All About Abdominal Pain

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By peace | November 7, 2006

Pain in the abdomen is frequently a symptom of trivial disorder, but it may also point to a serious illness. It can arise from disorders of the digestive system, the urinary system or in women, the female genital system.

What to do

Rest, taking fluids only

When to consult the doctor
1. Immediately if:

The pain is unchanged or getting worse, after four hours
The sufferer is or may be pregnant
The pain is associated with vomiting, bleeding or abnormal periods

2. As soon as possible if:

The sufferer has had previous abdominal disorders such as duodenal ulcer, suspected appendicitis or cholecystitis
The pain is severe and interfering with sleep or the ability to work
The sufferer is elderly or very young(under six). In such cases even slight abdominal pain may have a serious underlying cause.

Possible Causes
1. Digestive disorders
Pain may be in the upper or lower abdomen and associated with taking food, vomiting, nausea or diarrhoea.
Common causes: Indigestion; Gastroenteritis; Tonsillitis
Less Likely Causes: Appendicitis; Duodenal Ulcer; Gastric Ulcer; Diverticular Disease of the Colon; Bowel Obstruction

2. Urinary disorders
Pain is felt in the lower abdomen and also over the kidneys in the back below the ribs) or in the genitalia. There may be blood in the water, frequent urination or burning pain on passing water
Common Causes: Cystitis
Less likely causes: stones in the urinary tract; pyelonephritis

3. Disorders of the female genital system
Pain is usually in the lower abdomen and also in the lower back area. There may be abnormalities of periods, discharge or abnomral bleeding from the vagina.
Common causes: period problems; ovulation syundrom; labour and childbirth
Less likely causes; Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy; salpingitis; endometriosis

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