Make Pain a Thing of the Past – abdominal – Physician Partners of America

Tag Archive for: abdominal

Possible Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain

When you are experiencing upper abdominal pain, it can definitely be frustrating to deal with. Part of that frustration is that you may not know right away what is causing the pain, which makes it more difficult to treat the pain and make it go away.

A medical professional can diagnose and treat your upper abdominal pain, but here are some of the possible causes:

Temporary Problems

Not all of the potential causes of upper abdominal pain are serious issues. Sometimes you might be dealing with something as simple as indigestion or gas. The pain in your upper abdomen could even be due to something like a pulled muscle or similar strain.

Keep an eye on when your symptoms begin, wherein your upper abdomen they are located and the specific sort of pain that you are experiencing. If it is a temporary issue like one of the ones listed above, you likely will be able to get better without much difficulty. Your medical professional can offer advice and medicine as needed if the pain continues.

Stomach or Esophagus Problems

Your upper abdominal pain could be caused by an issue in your stomach or esophagus. These issues could include:

  • Ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Heartburn
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Some things to keep in mind before you talk to your medical professional are whether or not certain foods make your pain feel worse or if the pain is more intense when you are laying down.

Gallbladder or Liver Problems

Pain in your upper abdomen could also be attributed to an issue in your gallbladder or liver. These problems could include:

  • Liver abscess
  • Gallstones
  • Hepatitis
  • Ascending cholangitis

Again, it will be easier for your doctor to figure out the exact source of the pain if you provide the necessary information. Some issues could be caused by lifestyle, like cirrhosis of the liver due to prolonged alcohol use.

Other Upper Abdominal Problems

There are also a number of intestinal issues that could be the cause of your upper abdominal pain. It could be due to an infection or an inflammatory situation. Or it could be due to a problem like:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Kidney stones

There are also some serious diseases that have the potential to cause upper abdominal pain, like certain cancers. This is why you should always get medical help to make sure you find out the exact cause of your pain and the appropriate treatment.

Treating Your Upper Abdominal Pain

No matter what the cause, it is important to consult with a medical professional to get your official diagnosis and treatment plan. If your symptoms come on suddenly and are severe, you should get to the doctor right away. Those symptoms could include vomiting blood, inability to have bowel movements, difficulty breathing, bloody stools, a rigid abdomen or any other severe pain.
Pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor about the specifics of your abdominal pain. You will get a treatment plan that works and peace of mind.

/by

Possible Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain can mean a lot of different things, from common ailments to more serious diseases. The cause of your pain might be something minor that could go away on its own, or it could be something that requires medical attention and treatment.

Since there are a number of different organs in your lower abdomen, there are a variety of things that could be at the root of your pain. Here are some of the potential causes of your lower abdominal pain:

Appendicitis

Your appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, it causes appendicitis. Some of the signs to look out for include:

  • Pain near your navel that sharpens as it moves to the lower right side of your abdomen
  • Feeling nauseous or vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fever
  • Gas with diarrhea or constipation

Appendicitis can be serious, even potentially fatal if untreated, so don’t ignore the warning signs.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Pain in your lower abdomen could be due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disorder that impact your colon. Some of the potential signs for IBS may include:

Keep in mind that IBS is a chronic condition, so long-term treatment may be needed.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There are a number of inflammatory bowel diseases that could cause pain in your lower abdomen, including colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Some symptoms of colitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • An urgent feeling like you need a bowel movement
  • Nausea
  • Losing weight
  • Vomiting

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease could include:

  • Consistent abdominal pain
  • Losing weight
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever may occur
  • Sometimes you might have blood in your stools

These particular inflammatory bowel diseases are more common in people under the age of 30, though they can occur in older people as well.

Urinary Issues

Problems in the urinary system could be the cause of your lower abdominal pain. Though there are a number of potential urinary issues that could be at fault, the most common is a urinary tract infection (UTI). The signs of a UTI could include:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • A frequent pressure that makes you feel like you need to urinate, though not much urine comes out
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or back
  • Pressure in the lower abdomen or back
  • Urine that looks cloudy, bloody or dark or urine that smells strange
  • Tired or shaky feeling
  • Fever or chills

Though UTIs are common and easy to treat, you should seek medical attention right away, especially if you have a fever. UTIs can cause kidney damage, which can be very serious.

Next Steps When You Have Lower Abdomen Pain

Though some of the causes of lower abdominal pain are easy to treat, it is important to seek medical help right away so that it doesn’t lead to something worse. Your medical professional will be able to determine what is causing your pain and what you need to do to heal. Treatment will help you feel better sooner and lessen the risk of complications.

/by