A Closer Look At Symptoms Associated With Abdominal Pain
By Catherine M, Staff Editor
Last Updated on March 6th, 2023 / Published on February 20, 2018
A closer look at symptoms associated with abdominal pain
Most of us have experienced some kind of abdominal discomfort in our lives. The part between the ribs and the pelvis and groin is the affected area during an abdominal pain. The intensity of an abdominal pain may range from mild ache to nausea, to disabling pain. People experiencing abdominal pain often avoid eating or drinking anything and feel dizzy.
Abdominal pain generates from organs within the abdomen, and it is usually around the area between the pelvis and chest. On the other hand, if there is a loss of blood supply to any of the organ, a person might experience abdominal pain.
Also caused by distention of an organ or inflammation, abdominal pain can get severe at times. The intensity of abdominal pain changes as per the health issue. Therefore, an irritable bowel syndrome causes the intestinal muscles to contract. Also, there are times when an individual experiences hyper sensitivity during intestinal activities. Thus, irritable bowel syndrome causes abdominal pain.
There are some of the symptoms that may occur along with abdominal pain. These symptoms are chest pain, nausea, fever, GERD, pain in the pelvic, to name a few. In some of the cases, the abdominal pain might radiate and trouble other parts of the body. The degree of the abdominal pain and its origination may depend on various factors such as eating habits, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other related health issues.
Symptoms of abdominal pain
Abdominal pain might be a symptom in itself for any other ailments. On the other hand, there are some other symptoms that can be accompanied by abdominal pain and therefore might alarm you regarding any future health issues. It is important to keep a check on abdominal pain and the symptoms that occur along so that you can consult the doctor in case of any emergency.
As the abdominal pain in itself a symptom, it is often a part of some or the other health issue. Therefore, abdominal pain, whether localized or chronic, should not be avoided.
Let us take a look at some of the symptoms that are associated with abdominal pain. In case a person experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to immediately consult the doctor and go for prescribed medications.
- Bloating
An abnormal gas swelling, bloating is the increase in the size of the abdominal area. As a result of bloating, the person experiencing it feels a tight abdomen that does lead to abdominal pain. Bloating also causes stomach growling. - Indigestion
Indigestion has common symptoms such as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, or some people might also experience a burning sensation in the chest, particularly known as heartburn. Both these symptoms might occur together, but one might feel these immediately after consuming food or any liquid. - Constipation
The difficulty in emptying bowels is associated with constipation. Improper and irregular bowel movements are known as constipation, which leads to hardened stool. It is advisable to consume 4 to 5 liters of water daily to avoid dehydration, if a person has constipation. - Diarrhea
Liquid bowel movement is known as diarrhea and this health issue leads to the flow of excess fluid from the body, leaving the person dehydrated. It is recommended to avoid spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine if an individual has diarrhea. The person is strictly advised to avoid high-fiber foods, which would worsen the bowel condition. - Chest discomfort
This is another symptom associated with gas and abdominal pain. Sometimes, the gas rises up to the chest and leads to discomfort and uneasiness, giving an impression of a heart attack. It is advisable not to panic in such situations and call for medical help immediately. - The location of the pain
It is important to locate the pain, which would thereby also help the doctor to provide accurate medications and treatments. In some of the cases, the person might come across two or more symptoms along with abdominal pain. Therefore, locating the pain would help to know the exact cause of the abdominal discomfort.
Generally, the location of the abdominal pain includes appendicitis and diverticulitis. The former is associated with the pain in the right lower abdomen whereas the latter is typically the pain in the lower abdomen. The discomfort in the gallbladder can be felt in the upper and middle abdomen. Before identifying the location of the pain in the abdomen, one should also know how did the pain begin. Whether it was due to the insufficient blood supply to the colon or the bile duct being obstructed by a gallstone.
The abdominal pain caused due to the inflammation in the abdomen worsens the situation. This pain is aggravated by coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, abdominal pain is accompanied by fever and vomiting. In such cases, it is recommended to resort to home remedies that are handy as well as simple. In case the pain aggravates, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor would identify the symptoms associated with abdominal pain and diagnose the cause of the illness.