Abdominal Pain

What are the common causes of abdominal pain?

You have many organs packed into your abdomen. A wide range of diseases and infections can affect them and cause abdominal pain. Some of the common causes of abdominal pain in adults include:

Digestive problems

Constipation, bloating, and diarrhea are common causes of abdominal pain that stem from your digestive tract. Issues like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, gastroenteritis, and diverticulitis can also cause abdominal pain. Additionally, conditions like gallstones and appendicitis cause severe pain. 

Reproductive health problems

Women’s reproductive health problems can also cause abdominal pain. Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids are among the conditions that can bring severe abdominal cramping. 

Urinary tract problems

Urinary system issues like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and cystitis can cause severe abdominal pain as well. 

When should I talk to a doctor about abdominal pain?

Everyone gets abdominal pain occasionally. You might have eaten something that didn’t agree with you, or you could have menstrual cramps. Most of the time, these minor issues go away on their own without treatment. 

You should talk to the team at Sellwood Medical Clinic if you have abdominal pain that is so severe that you can’t go to school or work, or if severe pain lasts for more than a few hours. 

Other signs that you need to see a doctor include not being able to keep food down for more than two days, not being able to have a bowel movement, and signs of dehydration. 

How is the cause of abdominal pain determined?

The team at Sellwood Medical Clinic provides thorough exams to identify the condition causing your abdominal pain. After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, they feel your abdomen for signs of inflammation. 

Your provider might also order lab tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, and MRIs to gather more information about your condition. In some cases, you might need an endoscopy or colonoscopy to confirm your diagnosis.

How is abdominal pain treated?

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the condition causing it. Your provider can prescribe medication to relieve many ailments. They might also recommend dietary changes to reduce irritation and inflammation in your digestive tract.

In severe cases, for example, if you have advanced appendicitis, you might need surgery to correct the condition. 

If abdominal pain is interfering with your life, call Sellwood Medical Clinic or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.