Abdominal Pain: Causes, Types & Treatment

Abdominal Pain Risk Factors 

You are more likely to experience abdominal pain if you have immune system-weakening conditions, such diabetes, organ transplant, chemotherapy, AIDS, or sickle cell anemia.

Also, you might be at higher risk of experience abdominal pain if you 

• Are of older age 

• Have had abdominal surgery before 

• Have a history of digestive problems 

• Have been exposed to a stomach virus 

Abdominal Pain Complications 

Changes in dietary habits and psychological discomfort are only two of the detrimental implications that come along with chronic abdominal pain. For instance, people with IBS are more likely to experience mood disorders including anxiety and despair.

Moreover, the likelihood of structural damage to the digestive tract from infection, cancer and its therapies, and irritable bowel syndrome are some of the dangerous complications that can result from many of the underlying disorders that cause stomach pain.

Abdominal Pain Diagnosis

A set of tests and an open discussion about your symptoms with your doctor can help determine the source of your abdominal discomfort. Your doctor will do a physical examination before recommending tests. Checking for soreness and edema involves gently pushing on several parts of your abdomen.

This information will aid your doctor in deciding which tests to order while taking the intensity and location of the discomfort in the abdomen into account.

To view the abdomen's organs, tissues, and other structures in depth, imaging procedures including MRI scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays are employed. Tumors, fractures, ruptures, and inflammation can all be diagnosed with the aid of these tests.

Additional testing consists of the following:

• Colonoscopy 

• Endoscopy 

• x-ray or CT scan that uses contrast dye to detect any abnormalities 

To check for signs of bacterial, viral, and parasite infections, it may also be necessary to take samples of the patient's blood, urine, and feces.

Abdominal Pain Treatment 

There are many different reasons and treatments for stomach pain. Surgery could be necessary for some illnesses, such gallstones or appendicitis. Others, including infections or ulcers, may be treated with medication. Moreover, there are occasions when you simply have to endure a kidney stone or a case of stomach sickness until it passes. Finding out the source of your abdominal pain is crucial, especially if it doesn't go away on its own. Keep in mind that even minor conditions might develop into serious ones.

Abdominal Pain Prevention 

Not all types of stomach pain may be avoided. However, you can reduce your chance of experiencing stomach pain by

• consuming a balanced diet,

• consuming lots of water, 

• working out frequently, 

• and having smaller meals. 

Follow the diet your doctor recommends if you have an intestinal disorder, such as Crohn's disease, to reduce discomfort. If you have just eaten, lying down might result in heartburn and discomfort in the abdomen. Try to avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating.

References 

Farmer, A. D., & Aziz, Q. (2014). Mechanisms and management of functional abdominal pain. Journal of the royal society of medicine, 107(9), 347-354.

Flasar, M. H., Cross, R., & Goldberg, E. (2006). Acute abdominal pain. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 33(3), 659-684.

Weydert, J. A., Ball, T. M., & Davis, M. F. (2003). Systematic review of treatments for recurrent abdominal pain. Pediatrics, 111(1), e1-e11.