Types of Abdominal Pain

Pain that originates from the organs in your chest to your groin is referred to as abdominal pain. You may have other infections such as a virus or strep throat that can cause pain in the abdominal area. Some conditions that cause abdominal pain, such as constipation, can be treated with home remedies. Other conditions are more serious, such as appendicitis, and require immediate medical attention. This information can help you identify the cause of your abdominal pain.

Diagnosing Abdominal Pain

• Your physician will need specific information to determine the condition that is causing your abdominal pain. He will need to know when the pain occurred. Abdominal pain that occurs suddenly could suggest a possible condition such as an abdominal hernia or an ovarian rupture. The location of the pain also provides clues as to which possible organs or adjacent organs may be causing the pain. Try to describe your abdominal pain as much as possible. Abdominal pain can be described as cramp-like, sharp, steady, severe, or stabbing. These words provide information that your physician can use to pinpoint your pain. He also needs to know how long you have been having abdominal pain. Tell your physician the triggers, such as foods or movements, that aggravate or relieve your pain. Always tell him if you are experiencing any other symptoms that are linked to your abdominal pain such as vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. There are many conditions that could be causing your abdominal pain.

Appendicitis

• Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain and can strike without warning. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and infected with bacteria. The appendix is a small tube that is about 3 to 4 inches.
  The appendix may become blocked by feces or other foreign objects. If you have appendicitis, you may have slight pain around your umbilical area. It is common for the pain to radiate down your abdomen and towards your right hip. This type of pain is excruciating and worsens with movement or walking. Appendicitis requires a trip to the Emergency room.

Menstrual Cramps

• Menstrual cramps are caused by the normal contractions of the uterus that become stronger when menstruation begins. Menstrual cramps can feel sharp, achy, or dull and originate in the lower pelvic region. This abdominal pain often travels to the lower back and legs. Menstrual pain can occur 2 to 4 weeks before or after menstruation begins. Some women are hardly bothered by this type of abdominal pain. Others are tortured every month by severe abdominal cramping and frequently miss days of work because their menstrual cramps are debilitating. Taking regular doses of Ibuprofen can help lessen the severity of menstrual cramps.

Constipation

• Constipation is often an underlying symptom of another digestive problem. Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much fluid from your stools. Stools become hard, dry, and small and are difficult to pass. Common symptoms of constipation include abdominal pressure, bloating, and achy abdominal pain. Constipation is caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, excess consumption of fats, cheese, or dairy products, and lack of exercise. This condition can usually be treated effectively with home remedies. Try increasing your fluid and fiber intake.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the normal motility of your gastrointestinal tract. The colon spasms and is unable to function normally. This condition can be uncomfortable because it causes lower abdominal pain that is achy and dull. Some patients have severe abdominal pain that is disabling. IBS causes alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. Abdominal pain is often triggered by eating certain foods such as dairy, caffeine, and barley. Treatment for IBS differs for each patient but can include following a proper diet, exercise, and avoiding stress.

Gallbladder Stones

• Most gallstones are made of crystals from cholesterol, salts, and calcium. These gallstones can collect in the bile ducts or in the gallbladder. Abdominal pain is felt when the gallstones travel and block the bile ducts. Some people that have gallstones think that they are having a heart attack because of the intensity of this type of abdominal pain. Gallbladder pain can last for several hours. It originates from the upper right part of your abdomen and travels all the way to your right shoulder blade. Gallbladder removal is advised if you are having recurring episodes of gallbladder attacks.