The short answer: It can mean many things.

Because abdominal pain describes physical discomfort anywhere between your chest and pelvis, there are several organs that could be causing the pain. There are also different types of abdominal pain, ranging from aches or cramps to burning or severe pain. Some pain is acute, meaning that it only lasts for a short time. Pain can also persist or come and go over a long period of time (chronic).

The most common causes of abdominal pain are not generally a cause for alarm. All of us experience abdominal pain from time to time. The pain is typically caused by digestive issues, menstrual cycles, viruses or something we ate.

However, some abdominal pain can indicate a more serious condition that may require medical attention, sometimes urgently.

Causes Of Abdominal Pain

The most common causes of abdominal pain are not usually serious. They often resolve without the need for medical care, unless the symptoms are severe or the pain does not go away on its own.

Common causes of abdominal pain include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Indigestion
  • Food Intolerance
  • Food Poisoning
  • Viral Gastroenteritis
  • Menstrual Cramps
  • Muscle Strain

More serious causes (which can include acute abdominal pain or chronic pain) are:

  • Food Allergies
  • Acid Reflux/GERD
  • Peptic Ulcer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastritis
  • Kidney Disease
  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Liver Disease
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Bowel Obstruction
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Appendicitis
  • Diverticulosis
  • Hernia
  • Cancer
  • Traumatic Injury

For females, more serious causes of lower abdominal pain can be a result of:

  • Ovarian Cysts
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Endometriosis
  • Ectopic Pregnancy
  • Cancer

Abdominal pain can be referred pain from issues within the chest, including heart disease, heart attack and lung conditions. It can also be caused by stress and health anxiety or systemic conditions (such as shingles and sickle cell anemia).

 

When To See A Doctor For Abdominal Pain

While most mild cases of abdominal pain are self-limiting, there are cases where emergency or immediate medical attention is required.

  • For severe abdominal pain with chest pain/pressure or as a result of an accident, seek emergency medical assistance (call 911).
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain or pain with any of these additional symptoms:
    • Persistent Vomiting
    • Fever
    • Abdominal Swelling
    • Severe Abdominal Tenderness (tender to the touch)
    • Yellow Skin
    • Bloody Stool

If your abdominal pain is not severe but continues for several days, gets worse or if you are worried about it, make an appointment with your doctor. You should also see your doctor if the pain is unexplained or if you are pregnant.

Home remedies that can help ease mild abdominal pain include:

  • Staying well-hydrated (sometimes requiring electrolytes)
  • Allowing the bowel to rest by fasting
  • Eating plain, easy-to-digest foods (BRAT diet) and/or eating smaller meals
  • A hot water bottle, heating pad or a bath can help ease pain for some causes like menstrual or intestinal cramps.

If pain persists, is intermittent or if it worries you, make sure to visit your doctor for a full evaluation.

GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. is the largest independent gastroenterology group in Northwest Louisiana. Their board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care that you can trust. To schedule an appointment, visit www.gis.md or call (318) 631-9121.