Have you ever suffered from unexplained abdominal pain? Is it regularly, or rarely? Do you know it’s a common health issue for all people, but there may be some serious concerns if it stays for a long time, or if you experience it very commonly? Abdominal discomfort may happen due to various factors, such as digestive disorders, liver disease, and many more. Also, pain in the abdomen can be caused by other organs like the gall bladder and appendicitis.

What is abdominal pain?

It is a pain in the abdominal area of your belly. There are various organs related to your abdomen, like the liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, small & large intestine. It may happen when the abdominal muscles are expanded beyond the normal limit. You may get confused sometimes between stomach pain and pain in the abdomen, but it comes with stomach pain, along with different organs.

Causes of abdominal pain:

Abdominal pain causes due to 

• Carrying a heavy load or weight.
• Stomach ache, like vomiting, nausea
• For females, menstrual cramps can also be the primary contributor to abdominal strains.

Digestive disorders or digestion problems like 

• Indigestion
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Gastritis
• Gas-related pain
• Diarrhoea

Along with these factors, pain in the lower abdomen can form with other organ-related issues like

• Gall bladder stones
• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Chronic infection
• Chronic stomach pain
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Kidney stones for left-sided abdominal pain
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Also, the pain in the belly can come from other body parts like the waist, chest, or pelvic area.

Types of abdominal pain:

As you know, your abdomen consists of many organs, so this pain in the abdomen can be divided into four types depending on the location:

• Upper abdominal pain:

Upper abdomen means chest, shoulder, and neck – and if you feel the pain in these body parts, common symptoms and causes would be acidity, nausea, heartburn, loss of appetite, or any local injury. 

• Lower abdominal discomfort:

Lower abdominal pain is one of the common causes of bladder function issues. Symptoms include difficulties in urination, sexual health dysfunction, back pain,  bloating, and swelling. 

• Right side abdominal pain:

This is related to gallstones or any other chronic diseases.

• Left side abdominal pain:

This can happen due to kidney diseases, mostly kidney stones, and CKD. Depending on its severity, abdominal discomfort or belly pain can be classified with some subtypes:

Sharp pain in the abdomen (Acute, Intense Pain):

This pain is often related to the perforation or rupture of an organ. It can also indicate severe inflammation or infection. It is sudden, triggering one location with intense pain. Conditions related to this pain are Appendicitis, Kidney stones, and Peptic ulcers. 

In females, period pain is one of the most intense abdominal discomforts that lasts 3 to 5 days during and before the menstrual cycle.

Belly pain with a burning sensation:

Burning pain in the abdomen can feel like a hot, searing sensation and may be associated with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, like 

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
   
• Peptic ulcers
   
• Gastritis
   
• Acid reflux

Crampy Pain (Pain with Bloating and Gas):

You can feel sudden abdominal cramps if gastric issues arise in your abdomen or your intestinal contractions. Common conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lactose Intolerance, and Gastroenteritis can be the culprit.

Chronic stomach pain (Long-Lasting, Persistent Pain):

This pain lasts for months or weeks and may happen due to ongoing conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, liver, or pancreas. Conditions like:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Chronic gastritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease

It’s essential to see your medical professionals if your condition develops more severely and you need medical attention urgently.

Symptoms of Abdominal Pain:

Belly pain is not always a serious or chronic condition, but some significant symptoms help in treating it.

• Intense pain in your abdomen
• Pain with fever
• Vomiting 
• Nausea
• Cramps in your belly
• Constipation
• Change in bowel movement

If the above symptoms persist and your pain in the stomach area is not improving, consult with your gastroenterologists right away.

How to diagnose your abdominal muscle pain?

To find out the root cause of your abdominal discomfort or stomach ache, your doctor may observe the symptoms of the pain, understand its location, and then ask you to undergo some diagnostic processes. 

• Blood tests (LFT, Kidney Function Test, CBC)
• CT scan
• USG
• Endoscopy
• Colonscopy
• X-Rays
• In some rare cases, an MRI will be suggested.

What are the tips for getting relief from abdominal pain?

As there are various causes and risk factors associated with abdominal discomfort or strains, some natural tips and remedies can also give you relief from acute pain.

• Enough hydration: Drink at least sufficient water for proper hydration.
• Healthy eating habits: If you suffer from abdominal discomfort very often, try to have easy-to-digest foods.
• Avoid alcohol: If you are addicted to alcohol, stop drinking alcohol.
• Avoid Carbonated Drinks and Dairy: These can cause or worsen bloating, especially if you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive to gas-producing foods.
• Ginger: It has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that can relieve nausea and discomfort. You can chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or drink ginger tea.

If you are aware of what is causing your stomach pain, then you should not wait; make an appointment with your medical professionals and discuss it for the right diagnosis.

Treatment of abdominal pain depends on the cause or the location of it. After diagnosing, your doctor may prescribe medication, or they may need some more screenings, or recommend blood tests for further diagnosis.

When to contact your doctor?

It’s better to consult with your doctor if your abdominal strain or pain does not improve and persists for a long time, and if you are pregnant or have any emergency condition, you need emergency medical attention.

If you have chronic conditions like, 

• Blood in stool
• Persistent constipation
• Excessive gastric problems
• Unable to digest your food
• Getting fever

Contact Nirnayan Healthcare, the best pathology lab in Kolkata, for all kinds of blood tests and screenings.

Conclusion: 

Pain in the abdomen, though common, can range from a simple discomfort to a sign of something more serious, so it’s crucial to pay attention to the nature and duration of the pain. Whether it’s the occasional bloating after a heavy meal, a sharp cramp from a digestive upset, or more persistent pain that hints at an underlying condition, your body’s signals should never be ignored. By understanding the possible causes and following remedies like hydration, a balanced diet, and heat therapy, most mild cases can be alleviated at home. Always listen to your body, take the right preventive steps, and seek timely medical help when needed — your health deserves the best care possible!