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Abdominal pain is discomfort or other uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache.

Most causes of abdominal pain aren’t reasons to worry, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness that needs medical attention.

Types of Abdominal Pain

There are several types of abdominal pain, which are based on how quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts:

  • Acute pain starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
  • Chronic pain lasts longer — from weeks to months or more — and may come and go.
  • Progressive pain gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.

Other ways to describe pain in your abdomen include:

  • Generalized pain — This means that you feel it in more than half of your belly. This type of pain is more typical for a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas. If the pain becomes more severe, it may be caused by a blockage of the intestines.
  • Localized pain — This is pain found in only one area of your belly. It is more likely to be a sign of a problem in an organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach.
  • Cramp-like pain — This type of pain is not serious most of the time. It is likely to be due to gas and bloating, and is often followed by diarrhea. More worrisome signs include pain that occurs more often, lasts more than 24 hours, or occurs with a fever.
  • Colicky pain — This type of pain comes in waves. It very often starts and ends suddenly, and is often severe. Kidney stones and gallstones are common causes of this type of belly pain.

When to Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain

If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn’t go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain.

You should also contact your doctor  https://allymedical.com/locations/ as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as:

  • Fever
  • Can’t keep food down for more than 2 days
  • Signs you’re getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty
  • Can’t have a bowel movement, especially if you’re also vomiting
  • Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often
  • Your belly is tender to the touch
  • Pain lasts more than a few hours

Abdominal Pain Diagnosis

Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam. They’ll also ask you some questions about your symptoms and want to know what type of pain you have. After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, you may need tests to help find the cause of your pain. https://allymedical.com/radiology-testing-101/

These tests may include:

  • Stool or urine tests
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan

Treatment

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause, and may include:

  • Medications to lower inflammation, prevent acid reflux, or treat ulcers or infection
  • Surgery to treat a problem with an organ

Some diet and lifestyle changes may help belly pain caused by gas and indigestion.

https://allymedical.com/locations/

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm