Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions. Some possible causes of abdominal pain include:
- Gastrointestinal problems: These can include conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or diverticulitis.
- Gallbladder or liver disease: Conditions such as gallstones, hepatitis, or cirrhosis can cause abdominal pain.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain.
- Kidney stones or urinary tract infections: These conditions can cause pain in the lower abdomen or flank area.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can cause pain in the lower right abdomen.
- Gynecological problems: Women may experience abdominal pain due to conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A bulging or ruptured aortic artery can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain.
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, or endoscopy, and recommend treatments such as medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes.