Understanding The Common Causes Of Abdominal Pain And Its Treatment

We all have experienced abdominal pain from time to time. You may feel abdominal pain anywhere in the belly region. The condition is also known as stomach ache or belly ache. The pain can take many forms, it can be mild, serious, dull, and even sharp. In some patients, the ache may get worse over time, again being better only to get severe.

Usually, abdominal pain heals its own after some days, if it is caused by digestive issues. However, if the pain remains persistent for more than a week, it might indicate something serious.

Also, the intensity of the pain does not reflect the seriousness of the condition. For instance, in cases of belly cramps due to gas, the pain may be intense. On the other hand, serious conditions like cancer or stones might give rise to mild pain.

Types Of Stomach Pain

A top abdominal pain doctor who has treated many complicated cases of stomach ache describes the most common types of pain that patients experience.

Generalized: This pain resolves all around the belly and is mainly the result of indigestion or gas.

Localized: This type of pain occurs in only one part of the belly area. It usually indicates problems like gallstones or appendicitis.

Cramps: It is a sharp and stabbing kind of pain and is mainly the result of bloating and constipation.

Colicky: It also feels like having cramps in the stomach but in waves. Sometimes, it starts and ends suddenly. If patients have kidney stones, they experience this kind of pain.

What Are The Causes Of Abdominal Pain?

Many factors are responsible for causing stomach pain. Some of them lead to short-term pain whereas others may lead to chronic and frequent pain. Here are some.

• Infection in the belly region
• Intestinal disorders
• Blockage in the stomach
• Abnormal growths

At times, infections in the throat, and intestine may spread to the stomach leading to belly aches. These are some of the conditions caused by the infection, responsible for discomfort in the stomach.

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Acid reflux
• Vomiting
• Gastroenteritis

The following are the diseases that give rise to severe abdominal pain.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Kidney stones
• Gallbladder stones
• Organ rupture

Treatment For Abdominal Pain

Diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain depend on the severity of the condition and its cause.

To determine the cause, your abdominal pain doctor will perform urine, stool, and blood tests. Moreover, he might also recommend imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to find out any abnormalities in the stomach.

If it is found that the conditions are serious like gallstones, cancer, or polyps, you might require surgery. Meanwhile, you will given pain medications to get relief from the pain.

However, if the cause of your pain is gas or digestive issues, over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines will cure the discomfort. Your doctor might also suggest consuming the following to get relief.

• Ginger
• Peppermint
• Soda
• Apple cider vinegar

You might also use a heating pad to relax your muscles and reduce nausea. But make sure not to place it on the stomach for too long.

Wrapping Up

If you are experiencing stomach pain, it is advised to consult your doctor. Refrain from jumping to unnecessary conclusions and worries. Also, say no to self-medication. Speak with your doctor to know whether the pain is serious or not. If it is, find out the cause and start your treatment.