions of the ducts from the liver or pancreas as well as obstructions within the intestine may result in abdominal pains and can be life threatening.

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