{"id":6941,"date":"2019-05-29T20:54:48","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T20:54:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6941"},"modified":"2021-05-04T17:14:57","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T17:14:57","slug":"15-most-possible-causes-of-abdominal-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-most-possible-causes-of-abdominal-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Most Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When someone complains of abdominal pain, they’re usually referring to pain felt between their chest and their pelvis. The majority of abdominal pain complaints are relatively mild, with a wide variety of possible causes stretching from indigestion to different grades of muscle strain. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, symptoms of abdominal pain will resolve fairly quickly, often without any treatment at all. In rare cases, chronic or severe abdominal pain symptoms can be an indicator of much more serious underlying health problems that require urgent medical attention. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any sudden, severe or unusually long-lasting bouts of abdominal pain may well require urgent medical attention and treatment. The best way to be prepared for abdominal pain is to understand it and to be aware of the main possible causes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 of the most typical causes of abdominal pain are listed here and expanded upon. As with all medical worries, if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to seek expert opinion and advice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where gastroenteritis <\/a>is suspected, the pain will usually be accompanied by some similarly unpleasant symptoms. A person suffering from stomach flu can expect to fall victim to things like nausea and vomiting. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, these symptoms usually come as par for the course with a bout of gastroenteritis, as does the need to go to the bathroom a lot more urgently and a lot more frequently, especially after eating. Symptoms, which also include excessive<\/span> gas and bloating will normally resolve within a few days. On occasions where this does not happen, the pain may be a sign of something underlying that is considerably more serious. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone complains of having a tummy ache, gastroenteritis is usually responsible for causing the pain, making it sit right at the top of the list for the 8 most possible causes for abdominal pain, and usually, everyone gets a bout of stomach flu at least once a year. Nice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Gas <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Call it what you want, farting, bottom burping, trumping, breaking wind, it really doesn\u2019t matter. The fact is that everyone from the Queen of England to Miley Cyrus gets gas at one time or another. Usually, stomach gas passes without causing too much pain, however excessive gas can be a cause of abdominal pain in some cases. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the tiny bacteria <\/a>in the small intestine break down certain foods, gas is created within the intestinal tract. Any level of gas that is higher than normal can cause sharp, stabbing pain sensations to be felt in the abdominal region. To add insult to injury, this pain can be accompanied by a tightening of the abdomen and of course your fair share of flatulence or belching. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different people respond in different ways to a whole host of different food types, and this type of abdominal pain can usually be avoided via a process of trial and error.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome is much less able to process certain foods through their digestive tract. The most common symptom that sufferers complain of is abdominal pain, which is usually only relieved after the movement of the bowels. It can be very unpleasant to have to endure a particularly bad spell of IBS<\/a>, going back and forth to the bathroom in an apparent attempt to poop the pain away, but that is the reality faced by millions of people living with IBS every day. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms that accompany the abdominal pain are pretty unpleasant too, and these can include increased flatulence and bloating. Most people with irritable bowel syndrome would attest to the fact that managing their condition themselves is the best way of managing it, given that they can eliminate trigger foods from their diet with a process of trial and error. IBS is no fun at all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Acid Reflux<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When stomach acids get confused or blocked, they can travel the wrong way and end up moving back up into the throat of a person. This acid reflux<\/a> can cause extreme abdominal pain, which is most often accompanied by a very unpleasant burning sensation in the throat. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the type of abdominal pain people might associate a hangover with, given that the recovery from a hangover usually involves acid reflux in one way or another, either voluntarily or involuntarily. As well as causing adnominal pain, acid reflux can also increase bloating, cause gas and cause a tightening sensation to be experienced. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that the word \u2018acid\u2019 features prominently in one of the most possible causes of stomach pain should leave you in no surprise about the link. Acid is never really something that draws too many positive connotations, and when you combine that with the word reflux, you can be sure you\u2019re dealing with something that is pretty nasty.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Vomiting <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similarly to the pain caused by acid reflux, vomiting <\/a>can cause abdominal pain as stomach acids are sent the wrong way along the digestive tract. As a person vomits, tissues are irritated along the way, worsening the pain considerably. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actual physical process of vomiting can also cause the muscles in the abdomen to contract and tighten, making them sore. This too, adds to the pain that a person can expect to experience as a result of vomiting. Intestinal blockages or over-consumption of alcohol could be reasons as to why a person would vomit, but food poisoning, bouts of illness or overexertion are other less obvious reasons why someone might vomit. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the stomach pain caused by vomiting is something that you want to avoid entirely, you have to keep one step ahead of the possible causes of vomiting. The act of vomiting can be particularly troubling for some people as they almost develop a phobia of some kind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Food Intolerances<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a person has a particular food intolerance, this can also be a reason as to why they might experience abdominal pain. As the body struggled to digest certain food materials, these food items have to be broken down by bacteria in the intestine and the stomach. This whole process releases gas and as mentioned above, gas can cause abdominal pain. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever there is a large number of undigested foods, the number of pressure increases as the gas increases, causing further pain. Other symptoms that usually come along with the pain caused by a food intolerance include a feeling of nausea, bloating and diarrhea<\/a>. This is why people with lactose intolerances or gluten intolerances tend to take their food issues very seriously, for if they don’t, it usually comes back to bite them and hits them where it hurts, right in the belly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone with a newly diagnosed food intolerance will need to do their homework on the foods to eat and the foods to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Constipation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If and when too much waste accumulates within the bowel, the pressure on the colon can build up significantly which may cause pain. The reasons why constipation may occur include either too little fiber or too little fluid in the diet. Constipation <\/a>is often linked to dehydration. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain over the counter medications may cause constipation and most will actually list this on the packaging and information. Low levels of movement, physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle could also contribute to constipation and the subsequent pain that is associated with it. If over the counter medications or natural remedies for constipation don’t succeed in getting things moving again, and if the pain persists, this may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem with the intestines or the rest of the digestive tract. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When pain is recurring, prolonged or persistent, the person would be best advised to seek the advice of a doctor or a health care professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Pulled or Strained Muscles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are so many activities that we all do on a daily basis that require the constant and unconscious use of our abdominal muscles. For this reason, pulling or straining the abdominal muscles is a fairly common injury<\/a> for a wide demographic of people. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the twenty-first century fascination with achieving a perfect six-pack, some people also put themselves at risk of pulling or straining their abdominal muscles by focusing too heavily on exercises that isolate the abdominals as part of their training regime. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In truth, there are very few exercises that don’t require the engagement of the abdominals and so training them in isolation might not even be necessary. This also means, unfortunately, that when trying to avoid already pulled or strained abdominal muscles whilst training, a person will find this to be an almost impossible task. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually though, if your abdominal muscles are hurting, it’s probably time to give sit-ups a wide berth for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with GERD experience a dysfunction in the esophageal sphincter. As a result, stomach acid passes into the lower esophagus. Due to the stomach acid entering the throat, the affected individual may experience pain in their upper abdomen, as well as symptoms of heartburn <\/a>and acid reflux. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most patients notice an exacerbation in their symptoms when lying down, as the sphincter does not close, and stomach acid leaks into the throat. If left untreated, patients with GERD may develop a condition known as “Barret’s Esophagus,” where the lower esophagus starts to line itself with the tissues found in the stomach lining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors may treat the patient for short-term relief from their symptoms using antacid products to control the reflux. This persistent condition requires repair of the esophageal sphincter with the use of a surgical procedure. The surgery is successful in most cases, with the patient making a full recovery, with no lasting damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Peptic Ulcers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A stomach ulcer occurs due to inflammation of the stomach lining. this inflammation <\/a>occurs due to infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori.) This bacterium enters the body through the mouth, where it takes up residence in the gut. H. pylori bacteria may lay dormant for years before it reaches a critical mass where it starts to cause problems in the digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the bacteria infect the stomach lining, it leads to a persistent infection that may last for years. Peptic ulcers cause significant amounts of pain in the upper abdomen, and patients may find they experience an exacerbation in their symptoms after eating a meal, mainly if it contains spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who frequently use NSAIDs may also be at a higher risk of developing a stomach ulcer. Doctors treat the patient using antibiotics to kill off the invading pathogen and heal the patient’s stomach lining. In most cases, patients make a full recovery, but the healing process can take months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A urinary tract infection is not a serious condition, in most cases of the disease. Most forms of viral UTI tend to fade after a few days, but the patient may notice sensations of burning and pain while urinating. However, a bacterial infection of the urethra with chlamydia or gonorrhea bacteria found in some STIs does not resolve without the use of antibiotics <\/a>to kill the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients with bacterial UTI may notice that they develop symptoms of abdominal pain. The bacteria responsible for causing the infection may migrate upward from the urethra into the bladder or cervix in women, resulting in pain in the lower abdomen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STIs that cause urinary tract infection is persistent, but they often exhibit no symptoms in patients for years, making them a carrier of the disease, allowing them to spread the pathogen throughout the community. Research shows that there was a 6-percent rise in STIs in 2018, with higher rates expected for 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Crohn’s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This chronic digestive disorder affects more than 1.6-million Americans. As a result of the disease, patients have trouble digesting their food, experiencing digestive discomfort that leads to feelings of abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients with Crohn’s disease<\/a> may find it challenging to eat, resulting in rapid weight loss and malnutrition that can lead to other health complications. Symptoms do not occur with every meal, and the patient may experience periods of remission where they can eat normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may experience relief from their symptoms by eating liquid meals, such as meal replacement shakes or smoothies. Using probiotics with high strain counts may also help to relieve symptoms somewhat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat patients with Crohn’s disease, using medication to reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation in the digestive system. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and the best patients can hope for is learning to manage their symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Gluten Intolerance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have an intolerance to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye, experience significant amounts of inflammation occur after eating foods containing these glutens<\/a>. In most cases, people have a mild allergy to gluten, noticing symptoms of digestive discomfort that lead to mild abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, and gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some people have a severe food allergy to gluten proteins. This condition, known as “celiac disease,” is an acute inflammatory response to gluten resulting in symptoms of intense abdominal pain when consuming foods high in these compounds. This chronic condition has no cure, and patients will have to avoid eating all forms of flour and refined carbs to prevent symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no medication available to treat this condition, and doctors recommend that patients monitor food consumption carefully, avoiding all foods that may spark the onset of symptoms associated with the disease. Celiac disease does not cause a severely adverse complication that threatens your digestive system, but it’s an uncomfortable and frustrating disorder to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Endometriosis or Menstrual Cramps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who experience the onset of a heavy period due to hormonal imbalance find that they develop symptoms of severe abdominal pain and discomfort. Menstruation <\/a>can cause pain and inflammation in significant amounts, depending on the hormonal state of the patient. Women who have lower levels of estrogen may experience painful symptoms, as the body struggles to deal with the changes in hormone levels during your period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some women may also experience pelvic and reproductive dysfunctions that result in the onset of abdominal pain as well. Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus starts to grow on the outside of the organ. As a result, the patient may experience severe pain and cramp in their abdomen. Endometriosis requires immediate hospitalization and treatment with hormone replacement drugs to reverse the disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors also treat women with painful menstruation by examining their hormone profile. If the physician finds that the patient has low estrogen levels, they may opt for hormone replacement therapy to resolve the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Hepatitis <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hepatitis <\/a>is a viral infection of the liver, resulting in liver dysfunction. Patients with hepatitis find that they start to experience symptoms of pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, along with symptoms of fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. If left untreated, hepatitis can cause yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, in a condition known as “jaundice.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three types of hepatitis, namely; A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is the most common form of the infection, and it occurs due to unsanitary conditions. People infected with the virus may pass it to others through physical contact with body fluids. Homeless communities across America battle with outbreaks of hepatitis A since the unsanitary conditions provide an optimal environment for the spread of the pathogen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hepatitis B and C are less common, but they are a far more aggressive form of the disease. While Hepatitis A may pass through the body without medical intervention, doctors need to treat patients with HAV or HBV, with anti-viral drugs.
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