This can cause feelings of discomfort and bloating in the abdominal region. Symptoms will usually pass in a matter of hours, but persistence for several weeks could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as lactose intolerance.
Women can experience abdominal pain before or during their period. The pain can be described as dull and persistent. It may be accompanied by aches in the back and legs, feelings of nausea, and headaches.
Symptoms often occur in waves and continue for several days. In some cases, a pain in the lower right abdomen can indicate a more serious condition that will require immediate medical assistance.
When the pain is specific to the lower right abdomen, appendicitis is one of the most common causes. The appendix is a tube-like structure attached to the large intestines. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. This causes a brief pain to develop in the middle of the abdomen, which spreads to the lower right abdomen where the pain becomes severe.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the appendix to relieve the pain. The function of the appendix remains unknown, and its removal does not pose any further health risks. The size of kidney stones can vary considerably. The smaller stones can pass through the urinary system unnoticed, but larger stones can get stuck and cause severe pain around the lower back, side, abdomen, and the groin. As the stones move throughout the urinary system, the pain will vary in its location and severity.
It is possible for either one or both kidneys to become infected by bacteria in the urinary system. Pain typically occurs in the lower back, side, and groin.
It can also be felt in the lower abdomen. The pain is often less severe than from kidney stones, but medical attention is required to prevent permanent damage.
Kidney infections can be mistaken for urinary tract infections , such as cystitis , that have similar symptoms. These also include other symptoms, namely:. A hernia is where an internal body part pushes through a weakening in a muscle or tissue wall and causes a small lump. They most commonly happen around the abdominal area.
Hernias are often harmless and occur with few other symptoms. However, some can cause soreness around the lump, which may intensify when strained, such as when coughing or lifting a heavy object.
Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a chronic condition of the digestive system. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Digestive system. Home Digestive system. Abdominal pain in adults. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page.
When to see a doctor about abdominal pain Symptoms of abdominal pain in adults Causes of abdominal pain in adults Diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults Treatment for abdominal pain in adults Taking care of yourself at home Where to get help. Symptoms of abdominal pain in adults The type of pain can vary greatly. Causes of abdominal pain in adults There are many reasons why you may have pain in your abdomen.
Diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults If examinations and tests are needed, these may include: a rectal exam to check for hidden blood or other problems if you are a man, the doctor may check your penis and scrotum if you are a woman, the doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems in your womb uterus , fallopian tubes and ovaries, and do a pregnancy test a blood test to look for infection which causes a raised white cell count or bleeding which causes a low blood count or haemoglobin other blood tests may look at enzymes in the liver, pancreas and heart to sort out which organ may be involved a urine test to look for a urine infection or blood if there is a kidney stone an ECG an electrical tracing of the heart to rule out a heart attack other tests, including x-ray, ultrasound or CT scan sometimes you may be referred to another doctor to help find the cause of the problem.
Different names are used depending on which organ is being looked at. Treatment for abdominal pain in adults Your treatment depends on what is causing your pain, but may include: Pain relief — your pain may not go away fully with painkillers, but it should ease.
Fluids — you may have fluids given into a vein to correct fluid loss and rest your bowel. Medicines — for example, you may be given something to stop you vomiting. Fasting — your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything until the cause of your pain is known.
Taking care of yourself at home Most abdominal pain goes away without special treatment. Although you may feel pain on the right side of your lower abdomen, this pain can also happen on your left side. Inguinal hernia is one of the most common types of hernias. They are far more common in men than in women. It happens when fat or part of the small intestine pushes through a weak part of your lower abdomen. You may also feel discomfort and pain when straining, lifting, coughing, or exercising.
Testicular torsion happens when your testicle turns and twists the spermatic cord. This twisting causes reduced blood flow to the area, leading to sudden and severe pain and swelling in the scrotum. The condition also causes abdominal pain.
You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Mild cases of abdominal pain can usually be treated at home. For example, changing your diet can help treat gas and indigestion, while certain pain relievers can help control menstrual cramps.
Generally, though, you should avoid using aspirin Bufferin or ibuprofen Advil because they can irritate your stomach, worsening abdominal pain.
What does abdominal bloating look like? Check out photos of abdominal bloating and read what may be causing your bloating and pain. Abdominal bloating…. Abdominal pain can be sharp, dull, or burning. It can also cause many additional effects, including loss of appetite. Severe pain can sometimes make…. When experienced together, chills and abdominal pain may be the result of a number of conditions, both bacterial and viral.
Read about the causes of abdominal pain and painful urination, which include STIs, kidney stones, cancer, and more. If you experience the sensation of a cold or numb stomach accompanied by signs of infection or bowel problems, you should see a doctor. Experts say abdominal pain during meals can be caused by a number of factors. The discomfort can also affect quality of life and mental health.
Discover 20 causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea including stomach flu, food poisoning, allergies, and more, as well as diagnosis, treatment, and…. Chronic or long-term digestive problems need to be treated by a doctor, but common conditions like gastroenteritis or constipation can be treated at home.
Try to drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers if you need help to manage the pain. If you have constipation or indigestion , it may help to make small changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as eating high-fibre foods, drinking plenty of fluids or going for a daily walk. Also go straight to a doctor if:. Pain from the kidney tends to be a dull, aching pain, but some kidney conditions can cause intense stabbing pain.
You may feel like the pain starts at the back of your abdomen, or that it comes and goes. Conditions that affect your kidneys include kidney stones , kidney infections and kidney cancers. Any condition that causes your liver to become inflamed or swollen can cause dull, aching or stabbing pain towards the right side of your abdomen.
This includes liver infections like hepatitis A or B, liver cancer or an abscess. The appendix is a small organ located in the bottom-right corner of your abdomen. If your appendix gets inflamed or swollen appendicitis , it can cause sudden, sharp or stabbing pain that gets worse when you move around or cough.
Untreated appendicitis can be life-threatening.
0コメント