Abdominal Pain: Causes and when to see the Doctor

Does your tummy hurt so much like it is being pierced with nails? Or do you experience slight jab-like sensations in your tummy? Both scenarios are a clear indication of abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain is widespread in NYC and other parts of the world. It affects individuals of different ages and must be taken seriously as some types of abdominal pain can lead to severe discomfort or even death.

Want to know more about abdominal pain? Read on!

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a sharp pain felt in regions around your chest and groin. The pain may affect a wide area of your body, concentrate on a specific part, or it may feel like cramps in your belly. If you experience cramps or discomfort in your tummy, it may be as a result of these issues:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Constipation

If the above issues aren’t the culprit, your abdominal pain may indicate a more severe medical condition.

Colicky pain in the abdomen is temporary. At one point, you may feel ok, but the next, you may feel intense, sudden pain in your abdomen. Such pain is often associated with kidney stones and gallstones.

How Long does Abdominal Pain Last?

Anyone experiencing abdominal pain will always anticipate its end. As a result, you often hear questions like, “How long will the pain last?” 

The truth is abdominal pain can be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the factors involved. It can also be progressive or recurring, coming and going at random intervals or with some activities or behaviors.

The duration of your abdominal pain, or whether it occurs at regular intervals, doesn’t necessarily correspond to how intense the underlying condition is.

Intense pain that comes on suddenly requires prompt medical attention. Suppose you suspect that your abdominal pain results from developing Fibroid, don’t hesitate to contact a fibroid specialist nyc to confirm or allay your fears. Don’t wait till the symptoms become full-blown to prevent further complications.

How to Prevent Abdominal Pain

Like other medical conditions, abdominal pain can be prevented by adhering to the following steps.

  • Take enough water
  • Develop consistent bowel habits
  • Stick to a balanced, fiber-filled diet
  • Eat regularly and slowly
  • Engage in regular exercises

Causes of Abdominal pains

Abdominal pain doesn’t just happen like that. They are usually a result of:

  • Infection
  • Intestinal disorders
  • Inflammation
  • Diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen
  • Blockages
  • Abnormal growth

You could also experience abdominal pain when bacteria find their way into your body. The bacteria infection may also result in changes in digestion, like constipation or diarrhea.

When to see the Doctor

Not all abdominal pain requires medical attention. Minor abdominal pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications, while some go away without treatment. However, if you experience intense abdominal pains followed by any of the following symptoms, ensure you see the Doctor.

  • Bloody stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Pain is due to an injury to the abdomen in the previous days
  • The pain occurs during pregnancy
  • Nausea, fever, or the inability to keep food down for several days

These symptoms may be signs of internal inflammation, infection, or bleeding that require immediate attention. Sometimes, some of these symptoms may result from ovarian or abdominal cancer.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain often comes with great discomfort and could affect your functionality and health if not attended to. Monitor pains felt in your abdomen. If it becomes severe, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.