Abdominal pain causes and treatment

There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including Organs related to digestion the end of the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas. The aorta, a large blood vessel that runs straight down the inside of the abdomen. The appendix, an organ in the lower right abdomen that no longer serves much function, the kidneys, two bean shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity, the spleen, an organ involved in blood maintenance and infection control.

However, one may have referred pain to the abdomen i.e. the pain may start from somewhere else, like your chest or pelvic area. You may also have a generalized infection, such as the flu or strep throat, that affects many parts of your body. So, keeping in mind the various organs in the abdomen, the possible causes include appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), bowel obstruction, Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) with or without gallstones, Chronic constipation, Dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm, Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, Early-stage shingles (a viral infection where pain begins before the appearance of a rash), Excessive gas, Food allergy, Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella), Gastroesophageal reflux, Heartburn or indigestion, Obstructed Hernia, Infectious mononucleosis, Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), Intussusception -- while uncommon, this is a serious possible cause of pain in an infant who may be bringing the knees to the chest and crying, Irritable bowel syndrome, Kidney stones, Lactose intolerance, Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Parasitic infections (Giardia), Sickle cell crisis, Spinal fracture, Ulcers, Urinary tract infections, Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) etc.

The treatment depends on the whether there is mild inflammation, infection or involvement of the intestines etc requiring surgery. Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often gets better without special treatment. Taking rest, light home diet, fluids and anti-inflammatories like Tylenol/ibuprofen, antacids are treatment enough in such cases. In severe pain not improving with time and home care, a doctor evaluation is needed. Then depending on the cause, appropriate antibiotics or intravenous fluids/injections can be given. In cases like appendicitis, intestinal obstruction etc, immediate surgery is needed.

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Vinay Gupta is the CEO of Simply Answer, provides ask a doctor services and has written informative articles on swine flu treatment, abdominal pain treatment, back pain and other topics.

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