Definition
Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. Abdominal pain, however, might be originated from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is known as a pain arising from organs (including the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas) within the abdominal cavity.
Rarely, some pains arising from organs that are close to, but not within, the abdominal cavity, also lead to such symptoms. For instance, abdominal pain are occurred by conditions of the lower lungs, the kidneys, and the uterus or ovaries. On the other hand, it also is possible for pain from organs within the abdomen to be felt outside of the abdomen. For example, the pain of pancreatic inflammation may be felt in the back. These latter types of pain are named “referred” pain because the pain does not originate in the location that it is felt. Rather, the cause of the pain is located away from where it is felt.
Abdominal pain
Causes
Abdominal pain is caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain in IBS may be caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper-sensitivity to normal intestinal activities.
Symptoms
It is easily seen from some locations of the pain: in the lower, upper abdomen and right gall bladder.
You may feel:
- Waves of crampy abdominal pain due to contractions of the intestinal muscles and distention of the intestine.
- True cramp-like pain suggests vigorous contractions of the intestines.
- Steady (constant) upper abdominal pain that lasts between 30 minutes and several hours.
- Severe, unrelenting, steady pain in the upper abdomen and upper back
Diagnosis
The cause of abdominal pain is diagnosed on the basis of the characteristics of the pain, physical examination, and testing. Occasionally, surgery is necessary for diagnosis.
Treatments
Basing on particular cause will have a treatment of abdominal pain. This can range from medications for inflammation, GERD, or ulcers, to antibiotics for infections, to changes in individual behavior for abdominal pain caused by certain foods or beverages. It is essential for a surgery in some cases such as appendicitis and a hernia.