Abdominal pain can be caused by a number of things and can be located in various areas within the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity includes the area from the ribs to the pelvic bone, which extends on both sides of the body. The pain can radiate from anywhere within this area and be called abdominal pain. Organs in this area include the small and large intestines, liver, stomach, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Pain in the abdomen caused by inflammation of an organ can lead to colitis, diverticulitis, or appendicitis. An organ that is stretched, blocked, or obstructed will lead to conditions such as a hernia or gallstones. Spasms in the intestinal muscles with no real cause usually end up being diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). All of these conditions begin with abdominal pain.
A peptic ulcer, a hole in the lining of the stomach or esophagus, can cause severe pain. Antacids can help, but they only provide temporary relief. Once the antacids are no longer taken, the pain usually returns. Different cancers of the liver, ovaries, pancreas, stomach, and colon can cause abdominal pain, but they are rare.
Women may experience abdominal pain for various reasons. Menstruation can cause cramps in the lower abdominal area. Other conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause abdominal pain in women. Food poisoning can cause severe abdominal pain, along with vomiting and diarrhea. Somatization disorder is a type of emotional disorder with physical symptoms that include pain in the abdomen area.
Not all abdominal pain is severe or needs to be treated by a doctor. Constipation can cause pain in the abdomen. A person becomes constipated when hard stools have difficulty passing through the body. Excessive air in the stomach and intestines can be painful, but these temporary conditions are usually remedied by a person burping or passing gas. There are several over-the-counter remedies available to relieve constipation and excess gas.
Abdominal pain can occur suddenly or start mild and get progressively worse. The pain may feel sharp, as if a person was stabbed, or it may feel dull, similar to cramps. Sometimes abdominal pain is just the body's way of dealing with a temporary problem and taking care of itself. Persistent or severe abdominal pain should always be evaluated by a doctor. The location of the pain, the type of pain, and how long it has persisted will help with diagnosis and treatment.