Causes And Treatment For Abdominal Pain

By Jason Gray


In most cases, pain in the abdomen is experienced in the stomach and lower or upper abdomen. According to estimations, this problems is experienced by most people at least once in life. It occurs at different times in various people. The cause may range from something as minor as indigestion to something as life-threatening as cancer. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, it is advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible. In this case, the Abdominal pain is a mere symptom or a side effect of the main cause.

The causes of discomfort in abdomen are many and diverse. Some common causes are ulcers, cancers, appendicitis, diverticulitis, vascular problems, gallbladder disease, and food poisoning among others. Female diseases such as STDs, cysts, and fibroids are also common causes. In some cases, pregnant women may experience the pains during any of the three trimesters. If pregnancy is the cause, the pains usually go away immediately after delivery. They also occur irregularly but frequently.

The characteristics of the pains vary from one individual to the next depending on factors such as cause. In most cases, the pain will be dull, piercing, twisting, knifelike, cramp-like, stabbing, or sharp. It also varies in the level of severity and how frequently it occurs.

The Pains last for varying amounts of time. In some situations, it comes for a short while before disappearing whereas in others, the aching may take hours or days before disappearing. The intensity may remain constant or may reduce with time. One is advised to maintain a record of the characteristics of the aching because it comes in handy during diagnosis. The doctor partly relies on what the patient has to say to diagnose the problem and treat it.

The aching may occur on its own or may be triggered by some event. Sometimes it is worsened or relieved by specific events. Some of the events that may worsen or relieve the discomfort include vomiting, lying down, standing, bowel movement, eating water, and running. Common position where the aching occur in include lower left or right side, upper left or right side, middle, lower, or upper side. Usually, the location is a good indicator of the cause.

Discomfort in the abdomen can come about as a problem in a very different part of the body. An example of such is when the problem is caused by certain kinds of pneumonias and heart attacks. Shingles and many other forms of rashes on the skins also result in the problem. Surprising enough, one may suffer from pain their abdomen if they are bitten by the black widow spider.

Diagnosis is achieved by combining various approaches, which include testing, understanding history, and physical examination. Diagnostic testing employs methods such as x-ray and blood testing. The doctor will start by asking several questions regarding the condition before performing a physical examination.

Treatment is given depending on the cause of the problem. Treatment options are many and they include surgery, over-the-counter drugs, endoscopy, and observation. Treatment works better if diagnosis is done earlier.




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