Any pain located in between chest and groin region is termed abdominal pain. Other names for abdominal pain are stomach ache or belly ache. There are many organs in the abdominal cavity and pain can originate from any of these organs. Abdominal pain is a symptom and it refers to some disease or infection in abdomen and its surrounding area.
What are the causes of Abdominal Pain?
There are many different diseased conditions that can cause abdominal pain. Some of the possible causes are:
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Appendicitis (inflammation of appendix)
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Aneurysm of abdominal aorta
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Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder)
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Constipation
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Crohn’s disease
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Diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticulum)
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Endometriosis
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Ectopic pregnancy
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Excessive gas
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Food poisoning
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Food allergy
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Gastroenteritis
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Gallstones
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Heartburn and acid reflux
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Hernia
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Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Intussusception (esp. in infants)
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Kidney stones
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Menstruation
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Ovarian cysts or cancers
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Pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas)
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Pelvic inflammatory diseases
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Pneumonia
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Shingles infection
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Stomach or duodenal ulcers
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Urinary tract infections
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Uterine fibroids
When to visit a Doctor / Physician?
Call or see your Doctor if any of the following is present:
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Abdominal pain lasting for more than 5 hours and getting worse
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Pain associated with vomiting - at least 3-4 times.
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Inability to pass stools for more than 2 days.
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Severe abdominal pain because of which the patient cannot move.
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Pain accompanied by vomiting of blood/blood in stools.
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Pain before and after meals.
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Pain or difficulty in swallowing food.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Abdominal pain during pregnancy.
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Pain accompanied by burning sensation while urinating
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Abdominal pain spreading to chest and shoulder.
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Pain accompanied by fever.
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Loss of appetite.
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Trauma of chest or abdomen.
What are the investigations to be conducted?
Diagnosing abdominal pain can be difficult at times. Hence your doctor may suggest some of the following tests to confirm the exact cause of pain.
1. Laboratory tests including complete blood count, pancreas and liver enzymes tests and urine tests.
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Increase in white cell count suggests some infection or inflammation. e.g. appendicitis, diverculitis, pancreatitis and so on
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Enzymes amylase and lipase are elevated in pancreatitis.
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Liver enzymes are elevated in gall stones attack.
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Urine is laced with blood in the case of kidney stones.
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A low haemoglobin count suggests internal bleeding.
2. Radiology is necessary in severe abdominal pain and can confirm the diagnosis.
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X-ray of the abdomen may show pockets of air if any organ is perforated or obstructed. Barium X-rays reveal obstruction in intestines.
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X-ray reflects kidney stones if present.
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Ultrasound helps detect gallstones and infection/inflammation of appendix, pancreas, kidney, liver, intestinal obstruction, cysts in ovary, pelvic growth and so on
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CT- Scan of abdomen will provide detailed information about the infection in abdomen related to various organs like liver, kidney, pancreas and large/small intestines.
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is advised when there is suspicion of malignant tumor in abdominal cavity or in ovaries and so on
What should be the treatment?
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In case of mild pain, indulge in hot fomentation on abdomen and back.
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If the pain is very severe and associated with vomiting, see your doctor immediately
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Your doctor may give anti-spasmodic/pain killing medication or injections.
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If your condition worsens, your doctor will administer I. V fluids to you and treat you with antibiotics.
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Do not take medications on your own without the consent of your doctor.
How to prevent Abdominal Pain?
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Following a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you prevent Abdominal Pain
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Eat green vegetables and fresh fruits.
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Drink atleast 8 – 10 glasses of water daily.
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Do not starve. Have frequent mini meals.
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Stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
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Do not sleep immediately after dinner.
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Exercise regularly or atleast walk for about 20 – 30 minutes
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