Abdominal Pain is the pain we feel in the trunk of the body, below the ribs and above the pelvis.
In most cases, pain in the abdomen comes from organs in the abdomen or adjacent to them.
The pain generally ranges from mild stomach aches to cramps and sharp, shooting pains and is most often caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ.
Common Sources of Abdominal Pain
PANCREATITIS OR PANCREATIC CANCER
Pancreatic cancer in the head of the Pancreas can cause pain in the abdomen and back. These pain symptoms can and should be treated along with the cancer itself in order to assure the best chance of recovery from the disease.
INGUINAL HERNIA
Inguinal hernia’s can often cause mild to moderate pain in the abdomen, particularly when laughing, bending over or lifting. The pain is often felt as burning, gurgling or aching sensation at the site of the hernia and is usually accompanied by weakness, pressure and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
GASTRITIS
Gastritis is a blanket term for a group of conditions that all relate back to inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This inflammation is most frequently caused by the same bacteria that may cause ulcers, however injury, overuse of pain medication and excessive alcohol consumption can also be the primary cause of Gastritis. Though the condition may lead to ulcer and heightened risk of stomach cancer, Gastritis usually improves quickly with treatment.
CROHN’S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Crohn’s Disease is inflammation of the lining of the digestive track and may cause pain, severe diarrhea, weight loss and even malnutrition. Unlike other abdominal disorders, Crohn’s often spreads deep into the layers of the bowel tissue, making it painful and sometimes life threatening. With correct diagnosis and treatment, remission can often be achieved.
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Ulcerative Colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease. Along with this disease come long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. Unlike the other diseases on this list, however, Ulcerative Colitis effects the inner-most lining of your large intestine and even your rectum. This disease can be debilitating and, in some cases, life threatening.
Treatment
The treatment for Abdominal Pain depends on the underlying cause for the pain. For this reason, treatment begins with a thorough examination. It is also important the doctor knows where and when your symptoms first started. Once this is done, a specific plan will be tailored to each situation, often using medications to target inflammation and ulcers along with changes in lifestyle and diet. In the cases of hernia and appendicitis, surgery may be required.
