Most abdominal pain is usually caused by indigestion and flatulence, but if it is repeated and increasingly severe, it signals many worrying health problems.
The abdominal area contains many important organs of the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Therefore, abdominal pain can have many causes, from common flatulence to serious conditions such as inflammation or infection.
According to research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), abdominal pain is sometimes an early signal of diseases in the digestive system, liver, kidneys or reproductive organs. Prolonged and intense pain should absolutely not be ignored.
Common causes
Abdominal pain comes from mild conditions such as indigestion, flatulence after eating a full meal or spicy, greasy food. Constipation also contributes to the feeling of fullness when the intestines contract or have slow motility. Stomach flu caused by viruses or bacteria often leads to abdominal pain with diarrhea and nausea.
In women, menstrual cramps are a common cause, caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, causing dull pain in the lower abdomen. Urinary tract infections (UTI) also cause abdominal discomfort and burning during urination.
Although most are not dangerous, these symptoms still need to be monitored. If the pain lasts for many days or becomes severe, you should see a doctor soon.
Abdominal pain can have many causes. Image:The Mirror
Serious condition requires attention
Appendicitis
The pain starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen. Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever. If not treated early, the appendix can easily rupture, causing serious complications.
Acute pancreatitis
Sudden, strong pain in the epigastric area and spreading to the back. The cause is often related to alcohol or gallstones. This is a dangerous disease that requires early intervention for timely treatment.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis cause persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. Chronic inflammation damages the intestinal lining and reduces the ability to absorb nutrients.
Gallstones
Gallstones often cause sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals, and sometimes radiate to the shoulder or back.
Intestinal or mesenteric ischemia
When blood flow to the intestines is reduced, the pain is much more intense than the external signs suggest. This condition is common in older people or people with heart disease.
Kidney stones and urinary disorders
Renal colic spreads from the back to the lower abdomen or groin, sometimes with blood in the urine. Some other diseases of the urinary tract also cause dull pain.
Reproductive system problems
In women, abdominal pain may be related to ovarian cysts, endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy, which should be detected early to avoid serious complications.
How to relieve stomach pain at home
When mild abdominal pain is caused by eating or stress, you can apply some simple measures. Rest, relaxation and staying mentally relaxed will help reduce pain, because stress makes the condition worse.
Eat small, light meals such as rice, porridge, soup and avoid fried, greasy or spicy foods. Drinking enough water improves digestion and prevents dehydration, while limiting alcohol and coffee because they cause digestive upset. You can warm your abdomen with a heat pad or warm towel to relax your muscles.
If after 1-2 days the pain does not subside, or is accompanied by fever, chills, continuous vomiting, or a swollen, tense or hard abdomen, this may be a dangerous sign. In addition, if there is blood in the stool or vomiting, jaundice, yellow eyes, difficulty defecating or urinating, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.