Abdominal Pain

Pain in abdomen can be of various intensities and nature. It can be:

• Sharp, stabbing cramp like pain
• Brief pain that may come or go
• Pain associated with vomiting

Reference: www.nhs.uk

Various conditions are associated with abdominal pain . Causes of abdominal pain include:

• Constipation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Food allergy
• Food poisoning
• Menstrual pain

Sudden, severe abdominal pain:

• Abdominal infection
• Appendicitis
• A perforated peptic ulcer
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Diverticulitis : Inflammation of small pouches that are part of the bowel

Other common causes in adults are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn's disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Long term Peptic ulcer
• Constipation
• Heartburn and acid reflux

Common Causes in children

• Constipation
• Urinary tract Infection
• Anxiety
• Heartburn and acid reflux

References: 
www.nlm.nih.gov 
www.nhs.uk

Generally abdominal pain goes with time, but if the pain does not subside, then one should seek medical help:

• Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longer
• Abdominal pain that does not improve in 24 - 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomiting
• Bloating that persists for more than 2 days
• Burning sensation or increase in frequency on urination
• Diarrhoea for more than 5 days
• Fever (over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children) with pain
• Prolonged poor appetite
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

Reference:  www.nlm.nih.gov

Generally, treatment for abdominal pain depends upon its cause.

• Treatment usually is with medications for inflammation of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Ulcers
• Use antibiotics in case of infections
• Modify your eating habits
• Surgical treatment is indicated in conditions like appendicitis  or hernia (inguinal and umbilical)  

Seek doctors advice before going in for any treatment.

Reference: www.nlm.nih.gov