Gastrointestinal Abdominal Pain - All about

There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including Organs related to digestion the end of the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas. The aorta, a large blood vessel that runs straight down the inside of the abdomen. The appendix, an organ in the lower right abdomen that no longer serves much function, the kidneys, two bean shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity, the spleen, an organ involved in blood maintenance and infection control.

However, one may have referred pain to the abdomen i.e. the pain may start from somewhere else, like your chest or pelvic area. You may also have a generalized infection, such as the flu or strep throat, that affects many parts of your body. So, keeping in mind the various organs in the abdomen, the possible causes include appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), bowel obstruction, Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) with or without gallstones, Chronic constipation, Dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm, Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, Early-stage shingles (a viral infection where pain begins before the appearance of a rash), Excessive gas, Food allergy, Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella), Gastroesophageal reflux, Heartburn or indigestion, Obstructed Hernia, Infectious mononucleosis, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), Intussusception — while uncommon, this is a serious possible cause of pain in an infant who may be bringing the knees to the chest and crying, Irritable bowel syndrome, Kidney stones, Lactose intolerance, Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Parasitic infections (Giardia), Sickle cell crisis, Spinal fracture, Ulcers, Urinary tract infections, Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) etc.

The treatment depends on the whether there is mild inflammation, infection or involvement of the intestines etc requiring surgery. Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often gets better without special treatment. Taking rest, light home diet, fluids and anti-inflammatory like Tylenol/ibuprofen, antacids are treatment enough in such cases. In severe pain not improving with time and home care, a doctor evaluation is needed. Then depending on the cause, appropriate antibiotics or intravenous fluids/injections can be given. In cases like appendicitis, intestinal obstruction etc, immediate surgery is needed.

Abdominal Pain is also known by other name “Bellyache”. It can be defined in a simple way as pain in the belly. The abdomen extends from below your chest to your groin. You may feel abdominal pain anywhere between your chest and groin. Abdominal pain is a common problem. Due to the many organ systems in the abdomen the pain may arise in any of the organ from chest to groin. These organs include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. However, pain can be mild or serious which may put you into health dilemma. Abdomen pain can be classified into two categories namely acute abdomen pain and chronic abdomen pain. The causes of abdominal pain also rely on sex and age of the patient. An abdominal pain can be easily caused to small children and adults too. The abdominal pain usually is used to explain pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity.

The pain caused by the abdomen may be mild or serious. It is said in abdominal pain that the pain can be minor which may lead to threatening condition, such as colon cancer or appendicitis. Severe abdominal pain can be from light situations, such as gastric problem or viral gastroenteritis.

Acute abdomen can be defined as stern, constant abdominal pain of sudden start that is probable to involve surgical intervention to treat its cause. Often the lower abdominal pain can be linked with nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, fever and signs of shock. Even a small child or an adolescent are prone to abdominal pain. It is difficult to apportion the ratio of abdominal pain in accordance to the age of a person.

Consult your doctor immediately if feeling mild or severe pain. Medical aid should be taken if the abdominal pain is sudden and sharp, having pain in the chest, neck or shoulder, and if you are eliminating blood from your body.

Thus, abdominal pain should be taken care of within time. Don’t take the stomach ache or belly ache to lightly as then it can invite serious health problems. Make a habit to enhance a healthy eating lifestyle blending with fruits or juice in good of your healthy abdomen.

Source

No Comments

No comments yet.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.