Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is pain that occurs anywhere between the chest and pelvis. It's a very common symptom that can have many causes, ranging from mild digestive issues to serious medical conditions requiring immediate treatment.

The location, quality, and timing of abdominal pain can provide clues about its cause. Some types of abdominal pain are harmless and resolve on their own, while others require prompt medical attention. Understanding when to seek care is important.

Abdominal pain can vary widely:

Types of Pain:

• Crampy: Comes and goes, like menstrual cramps
• Sharp, stabbing: Sudden, intense
• Dull, aching: Persistent, constant
• Burning: Like heartburn
• Colicky: Severe, comes in waves

Location:

• Upper abdomen: Stomach, liver, gallbladder
• Lower abdomen: Intestines, appendix, reproductive organs
• Right side: Appendix, gallbladder, liver
• Left side: Colon, spleen
• Central: Stomach, small intestine
• Generalized: Throughout abdomen

Associated Symptoms (may accompany pain):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fever
• Bloating
• Gas
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty eating
• Blood in stool or vomit

Call Emergency Services (112 in Sweden) if:

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with chest pain or pressure
• Abdominal pain with difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain with vomiting blood
• Abdominal pain with bloody or black stools
• Abdominal pain with high fever
• Abdominal pain with severe tenderness
• Abdominal pain after injury
• Severe pain that prevents sitting still

For mild abdominal pain:

1. Rest:

   • Avoid strenuous activity
   • Allow body to recover
   • Don't overexert

2. Stay Hydrated:

   • Sip clear fluids
   • Water, broth, electrolyte solutions
   • Avoid if vomiting

3. Avoid Certain Foods (if digestive-related):

   • Spicy foods
   • Fatty foods
   • Dairy (if intolerant)
   • Foods that trigger your symptoms
   • Eat bland foods if able

4. Heat:

   • Warm compress on abdomen
   • Warm bath
   • Can help with cramping
   • Don't use if appendicitis suspected

5. Over-the-Counter Medications (use with caution):

   • Antacids (for heartburn)
   • Gas relief medications
   • Don't use pain medications if appendicitis suspected
   • Check with doctor first

6. Avoid Triggers:

   • Foods that cause problems
   • Stress (can worsen some conditions)
   • Identify and avoid your triggers

• Severe, sudden abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with chest pain
• Abdominal pain with difficulty breathing
• Vomiting blood
• Bloody or black stools
• High fever with abdominal pain
• Severe tenderness
• Pain after injury
• Severe pain preventing sitting still

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with fever
• Abdominal pain with nausea/vomiting
• Abdominal pain with diarrhea/constipation
• Abdominal pain not improving
• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with other concerning symptoms
• Questions about pain

• Mild, brief abdominal pain
• Known cause (mild indigestion, etc.)
• Resolves quickly
• No other concerning symptoms
• No signs of serious condition

Evaluating abdominal pain may involve:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam:

   • Description of pain
   • Location and characteristics
   • When it started
   • What makes it better/worse
   • Physical examination
   • Abdominal examination

2. Blood Tests:

   • Complete blood count
   • Liver function tests
   • Pancreatic enzymes
   • Other tests as needed

3. Urine Tests:

   • Urinalysis
   • Pregnancy test (if applicable)
   • Other tests as needed

4. Imaging Tests:

   • X-rays: Show some causes
   • CT scan: Detailed images
   • Ultrasound: Shows organs, fluid
   • MRI: Detailed images

5. Other Tests (if needed):

   • Endoscopy (scope into digestive tract)
   • Colonoscopy
   • Stool tests
   • Other specialized tests

Treatment depends on the cause:

Digestive Issues:

• Dietary changes
• Medications (antacids, etc.)
• Lifestyle modifications
• Usually resolves

Infections:

• Antibiotics if bacterial
• Supportive care
• Rest and fluids
• Usually resolves

Inflammation:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Treat underlying cause
• Dietary modifications

Other Causes:

• Treat underlying condition
• Medications as needed
• Surgery (in some cases)
• Other treatments as indicated

General Approaches:

• Pain relief (if appropriate)
• Treat underlying cause
• Dietary modifications
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery (if needed)

Prevent abdominal pain by:

• Eat Healthy Diet: Balanced, regular meals
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids
• Exercise Regularly: Promotes digestive health
• Manage Stress: Stress can worsen symptoms
• Avoid Trigger Foods: If you know what causes problems
• Practice Food Safety: Prevent foodborne illness
• Don't Smoke: Smoking can cause digestive problems
• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can cause problems
• Get Regular Check-ups: Early detection of problems

Abdominal pain can result from:

Digestive System:

• Stomach problems (ulcers, gastritis)
• Intestinal issues (IBS, infections)
• Liver problems
• Gallbladder problems (gallstones)
• Pancreas problems
• Appendicitis

Reproductive System (women):

• Menstrual cramps
• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Other gynecological issues

Urinary System:

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney problems

Other Causes:

• Muscle strain
• Shingles
• Heart problems (can cause upper abdominal pain)
• Other medical conditions

• May have difficulty describing pain
• Appendicitis more common
• Watch for signs of serious condition
• May need different approach

• Menstrual-related pain common
• Pregnancy considerations
• Gynecological causes possible
• May need different evaluation

• May have atypical symptoms
• Higher risk of serious causes
• May need more thorough evaluation
• Medications may cause pain

Seek immediate care if pain is severe, sudden, accompanied by fever, vomiting blood, bloody stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe tenderness. Also seek care if pain prevents you from sitting still.

Yes. Stress can cause or worsen abdominal pain, especially in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Stress management can help.

Use caution. If appendicitis or other serious condition is suspected, pain medications can mask symptoms. For mild, known causes (like indigestion), antacids or other medications may be appropriate. When in doubt, check with a doctor.

It depends on the cause. Mild digestive issues may resolve in hours. If pain persists more than a few days or is severe, see a healthcare provider.

Yes. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding trigger foods, and practicing food safety can help prevent many types of abdominal pain.