Your abdominal pain could mean more than just gas! Possible causes to keep an eye out for
Here’s why you may be experiencing abdominal pain
As discomforting as an intestinal gas may feel, it is as common and frequent in some people. Along with bloating, burping and nausea, one may experience abdominal pain and tenderness.
But abdominal pain is not just an outcome of digestive problems like gas, acid reflux or indigestion. It could mean something else or something more acute and serious, which is why it is necessary to watch out for all possible illnesses associated with abdominal pain.
Here are some common, possible causes of abdominal cramps that may need some medical intervention.
Muscle pull and strain
One of the most common causes of abdominal pain is a pulled or a strained muscle. Given that our abdominal muscles are engaged everytime we take on an activity that requires pulling, pushing and picking, abdominal injury is very likely.
Additionally, those who are trying to stay fit and lose weight, mostly target their core, increasing the risk of abdominal injury and therefore, pain and cramps.
Food intolerances
When a person suffers with food intolerance, he or she has difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to unpleasant reactions in the body, of which abdominal pain is one.
Additionally symptoms include bloating, farting, diarrhea, skin rashes and itching.
However, most of these symptoms start occuring a few hours after eating the food.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a condition that occurs in people who are allergic to gluten, which is a protein found in many grains including wheat and barley.
Besides causing inflammation in the small intestine, this disease can also lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. Diarrhea and bloating are some other common symptoms associated with the condition.
Those suffering from celiac disease therefore must avoid gluten-rich products.
Urinary tract and/or bladder infections
Urinary tract infections are very common in women and can occur in men too. These are caused by bacteria, primarily E.coli species, that take over and attack the urethra and bladder. UTI or other bladder infections can put a lot of pressure on your abdomen, leading to bloating, pain and painful urination.
Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis can also experience painful pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus. Other symptoms can range from dysmenorrhea, which is painful menstrual periods, lower back pain, pain during intercourse to infertility.
Possible causes of acute abdominal pain
There are various conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms. While some resolve on their own with medications and treatment, some others may need immediate intervention. That said, here are the possible causes of acute abdominal pain:
- Appendicitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Diverticulitis
- Small bowel obstruction
- Crohn's disease
- Certain types of cancer