Causes of Adult Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain in adults may be caused by a wide variety of infections and medical disorders, and depending on what other symptoms you have, diagnosing your condition may be difficult. Adult abdominal pain may come on suddenly or be a long term condition, and is often accompanied by gas, bloating and abnormal bowel functions. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the causes of abdominal pain in adults include disorders of your digestive system and infections of your internal organs.

Constipation

• Abdominal pain may result from constipation, especially if it has been several days since your last bowel movement or if your constipation is accompanied by hemorrhoids.

Digestive Disorders

• Sensitivities to foods such as dairy, soy or wheat may cause abdominal pain and gas, and eating these foods or other foods such as caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, acidic juices and fruits or foods with seeds can worsen abdominal pain.

Food Poisoning

• If your abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever or diarrhea, you may have food poisoning caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Infections

• Infections with hepatitis A, B or C; urinary tract infections; and bacterial infections of your bowels or bladder may cause abdominal pain and changes in your bowel movements.

Inflammation

• Inflammation in one of your internal organs, such as your stomach, liver, pancreas or small or large intestine can cause abdominal pain that may be intense and can be accompanied by fever and abdominal swelling.

Pregnancy

• If you are a woman who might be pregnant, abdominal pain could result from an ectopic pregnancy, impending miscarriage, Braxton-Hicks contractions or actual labor.