Abdominal pain affects almost everyone at some point or another. It can leave you running to the bathroom or crumpled up in a ball on the sofa. The pain may be so intense that you end up at an urgent care center or the emergency room.
“Abdominal pain and tenderness in this country is a huge problem,” said Lourdes gastroenterologist Robert Shmuts, DO. “Millions of Americans see a physician every year for abdominal complaints.”
Dr. Shmuts said a majority of people coming to see him with abdominal pain have some sort of bowel issue like constipation or diarrhea or kidney stones, though conditions like appendicitis and certain medications can cause belly tenderness, too. Here are some of the other causes your doctor may check for.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Both can cause abdominal cramps and pain, unwanted weight loss or diarrhea.
While ulcerative colitis occurs only in the innermost lining of the colon or large intestine, Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. With both conditions, inflammation and ulcers develop because the immune system thinks viruses, bacteria and other substances are foreign objects. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics can help relieve symptoms, though surgery may be needed if other treatments aren’t helping enough.
Peptic Ulcers
A burning sensation in the stomach may indicate peptic ulcers, open sores in the innermost lining of your stomach or upper small intestine. Ulcers are commonly caused by an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Stomach acid makes the pain worse.
Paradoxically, aspirin and certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Motrin, Aleve and aspirin may cause the inflammation, said Dr. Shmuts, as can some antibiotics and steroids. Stress, spicy foods, alcohol and smoking can worsen ulcers and increase your risk of them, too.
Your doctor may suggest antacids, antibiotics and acid blockers if you have ulcers.
Appendicitis
Pain on the right side of the abdomen that gets worse as time goes on may be a sign of appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix. Other appendicitis symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting and constipation. Treatment will almost always be an appendectomy, which is a surgery to remove the infected organ.
Endometriosis of the Bowel
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue that normally lines your uterus (endometrial tissue) grows in other parts of your pelvis. In bowel endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows on the surface or inside of your intestines. The condition sometimes runs in families.
Most bowel endometriosis occurs in the lower part of the intestine, just above the rectum. It can also build up in your appendix or small intestine.
Some women don’t experience symptoms, and don’t realize they have bowel endometriosis until they are tested for another condition. When symptoms do occur, they may be similar to those of IBD. The difference is, endometriosis symptoms often start around the time of your period. This tissue is responding to the hormonal cycle of your period, swelling and affecting the tissue around it.
Symptoms may include rectal bleeding, pain and straining when trying to pass a bowel movement, cramps, bloating and severe pelvic pain during sex. Painkillers can alleviate symptoms, and surgery such as laparoscopy can be used to remove affected areas of the bowel.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis, an irritation that happens when blood, body fluids or pus collects in the abdominal cavity, can cause abdominal pain that can be worse when you move around and tenderness when the belly is touched. It can also cause your belly to look bloated and can also cause bowel trouble and excessive fatigue.
Peritonitis is a very serious health condition, but antibiotics will help clear up the infection and keep it from spreading. Surgery may be needed to remove the infected tissue and repair damage, especially if the rupture involves the appendix, stomach or colon.
When to Seek Help
Any persistent abdominal pain is worth seeing your healthcare provider about, said Dr. Shmuts. It’s especially important to see a doctor right away if you’re having tarry, dark bowel movements, since these signs may indicate you have bleeding in your GI tract, or if you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, fevers, chills, sweating, nausea or a loss of appetite.
To determine when to see your doctor, Dr. Shmuts recommends asking yourself the following questions:
- Are these symptoms limiting your daily functions or activities?
- Are you losing weight, or do you have fevers, chills, sweats, bleeding or dark bowel movements?
- Are there other unexplained symptoms in addition to abdominal pain, such as blurred vision, oral ulcers, rashes or easy bruising?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you would likely benefit from an evaluation.
Typically, your doctor will examine your abdomen, perhaps including a rectal exam. You may need additional testing with abdominal X-rays or other imaging and blood work. A colonoscopy or upper endoscopy may be ordered. Based on the location of your abdominal pain and sensitivity and the results of the testing, your healthcare provider will determine and review a treatment plan that’s right for you.
(A version of this article originally appeared on sharecare.com.) |
