Causes of Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain may cause you to be in a perpetual state of discomfort and anxiety. The causes of chronic abdominal pain are varied, and include disorders and infections of the digestive system, reproductive system and urinary tract. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine about the causes of chronic abdominal pain.

GERD

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause you to have chronic pain in the upper part of your abdomen, and may be worse after eating and while laying down.

IBS

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause you to have chronic abdominal pain, abdominal cramping and constipation alternating with diarrhea.

Gallstones

• Chronic pain in your upper abdomen that is accompanied by nausea and chronic indigestion may be a result of gallstones, which require prompt medical attention.

Diverticulitis

• Diverticulitis is a chronic inflammation of small areas of your intestine, and can cause chronic abdominal pain and difficulty digesting certain types of foods.

PID

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause chronic pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis in women, and is caused by infections of the reproductive system.

Endometriosis

• Women with chronic lower abdominal pain may have endometriosis, a disorder of the lining of the uterus.

Urinary Tract Infections

• A urinary tract infection may cause pain in the lower part of your abdomen, and can be chronic if the infection is left untreated.