Learn about the causes, symptoms and effective treatments for abdominal pain. Learn what pain in different parts of the abdomen means and when to see a doctor.
Table of contents
- Most common causes of abdominal pain in adults and children
- Symptoms accompanying abdominal pain – what to pay attention to?
- Diagnosis of abdominal pain – when to see a doctor?
- Treatment of abdominal pain – home remedies and medical methods
- Chronic and acute abdominal pain – what are the differences?
- Prevention – how to prevent abdominal pain and maintain a healthy digestive system?
Most common causes of abdominal pain in adults and children
Abdominal pain is one of the most commonly reported complaints in both adults and children. Its source can be a wide variety of factors, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish without careful analysis of symptoms and diagnostic tests. The most common causes of abdominal pain include not only diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but also diseases of other organs, infections, dietary factors, or stress reactions. In adults, it is very common for these complaints to result from the consumption of stale or hard-to-digest foods, attacks of indigestion, gas, or food poisoning. Also among the common causes is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which manifests itself as chronic, recurrent pain and discomfort in the abdomen, often combined with abnormal bowel movements. Equally important are constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which lead to chronic pain. Do not forget gallstones, appendicitis, cholecystitis and mechanical jaundice, which are characterized by acute, sudden pain in specific locations of the abdomen. In addition, the source of pain can be viral and bacterial infections of the intestines, often combined with other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or fever. In adult women, a very important cause of lower abdominal pain is also ailments related to the reproductive system, such as painful periods, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or infections of the pelvic organs. Diseases of the urinary tract, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones, which cause specific radiating pain, cannot be ruled out either.
In children, abdominal pain is also common and can have different, age-dependent causes. In the youngest, infantile colic, food allergies (e.g. to cow’s milk protein), lactose intolerance, as well as viral infections (e.g. rotavirus), which often cause pain and vomiting, are prevalent. In older children, abdominal pain associated with gastrointestinal infections, constipation, or the presence of a worm passage (pinworm or human roundworm) are quite common. School stress and excessive emotional tension can also provoke so-called functional pains, which have no clear organic basis. During puberty, menstrual pain in girls and acute conditions such as appendicitis or ovarian torsion, requiring urgent medical intervention, also become common. It is important to note that in children, abdominal pain can signal serious conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections and even cardiac or neurological complications, so it should not be underestimated. Regardless of age, the nature of the pain (whether it is acute, dull, chronic, or appears suddenly), its location and accompanying symptoms (such as fever, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding) are key to making the right diagnosis and implementing appropriate treatment. It is worth remembering that both simple digestive disorders, as well as serious internal diseases or viral and bacterial infections can manifest themselves in abdominal pain, so any repeated or intense complaints should be consulted with a doctor.
Symptoms accompanying abdominal pain – what to pay attention to?
Abdominal pain rarely occurs in isolation – it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, the recognition of which can be key to determining the cause of the discomfort and implementing effective treatment. It is worth remaining vigilant if, in addition to pain, such symptoms appear as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, chills, loss of appetite, excessive flatulence, a feeling of distension or fullness in the abdominal cavity. Attention should also be paid to changes in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements – sudden diarrhea, recurrent constipation, the presence of blood or mucus in the stools, unusual stool coloration (such as black or very light) are symptoms that should never be underestimated. Abdominal pain can also be aggravated by additional sensations, such as heartburn, belching, a metallic taste in the mouth, acid reflux or a burning sensation behind the sternum. In the case of children, specific symptoms include a reluctance to eat, apathy, irritability, crying, and attacks of abdominal pain combined with leg contracture. It is worth remembering that in the youngest children abdominal discomfort often also manifests itself in the form of general weakness or reluctance to play, and sometimes even headaches or nausea. The nature and location of the pain are also important for diagnosis – severe, sudden pain in the lower abdomen in women may indicate gynecological problems, in men it may be related to a hernia or urological problems, while pain radiating to the back may suggest pancreatic or kidney disorders.
Of particular note are alarm symptoms that, combined with abdominal pain, may require urgent medical intervention or a call for medical help. These include: severe, increasing pain that does not subside despite the use of home remedies, violent vomiting (especially with an admixture of bile, blood or fusiform contents that look like coffee grounds), loss of consciousness, abdominal rigidity, indicating a possible “acute abdomen” (e.g. appendicitis, perforation of an ulcer, peritonitis), jaundice, increased pallor or sweating, a significant drop in blood pressure, weakness, difficulty breathing, and impaired consciousness. In children, sudden changes in behavior, persistent vomiting, dehydration manifested by dry skin and mucous membranes, lack of tears when crying, sunken eyes, and inability to urinate are worrying signs. In the case of pain combined with high fever, urinary symptoms (pain on urination, frequent urination, presence of blood in the urine) and persistent symptoms for more than a few days, a visit to the doctor is absolutely advisable. It is also worth watching for emerging or growing tumors or bulges on the abdomen, which may be a symptom of a hernia or other condition requiring surgical treatment. A common but sometimes underestimated symptom accompanying abdominal pain are also systemic symptoms, such as sudden weight loss, chronic fatigue or heavy night sweats – in such a situation, an in-depth diagnosis is needed to rule out chronic diseases or cancerous processes. Careful observation of both the type, frequency and circumstances of the appearance of symptoms accompanying abdominal pain makes it easier for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and reduce recovery time.
Diagnosis of abdominal pain – when to see a doctor?
Abdominal pain, although very common, should always be treated on an individual basis – as rapid and effective implementation of treatment and avoidance of serious complications depends on correct diagnosis. The first step in diagnosis is careful observation of the nature of the pain: its location (e.g., lower abdomen, epigastrium, umbilical region, flanks or right lower abdomen), severity, frequency and duration. It is also important to determine the timing of the discomfort (after a meal, in the morning or at night) and any factors that relieve or aggravate the pain. Doctors pay particular attention to accompanying symptoms, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty defecating or urinating, bloating, gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss or general symptoms such as weakness or listlessness. A history of medications taken, chronic diseases (diabetes, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease) and any past surgical procedures is also crucial. In children and the elderly, diagnosis is further complicated because they may not be able to accurately describe the nature of pain or other complaints. Symptoms that require immediate medical consultation include severe, sudden and unremitting abdominal pain, pain radiating to the back or shoulders, loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, the presence of fresh blood in the stool or vomit, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, and symptoms of shock (pallor, cold sweat, rapid heartbeat).
Professional diagnosis of abdominal pain usually includes a conversation with the patient and a physical examination, during which the doctor localizes the soreness, assesses abdominal muscle tone, the presence of palpable tumors or enlargement of abdominal organs. Depending on the suspicion, the doctor may order additional laboratory tests: blood count, CRP, liver tests, pancreatic amylase and pancreatic lipase, general urinalysis or fecal occult blood tests. In women of childbearing age, gynecological examinations and pregnancy tests are often performed. Imaging diagnosis plays a key role – abdominal ultrasound allows to assess the condition of internal organs, detect inflammatory changes, tumors, cysts, gallstones or kidney stones. In selected cases, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) are used, especially when cancerous conditions, gastrointestinal perforation or acute inflammation are suspected. An indication for urgent medical attention is also abdominal pain in children under the age of 5 that persists for more than a few hours, especially if it is accompanied by fever, dehydration (dry mouth, absence of tears when crying, sunken fontanel in infants), marked listlessness, a problem with urination or bowel movements, as well as a change in skin color or biliary vomiting. The elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients should be especially vigilant for prolonged or suddenly worsening abdominal pain – in this group, even inconspicuous symptoms can herald serious pathologies. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor when abdominal pain does not subside after a few days, returns cyclically or appears without an obvious cause, especially in chronically ill people. Early and correct diagnosis makes it possible not only to alleviate symptoms, but, more importantly, to effectively treat and prevent recurrence or complications of underlying diseases of abdominal pain.
Treatment of abdominal pain – home remedies and medical methods
Treatment of abdominal pain depends primarily on its cause, severity and accompanying symptoms. Very often, in cases of mild, non-threatening ailments, you can turn to proven home remedies that allow you to quickly relieve the pain and improve your comfort. Among the most popular methods are resting and allowing the body to recover in calm conditions, avoiding sudden movements, and staying in a semi-recumbent position or on the side with legs slightly contracted. Poultices – both warm and cold – can also help, promoting the relaxation of abdominal muscles or relieving inflammation. For pain associated with overeating, indigestion or mild gastrointestinal infections, it is worthwhile to follow an easily digestible diet based on gruel, cooked vegetables, rusks or bananas. Drinks based on chamomile or mint have a diastolic effect, aid digestion and relieve bloating and feelings of fullness. It is equally important to hydrate the body – it is best to drink still water or electrolytes in small sips, especially if the pain is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting.
However, home methods are not always sufficient, and in cases of moderate or severe symptoms, it is worth reaching for medical methods under the supervision of a doctor. In situations requiring pharmacological intervention, doctors use decongestants (e.g. drotaverine, hyoscine), painkillers, antiemetics or antidiarrheal agents depending on the cause of the discomfort. In cases of suspected bacterial infection, antibiotics may be included, while in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease), long-term anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment is sometimes necessary. An individualized approach to the patient plays a key role – a detailed history, physical examination and results of additional tests allow precise selection of therapy and control of the effectiveness of treatment. In children and the elderly, it is particularly important to quickly recognize dehydration and implement adequate hydration and, if necessary, hospitalization. In the case of severe, increasing or chronic abdominal pain that does not subside despite home remedies, or accompanied by alarming symptoms such as gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting that impedes fluid intake, loss of consciousness or severe fever, immediate medical consultation is necessary. Since abdominal pain can be a symptom of serious conditions such as appendicitis, intestinal obstruction or acute pancreatitis, surgical treatment or hospitalization may be necessary. Ultimately, the effectiveness of treatment depends on prompt diagnosis and tailoring treatment methods to the individual patient, and any chronic or unusual abdominal pain should always be evaluated by a specialist.
Chronic and acute abdominal pain – what are the differences?
Understanding the differences between chronic and acute abdominal pain is crucial for both patients and physicians, as it affects the speed and implementation of appropriate treatment and the ability to diagnose serious and even life-threatening conditions. Chronic abdominal pain is defined as persistent or recurrent abdominal discomfort lasting for a minimum of several weeks, usually more than three months. This pain is usually not very intense, although it can significantly reduce the comfort of life, lead to chronic fatigue, impaired concentration or anxiety. Chronic abdominal pain tends to fluctuate – its intensity varies throughout the day or with meals, physical activity or stress. They are usually associated with less threatening, though life-challenging conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, food intolerances, minor liver and pancreatic diseases, gastroesophageal reflux, and even chronic stress and psychosomatic disorders. In the case of children, chronic abdominal pain is often related to school problems, emotional problems or anxiety. The course of chronic abdominal pain is generally less dramatic, rarely accompanied by so-called alarm symptoms, such as rapid weight loss, fresh blood in the stool or high fever. In addition to being a long-term nuisance, chronic abdominal pain requires diagnosis – the doctor usually recommends basic blood tests, urinalysis and abdominal ultrasound to rule out more serious conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal parasites. Treatment of chronic abdominal pain focuses on treating the cause, modifying diet, lifestyle and, if necessary, implementing medications to improve digestion, regulate peristalsis or alleviate psychosomatic symptoms.
Acute abdominal pain is a condition with a sudden onset, often of very high severity, which most often prompts the patient to seek immediate medical attention and may involve serious health or life-threatening risks. It is characterized by a short duration – from a few hours to a few days – and can be a symptom of acute inflammation, perforation of abdominal organs, intestinal obstruction, internal bleeding or thrombosis of abdominal vessels. Typical causes of acute abdominal pain are appendicitis, acute cholecystitis and cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, gastric ulcer perforation, intestinal torsion or ectopic pregnancy in women. Acute abdominal pain is not only intense, but is often accompanied by concomitant symptoms such as high temperature, abdominal rigidity, nausea, vomiting, significant weakness, impaired consciousness, gastrointestinal or urinary tract bleeding or a drop in blood pressure. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as many cases require immediate surgical treatment or hospitalization – delaying intervention can result in serious complications and even death. In medical practice, it is very important to recognize the nature of the pain, its location, the circumstances of onset, as well as to investigate the presence of additional symptoms that may suggest the need for immediate action. Patients with acute abdominal pain very often require rapid diagnostic imaging, such as CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, laboratory tests to assess inflammatory parameters (CRP, leukocytosis), pancreatic enzymes or tissue necrosis markers. Differentiating between chronic and acute abdominal pain is crucial not only for diagnostic reasons, but also for therapeutic reasons, as it directly affects patient management and length of hospitalization, as well as the choice of appropriate therapy – pharmacological, surgical or conservative. Another difference is the impact of these complaints on the patient’s psychological and social well-being – acute abdominal pain significantly limits daily functioning, while chronic, although less intense, reduces the comfort of life by its persistence. In case of sudden and severe abdominal pain, especially if it is accompanied by alarming symptoms, one should always be vigilant and see a doctor as soon as possible to minimize the risk of serious complications.
Prevention – how to prevent abdominal pain and maintain a healthy digestive system?
Proper prevention of abdominal pain is based primarily on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eliminating risk factors that can lead to gastrointestinal complaints. Of key importance is a balanced, varied diet, rich in fiber from vegetables, fruits, whole-grain cereals and legumes, which supports intestinal peristalsis and prevents constipation – one of the more common causes of abdominal pain. It is worthwhile to regularly consume fermented dairy products (e.g. natural yogurt, kefir), which have a beneficial effect on intestinal microflora, supporting immunity and proper digestion. It is important to avoid excessive consumption of fatty, hard-to-digest foods, sweets, highly processed foods and artificial additives, which can contribute to bloating, indigestion and other digestive problems. Adequate hydration is also an important part of prevention – drinking at least 1.5-2 liters of water a day supports proper bowel function and facilitates the elimination of toxins. Regularity of meals, eating smaller portions and thorough chewing of food help avoid overeating and sudden spikes in sugar levels, which promote gastrointestinal disorders. Refraining from eating just before bedtime, limiting alcohol and giving up smoking significantly reduce the risk of heartburn, reflux or stomach ulcers.
In addition to diet, the health of the digestive system is greatly influenced by regular physical activity and stress management. Systematic exercise – walking, yoga, swimming or cycling – improves intestinal motility, helps maintain a healthy body weight and prevents chronic digestive complaints. Stress and emotional tension significantly impair the functioning of the digestive tract – they can aggravate ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion or nervous abdominal pain. It is worth implementing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to mitigate the body’s reactions to stress. Personal hygiene, especially washing hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom, minimizes the risk of food infections, which are very often the cause of acute abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is also important to take care of the quality and freshness of the food you eat, paying attention to expiration dates and the safety of food preparation at home and in restaurants. People with food sensitivities or allergies should read labels carefully and avoid products that cause adverse reactions. If there is a family predisposition to gastrointestinal diseases or chronic conditions, regular checkups, consultation with a doctor and awareness of alarm symptoms are advisable. Taking medications only as prescribed, avoiding self-medication and exercising caution when using painkillers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, protect the gastric mucosa from damage and the development of ulcers. Prevention of abdominal pain is a series of daily habits and conscious decisions that allow not only to effectively prevent the ailment, but also to promote the overall health and comfort of life of both adults and children.
Summary
Abdominal pain is a common ailment that can have many sources – from indigestion to serious abdominal conditions. Knowledge of the most common causes, correct interpretation of symptoms and prompt diagnosis help to respond effectively and avoid complications. In many cases, home methods relieve the pain, but in the case of severe or chronic complaints, it is necessary to consult a doctor. By taking care of a healthy diet and hygiene, we can significantly minimize the risk of abdominal pain. Take care of your digestive system – it’s an investment in feeling better every day.
