Any dull, throbbing, sharp or cramping pain between the chest and the pelvis is considered abdominal pain. So the issue of this often-mentioned complaint is extremely complex - it can have serious, even life-threatening conditions in addition to the more banal causes. We have collected the most common triggers.
In common language, a menstrual cramp or bloating caused by a digestive problem is known as a stomach ache, as is pain caused by inflammation of the abdominal organs. Of course, each case is different. The location, nature and intensity of the pain and the duration of the complaint are all important factors in the diagnosis.
The discomfort is usually caused by a bad eating habit, which can be treated at home, but it should not be dismissed if the complaint is long-standing. If you have been experiencing dull, throbbing, sharp or cramping abdominal pain of unidentifiable origin for more than 24 hours, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
It can help your doctor if you come to the examination prepared: think about when and how often the symptoms occur; exactly which area is affected; whether the symptoms are related to a life situation (such as diet or stress); and whether there are other accompanying symptoms.
Causes of stomach pain - The most common triggers in adulthood
- Dietary habits - Bloating is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in both children and adults. Bloating cramps can also be caused by smoking, chewing gum, drinking fizzy drinks or eating foods suddenly. In this case, the pain will go away on its own within a short time.>
- Food intolerance, food allergy - If the symptoms occur after eating a food, for example, you may suspect a lactose, fructose or histamine intolerance, or a food allergy. It can be difficult to see the link because in some cases symptoms (hives, bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea) may not appear until hours or days later.
- Constipation - Low fluid or fibre intake can lead to constipation, which is also often accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Infection - Severe abdominal pain can be caused by viruses and inappropriate bacteria that get into the stomach or intestinal tract. In this case, the cramping sensation may be accompanied by diarrhoea, nausea and fever.
- Injuries - Even minor abdominal injuries can cause pain and nausea. In this case, a long-standing or worsening complaint may indicate damage to an internal organ. Sudden, occasional abdominal pain may also be a sign of intestinal trauma or perforation.
- Intestinal disorders - Increasingly, professionals are diagnosing cases where the cause of abdominal pain can be identified as an intestinal disorder. This could include, for example, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may also be suspected.
- Medicines - Abdominal pain can also be caused by certain medicines. You should always check the side effects of the medicines you are taking.
When to see a specialist for stomach pain
The onset of abdominal pain should always be taken seriously. In the case of prolonged complaints, for a correct diagnosis and effective treatment as soon as possible, please consult your GP or contact the UDyouMED specialists.!