Causes of abdominal pain differ, so if you’re experiencing pain in the area, make sure you check for the following conditions.
Although the most common is to relate abdominal pain to stomach problems, this does not always have to be the cause. We present other causes that you should take into account.
Abdominal pain is a common condition in the population worldwide, which can arise as a result of different alterations in the body, such as indigestion, for example.
It should be noted that the cause of abdominal pain is not always related to the stomach exclusively. There may be a problem with the gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, or muscles.
Next, we will tell you about the possible causes of abdominal pain and what the type of pain is like in each case. You will see that, although they are located in nearby areas, it does not always happen in the same way.
Medical consultation is essential to prevent one of these conditions from leading to a more serious pathology. Do not self-medicate.
Causes of abdominal pain
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Appendicitis
When abdominal pain is caused by appendicitis, the discomfort is intense and is located in the lower right side of the abdomen.
In most cases, the pain begins as discomfort in the navel area. This problem can also include other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and fever.
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Pancreatitis
The pain begins in the upper abdomen and, over hours, spreads to the sides and lower abdomen.
Often this pain can be experienced more intensely after a large meal, or 6 to 12 hours after consuming alcohol. Pancreatitis often also includes the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Soft spot.
- Sickness.
- Вomiting.
- Palpitations.
- Yellowish coloration of the skin.
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Gallstones
Gallstones are also one of the possible causes of abdominal pain, which is located in the upper right part of the abdomen.
In these cases, the pain can spread to the upper right part of the back and even the chest or right shoulder. Other related symptoms are: nausea, vomiting and gas.
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Ectopic pregnancy
In women, an ectopic pregnancy can be the cause of sudden, severe abdominal pain. This type of pain is located in the lower left part of the abdomen and is almost always accompanied by vomiting and fever. If there is bleeding, it will be essential to seek medical attention immediately.
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Bowel obstruction
Another cause of abdominal pain can be an intestinal obstruction. Abdominal pain manifests itself as a kind of cramp, especially after meals. It may be accompanied by vomiting and gas, watery or tape-shaped stools.
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Diverticulitis
Abdominal pain may indicate diverticulitis when it is located in the lower left side of the abdomen and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, chills, stomach cramps, and episodes of diarrhea or constipation.
In the event that abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea and swelling, it could be peritonitis.
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Viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis includes among its symptoms severe abdominal pain as well as: yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark-colored urine, and an unpleasant odor.
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Gastritis or stomach ulcers
Abdominal pain can also be an indication of gastritis or stomach ulcers. Especially if it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas, too dark stools, indigestion and intense discomfort, especially when the stomach is empty.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This syndrome could also be the origin of abdominal pain when it presents vaguely. That is, as a kind of cramp, accompanied by: abdominal swelling, gas, nausea, weakness, among other symptoms.
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Kidney stones
The presence of kidney stones can be another cause of abdominal pain. This type of pain extends to the lower back and groin and manifests with greater intensity right where the kidneys are located.
Should I go to the doctor for abdominal pain?
In conclusion, any organ present in the abdomen can be the cause of abdominal pain. Now, although we may have an idea about what the problem may be, the right thing to do is go to the doctor, since he will be the best person to distinguish the type of ailment.
In case the abdominal pain intensifies and lasts over time, it will be necessary to go to the doctor for a physical evaluation and a timely diagnosis.
It is very important to avoid self-medication. It can hide symptoms and therefore prevent the doctor from determining the exact cause of the problem. On the other hand, once the doctor prescribes a treatment, it will be essential to follow his instructions.
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