7 causes of abdominal pain

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is pain that occurs in the general stomach area, on the left just below the ribs and behind the breastbone. The pain can arise spontaneously and cause acute discomfort.

Abdominal pain can have many causes. The type of pain and symptoms depend on its cause. Below we have listed seven possible causes of abdominal pain and the symptoms associated with it. And, perhaps more importantly, we discuss how to treat it.

1. Abdominal pain caused by Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to sores anywhere in your digestive system. It most commonly affects the small intestine and upper part of the large intestine.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhoea or constipation.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Anaemia.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment with anti-inflammatories or immunosuppressants and a healthy lifestyle can help control or reduce the symptoms.

2. Abdominal pain caused by H. pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the mucous membrane of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori infection is present in 10 to 20% percent of the Western population. Many of those infected do not develop any type of symptoms.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Indigestion.
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
• Nausea and vomiting.

H. pylori infection can also lead to inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and peptic ulcers.

Treatment

Upon detection, Helicobacter pylori infection is treated with a course of antibiotics and stomach acid inhibitors (antacids).

3. Abdominal pain caused by gastritis

Gastritis is a condition that inflames the stomach lining. In most cases, it is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Risk factors include alcohol abuse and use of certain medicines. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic.

Symptoms

In the vast majority of cases, chronic gastritis causes no symptoms. Symptoms of acute gastritis can include:

• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting (possibly bloody vomit).
• Bloating.

Treatment

The most important part of gastritis treatment is to remove the irritant when found. A bacterial infection will be treated with antibiotics. Antacid medicines may be prescribed to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.

4. Abdominal pain caused by a peptic ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Most peptic ulcers are caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole in the stomach or duodenum is called gastric perforation and requires acute treatment.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Bloating.
• Loss of or decrease in appetite.
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Sometimes, peptic ulcers can bleed. An ulcer that is bleeding heavily may cause bloody vomit, stool that is black and sticky, or bright red or maroon-coloured blood in your stool. Gastric perforation causes sudden severe abdominal pain.

Treatment

If a peptic ulcer is caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the infection is treated with a course of antibiotics combined with antacids, so that the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum can heal faster. If the ulcer is not caused by Helicobacter pylori, it is only treated with antacids.

5. Abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. IBS is related to hypersensitivity of the nerves found in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and disturbs the muscle fibres: the fibres contract or relax too quickly. When you have IBS, your colon looks normal, but it does not work the way it should. What causes IBS is not completely understood. It is possible that the disturbed intestinal function is caused by a combination of factors, including excessive processing of intestinal stimuli by the brain, food allergies and intolerances, or alterations of the intestinal microbiota.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Changes in bowel movement, diarrhoea or constipation.
• A bloated feeling, belching.
• A rumbling belly and flatulence.
• Tiredness.
• Headache.
• Back pain.

Treatment

Though there is no cure for IBS you can control and improve symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. The bowel movement problems are typically treated with medication. Painkillers can be used to relieve abdominal pain and cramps.

6. Abdominal pain caused by coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is also referred to as gluten intolerance. It is a chronic autoimmune condition that is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Gluten is a protein naturally found in various grains and processed products containing grain. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, this can cause the mucous membrane of the small intestine to become inflamed. Over time, this damages the small intestine to the point that they are unable to take in nutrients, resulting in vitamin and mineral deficiencies and weight loss.

The symptoms

• Abdominal problems such as abdominal pain.
• Diarrhoea.
• Constipation and flatulence.

Long-term effects can include weight loss, malnutrition, anaemia, osteoporosis and growth retardation (in children).

Treatment

The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

7. Abdominal pain caused by heartburn

Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat. Heartburn can be caused for a variety of reasons, including a weak oesophageal sphincter, a diaphragmatic hernia, gastroparesis, excess weight or pregnancy.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Stomach acid, burning pain at the top of the stomach area.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• Belching.
• Hoarseness.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Pressing or pinching pain in the chest.

Heartburn and angina, which is usually caused by coronary heart disease, may feel very much alike.

Treatment

There are various ways to treat heartburn. Treatment will consist of lifestyle and dietary changes, possibly in combination with medication (antacids), depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Do the abdominal conditions and symptoms described above sound familiar to you? Then don't wait too long to seek treatment. In many cases, there are medications that can relieve your symptoms. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can also make a world of difference.