Abdominal pain is considered to be any pain that occurs in the area between your chest and pelvis.
Pains can result from temporary causes such as a pulled muscle or cramp, and overeating, to more serious causes such as digestive disorders.
What causes these pains?
- infection
- abnormal growths
- inflammation
- obstruction (blockage)
- intestinal disorders
- inflammation
Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain, but these are more commonly known to cause pelvic pain.
Other common causes include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- acid reflux (when stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms)
- vomiting
- stress
- Diseases that affect the digestive system can also cause chronic abdominal pain.
The location of the pain within the abdomen may be a clue as to its cause.
Types
The type of abdominal pain experienced will vary according to the cause. The location also varies too. A localized pain in one specific area is often associated with problems of a particular organ.
- Lower: appendix or intestinal blockage
- Upper: gallstones, heart attack, hepatitis
- Center: digestive disorders, injury, or appendicitis
- Lower left: kidney problems, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer
- Lower right: spleen, kidneys, fecal impaction, cancer, or heart attack.
Treatment Options
You can prevent these pains by promoting overall heart and digestive health through the following lifestyle changes:
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- Staying hydrated
- Getting regular physical activity each day
- Eating smaller meals through the day
- Getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation
- Lifestyle changes can help to reduce abdominal pain, especially when the underlying cause is a digestive issue.
But it is important to remember that heart problems can also cause abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is a common symptom of both heart attack and stroke.
