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 Overview

 
There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, and it can be difficult to determine the root cause without further investigation.

However, there are some common causes of abdominal pain that are worth considering.

Abdominal pain is often caused by digestive issues like constipation, gas, or indigestion.

If you’re experiencing pain after eating, it’s possible that you have a food intolerance or are not digesting your food properly.

Abdominal pain can have many causes, some of which are more serious than others. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, and often the exact cause can be difficult to determine.

In some cases, abdominal pain may be caused by a simple stomachache or gas, while in other cases it may be a sign of a more serious condition like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative colitis.

In this article we will discuss some common causes of abdominal pains and when you should consider visiting your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

 

Appendicitis

 

One of the most common causes of abdominal pain is appendicitis.

This occurs when the appendix, a small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and fills with pus.

Although the appendix doesn’t have a known function, it is believed to be involved in the immune system.

Appendicitis is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

A person with appendicitis typically experiences a sudden, sharp pain in the lower-right side of their abdomen.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever

If appendicitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to appendicitis. First, it is important to be aware of the symptoms.

Second, if you think you might have appendicitis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

And finally, there are a few ways to diagnose appendicitis, which include a physical examination, imaging tests, and/or a laparoscopic appendectomy.

 appendicitis abdominal causes - Common Causes of Abdominal Pains

 

Constipation

 

If you’re feeling pain in your abdomen, it might be due to constipation.

Constipation is a common digestive problem, and it can be caused by a variety of things, including a lack of fiber in your diet, not drinking enough water, or certain medications.

If you’re constipated, you might experience hard, dry stools; difficulty passing stools; or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements.

There are a few things you can do to ease constipation and abdominal pain.
Try to eat a diet that’s high in fiber, and drink plenty of fluids.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Feeling bloated or full
  • Hard or lumpy stool
  • Abdominal pain 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any other potential causes and to develop a plan to treat your constipation.

Crohn’s Disease

 

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.

It is a chronic condition, meaning it can last for a long time, even a lifetime.

Treatment typically involves the use of medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and/or antibiotics, depending on the severity of the disease.

Some people with Crohn’s disease may require surgery to remove a section of the affected bowel.

Crohn’s disease is a serious condition that can often be debilitating, and sometimes even life-threatening.

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are treatments available that can help to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by it.

Symptoms often include: 

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Intestinal bleeding

There is no one test to diagnose Crohn’s disease. Doctors may use a combination of tests, including blood tests, stool samples, x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and endoscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.

A diagnosis of Crohn’s disease may also be given if a person has a family history of the disease or certain genetic markers that are associated with it.

crohnsdisease symptoms - Common Causes of Abdominal Pains

Diverticulitis

 

 

Diverticulitis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. It is a condition in which the diverticulum, or sac-like pouches, in the lining of the intestine become inflamed or infected.

Diverticulitis is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the intestines.

The pain is usually on the left side of the abdomen and can be severe.

It is important to see a doctor if you think you have diverticulitis because it can lead to serious complications such as perforation of the intestine, abscess, or sepsis.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and rest. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Symptoms often include: 

  • Sharp pain in lower abdomen
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Bloating

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to diagnose diverticulitis may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.

However, some common diagnostic methods for diverticulitis include CT scans, colonoscopies, and blood tests.

 

Gallstones

 

One potential cause of abdominal pain is gallstones.

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. They are made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium.

When gallstones block the bile ducts, they can cause pain in the abdomen.

There are several risk factors for developing gallstones. These include being female, being overweight, having a family history of gallstones, and eating a high-fat diet.

If you experience abdominal pain, it is important to see your doctor to rule out gallstones or other potential causes.

Gallstones can usually be treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Symptoms often include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Belching

If you think you might have gallstones, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. There are several ways to diagnose gallstones, but the most common is an abdominal ultrasound.
This test is painless and noninvasive, and it can usually give a clear picture of whether or not you have gallstones.

Other tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, may also be used to diagnose gallstones. If you do have gallstones, there are several treatment options available. 

causes abdominal pains - Common Causes of Abdominal Pains

 

Ulcerative Colitis

 

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms and prevent further damage to the digestive tract.

Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

The best way to diagnose ulcerative colitis is to see a doctor. They will be able to take your medical history and perform a physical examination.

They may also order tests, such as a blood test or a colonoscopy.

 common causes abdominal pains - Common Causes of Abdominal Pains

When You Should See a Doctor

There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, and it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious causes.

However, some common causes of abdominal pain include indigestion, gas, constipation, viral infections, and menstrual cramps.

Most cases of abdominal pain are not serious and will resolve on their own.

However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any potentially serious causes.

I hope that this article has given you some useful information on the common causes of abdominal pain.

If you are suffering from abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious causes.

Dr. Schneider offer services such as endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy.

For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD in Johannesburg, contact Dr. Schneider or book your consultation today.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.